PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A SELF-PACED CLASS, MEANING THAT THERE ARE NO LIVE MEETINGS!  ALL LESSONS ARE PRE-RECORDED AND LEARNERS WILL WORK AT THEIR OWN PACE.  I WILL PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON SUBMITTED WORK WEEKLY.

Imagine a world where life as we know it has come to a complete halt-- supermarkets ransacked, vehicles stranded in the street.  Electricity and fresh water is considered a luxury. Danger lurks around every corner.  The sun doesn't seem to shine as bright as it used to.  It's every human for themselves.  

In this self paced writing course, learners ages 11-16 will be able to learn different creative writing skills to take their horror stories and characters to the next level.  

 We will cover how make our characters more realistic, the plot more interesting, and how to avoid common mistakes when writing in this genre.  There will be engaging slideshows to demonstrate each writing skill.  

The learners can work on a longer project, such as a novel, or a shorter piece.  Each week, the projects are reviewed with feedback and commentary provided.  

Students can work on an existing story that they want to improve, or start a completely new project.  I will provide unique writing prompts for those who are writing a new story of their own. 

Each week we will cover different writing techniques that can amplify these narratives, all based around the apocalyptic genre and its subgenres. 

WEEK 1: Introduction to Post-Apocalyptic Writing (intro to main story elements of the genre)
WEEK 2: Medical pandemics and character development
WEEK 3: Dystopian governments and world building
WEEK 4: Zombies, pacing and description
WEEK 5: Ecogeddons, suspense, combat and closing a story

All your student needs is a pencil, paper (or the ability to type on their computer) and a little bit of creativity!

This will be a very comfortable and low-pressure environment where young writers can feel safe sharing their ideas and interests.  It will help them improve and make time for their hobby of writing.  All skill levels are welcomed in this class, but basic writing ability and general knowledge of literary terms like "plot", "climax", "characters", etc. will be beneficial.