Novel Writing Camp 

In this class young authors will learn how to compose and complete their novels. Similar to the NaNoWriMo (National Month Writing Month) challenge that excites novelists—both young and old this class strives to grab that same enthusiasm coupled with direct instruction to help young readers reach their goals. This class is for those who have started novels and are stalled or those who are yet to pen their books. In this class learners will receive instruction, accountability and inspiration so they will be inspired to complete the first draft of their novel. The class size is limited so novelists will get feedback and have time to share.

Learners will discover how to compose their stories such that the story premise and characters actually drive the story such that the novel almost writes itself. Young authors will also learn how to press on to completion of their novels, largely using the writer’s outline along with encouragement and guidance from their instructor and peer writers. 

Each week young writers will check in and reveal their progress and ask any questions. Writers will get digital badges (pdfs) as they complete their writing goal for each week. The instructor will review  writing but will not grade the writing. The instructor will share writing productivity tips with learners. 

Learners will also have an opportunity to share their writing progress, story structure goals and  any problems they may be encountering in completing their novels.  

Class format:
•	Weekly check-in of word count and chapter completion from all learners
•	Review of creative writing skill as it relates to the novel. See weekly topics below.
•	Weekly inquiry: Are you struck? Are you achieving the progress you want as you write your novel.
•	Writing productivity tip given to learners
•	Learners pledge to complete writing goals. 


Weekly advice, if needed includes:

Week One: Turning your idea into a writing plan then writing on schedule
Week Two:  Letting your characters tell the story the way they see the situation. 
Week Three: Keeping your characters believable as you write
Week Four: Making sure your story structure is tight so you keep writing
Week Five: Pacing conflict and point of view in the novel as you compose the novel. 
Week Six: Reviewing your draft for consistency and errors.

We will be referring to the Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody. While young writers will not have to purchase the book, this is the book we will refer to when working out kinks in our novels. While the class is only six weeks, young adults may repeat the class as they like until they have completed their novels. 


The instructor (Prof. Carter) has written a number of books and has a MFA in Creative Writing. She has mentored many young writers in the writing process.