Novel Writing for Teens
In this 8-week course, teens will acquire the tools to structure and write their first novel.
Jessica Martinez
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(127)
What's included
8 live meetings
7 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Students will learn through active discussion. Using a combination of writing prompts, activities, and examples, we will examine each new concept . Here is a breakdown of what will be taught each day: Day 1: To Plot or Not to Plot? (outlining techniques, using plot points to structure a story arc, when to throw the outline in the trash) Day 2: Flawed Heroes and Not-So-Evil Villains (creating dynamic characters, using and breaking stereotypes, choosing point of view) Day 3: Perfect Details (figurative language to evoke the imagery, style and taste, thinking past clichés, when less is more) Day 4: Show and Tell (using action and dialogue to tell your story, correcting passive voice) Day 5: Dialogue (quotation marks, listening like an author, dialogue tags) Day 6: Smashing Through Writer's Block (motivation, building a writing regimen, anticipating the soggy middle) Day 7: The Art of Critique (sharing work, giving and receiving suggestions, finding writers groups, the importance of a writer's tribe) Day 8: Cutthroat Publishing (how words become books, query letters, agents, editors, self-publishing, dealing with rejection)
Learning Goals
Students will acquire the concrete tools of writing fiction, learn to manage time and maintain motivation, and gain an understanding of publishing. Just as importantly, they'll learn they can do this! So much of writing a novel depends on courage, grit, and the belief that it can be done. Interacting with an instructor who knows they can do it and like-minded students will embolden them.
Other Details
Supply List
I provide all materials. Students may complete their assignments on computers or write them out by hand--I know authors who do both! If they write by hand, they will need to scan or take pictures of assignments to send to me.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2020
4.8
127reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
As the author of four young adult novels, I have firsthand experience in both the nuts and bolts of creative writing and the challenges of getting a novel published. Empowering teenagers is my goal, and I've spent much of my career doing just that.Reviews
Live Group Class
$120
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
55 min
Completed by 45 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-12 learners per class
