The Writer's Journey - Complete Story Building
In this on-going course, your student will unlock their imagination and develop their writing skills through fun lecture and engaging activities. They will learn to craft compelling stories and express their unique voice.
Paul Kopulos, MFA
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(154)
Star Educator
What's included
32 live meetings
29 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. The course will use readings, creative exercises, and writing assignments to help expand on each class. Each week, students can improve their writing skills by working on the writing prompts and exercises that are given at the end of class. Students can work on a story they have been currently writing or start a new project. They will have the option to present their work in a positive and encouraging workshop setting - this will be optional.Certificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Welcome to The Write Way - Complete Story Building! In this on-going class, we'll explore the exciting world of storytelling and learn how to create our own characters, plotlines, settings, and more. Whether you love action-packed adventures, magical fairy tales, or heartwarming dramas, this class is the perfect place to unleash your imagination and bring your ideas to life on paper. Throughout this class, you'll have the opportunity to work on your writing skills, learn the fundamentals of storytelling, and explore different genres and styles. We'll discuss the importance of character development, setting, and plot structure, as well as techniques for creating tension, suspense, and emotion in your writing. Most importantly, we'll have fun! Writing stories is a creative and engaging process, and this class is designed to encourage you to take risks, experiment with your writing, and discover the joy of storytelling. So if you are ready to unleash your creativity and take your writing to the next level, then join us for an exciting journey of discovery and growth! Each class is independent of each other class, but they also build on one another. If you decide to come for one class to help build your knowledge of that writing skill, great. If you decide to come to each class and to help build your story from beginning to end, great. This class is for you!
Learning Goals
Your student can expect various skills and benefits, including improved communication, critical thinking, and increased confidence in their ability to express themselves effectively in writing. They will learn techniques for crafting well-structured and coherent stories and other written assignments. They will learn the various parts of storytelling and develop their creativity and ability to convey their thoughts and ideas clearly and compellingly. Additionally, a writing class can provide valuable feedback and constructive criticism to help students identify their strengths and weaknesses and improve their writing over time. Overall, this class will help students become more proficient writers and better communicators in both creative and academic settings.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum32 Lessons
over 32 WeeksLesson 1:
Week of September 2: Intro to Story
What makes a novel good? In this class, we will discuss our favorite books, why we like them, what makes them unique, and what we would have changed if we were the author. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Week of September 9: Hero's Journey
The hero's journey is a popular storytelling archetype used for centuries. It is a narrative structure that describes the path of a hero as they embark on a journey of self-discovery, facing trials and overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal or fulfill a quest. This class will discuss the Hero's Journey, look at the Hero's Journeys in some popular books, and create our own Hero's Journey. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Week of September 16: Three-Act Story vs Five-Act Story - What Should I Use
We will explore the Three-Act and Five-Act structures in storytelling. You'll learn how the Three-Act Structure, with its Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution, shapes modern narratives and how the Five-Act Structure, with Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Denouement, offers a more intricate plot and character development. We'll compare these frameworks, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and learn to choose the most effective structure to enhance its impact. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Week of September 23: Outlining - Part One
Outlining is a structured approach to organizing your thoughts, characters, and plotlines, providing a roadmap that guides your writing process. We will explore various outlining methods throughout our discussions, from traditional hierarchical structures to more fluid and creative approaches. We will discuss the different methods of outlining and the tools. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
The only supplies you will need for this class are your imagination and creativity. I may ask you to bring a book you have read, or there may be a book that will be required reading for a week, but this will be rare. In most cases, I will supply any reading materials that I feel you will need to help with the class and understanding the material we will be discussing.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
The books I will be using as sources include, but are not limited to: The Magic Words by Cheryl Klein, Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody, The Power to Write by Caroline Joy Adams, Outlining Your Novel by K.M. Weiland, Wonderbook by Jeff Vandermeer, and more. I will be referencing articles from my MFA program as well as Brandon Sanderson's courses on YouTube. If you would like a full list of books I have read and videos I have used in my writings, please reach out and I will supply it.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
154reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in English from Simmons University
I have been writing for many years and recently decided to pursue my MFA/MA in Children's Literature at Simmons University and Vermont College of Fine Arts. I have another writing course on Outschool for Character Development.Reviews
Live Group Course
$15
weekly or $480 for 32 classes1x per week, 32 weeks
55 min
Completed by 10 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
3-8 learners per class
