Craft of YA Fiction, Writing for Teens: from Idea to Publication

Catalog description

This practical course guides students through the craft of writing a young adult novel, while incorporating real-world insight into paths to publication. Students will engage in active craft techniques for idea, character and plot development. They will learn to use their own life experience, memories, identity exploration and cultural background to create a more authentic narrative that feels fresh and original. Through the course of 15 weeks, students will develop their own idea into a novel-length story concept, and then into the first chapters of a partial manuscript. In the process, they will gain a deeper understanding of working with critique groups, the young adult publishing landscape, the business of publishing a novel, query letters, book contracts, and the relationship between authors, agents and editors. This course includes a mix of lectures, real-time writing sessions, group feedback and dedicated time for student question and answer.