Course Breakdown: 
Note: This is a fast paced course. I offer my students more content and advance techniques that other teachers may shy away from due to the complexity of the material. Over the years, I've found a way to simplify these teachings and make them fun! 

Lesson 1: Learners will P.L.A.Y with their words and learn the 4 elements every story needs. We will explore story theme using examples from "The Hunger Games," "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," and "StarWars Episode IV: A New Hope," "Frozen II," "Mulan" and others. It's not necessary to have watched all films, but it would be helpful if you know a little about one or two of them. Then we will craft a one-sentence summary using examples from popular Disney movies. 

Lesson 2: Students will learn about different types of story plots and choose one that works best for their story idea. We will continue to work on themes and story summaries. We will build memorable characters using the B.E.S.T. F.R.I.E.N.D. worksheet and talk about characterization, point of view, and voice. This is a chance for learners to brainstorm with the class and create their character. Questions will be asked and shared to help other students unlock their creativity. 

Lesson 3: We will explore the setting of our stories and learn how to breathe life into our story locations and characterization through literary devices so the reader experiences all five senses.  We will begin plotting our stories using the G.A.M.E. O.F. L.I.F.E. story structure.  Disney movies like Mulan and Frozen II will be discussed to illustrate the key turning points. 

Lesson 4: We will finish plotting our stories using the G.A.M.E. O.F. L.I.F.E. story structure.  Disney movies will be discussed to illustrate the key turning points. 

Lesson 5 & 6: Plan to write your novel: In these classes, I will answer any questions on the 4 elements of story, move into small groups to brainstorm problem areas, and create a plan to finish our novels in November or whatever goal the student sets.

**You can continue to work on your novels in November and beyond in the ongoing course: https://outschool.com/classes/on-going-write-your-novel-now-nanowrimo-iyqZr6Ay?usid=usvfOz63&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

Included in this course is the evaluation of learners' first page done by the teacher outside of class with more opportunities for editing and evaluation if the learn desires. 

“I liked how Gina Conroy put the way of planning stories into different types of games and used P.L.A.Y. to bring home the points about Playmate, Location, Action, and Game. It makes it fun to read and a more engaging way to think about plotting.”– Danielle, 14 yrs old

My love of writing started when I was 8 years old and hasn't stopped. 

I'm a published author, writing teacher, and tutor who developed these creative writing techniques when I started teaching an elective course at my kids' school over 10 years ago. I found that the novel writing books on the market held too much information for teens who just wanted to write their book, so I created one that is fun and easy to follow. What I offer my students is more content and advance techniques that other teachers may shy away from due to the complexity of the material. Over the years, I've found a way to simplify these teachings and make them fun! 

“If you are thinking about publishing a book, she’s amazing. If you just want to write a story, she’s amazing. I highly recommend her classes.”– Katherine, 11 yrs old

"All writers, regardless of their age or level, need to understand the nuances of story, the layers of a character, how to put a scene together as well as how to wordsmith their stories. Enter Gina Conroy's terrifically fun and creative course for teens-Release the Novel in You! From its engaging and fun presentation, delightful acronyms, playful look at analyzing a story and application sections, it takes the rules out writing and turns it back into what it should be—fun! Practical and specific, it covers everything from story structure to characterization, to the hero's journey to writing fixes—everything an intermediate writer needs to take their story from an idea on the page to a novel." - Susan May Warren, Award-winning novelist and writing coach 

Homework Offered
Students will work at their own pace during the week on the different areas of their novel. 
Some movie viewing will be involved. 
Homework will be required if the lesson is not completed in class. It is not important that the learner fills in or knows all the information about their novel or character, just that they are continuing to brainstorm and think about their story. Part of writing is thinking about the story, and if learners walk away from this class with a better grasp of their story, then I've done my job! 
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
A writing evaluation of the first page of your novel will be included in the class. Additional help on your novel can be set up in a one on one session at a special rate for students. 
Grades Offered