There’s something magical about books written for children and young adults. They have the power to inspire and to entertain, to assuage fears and to challenge beliefs. What makes writing for these two age groups different than writing for adults? We’ll analyze popular and classic children’s literature to determine how authors create relevant, meaningful and well-written prose that children and teens crave. We will explore how to craft character, plot, theme, dialogue, voice and structure for middle grade and YA audiences using creative writing exercises.
Participants will have an opportunity to share their work and ideas with the group, providing a forum for discussion and constructive feedback. The instructor will email participants closer to the beginning of class to give outlines on how these workshop submissions should be prepared.
Please bring a notebook, writing utensils, and highlighters (four colors). Participants are also invited to bring a short list of their favorite middle grade and young adult novels to share with the class.
About the Instructor
Lori Steel received her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts (July 2012) where she was awarded the VCFA Alumni Gift Award and Picture Book Certificate. She is an experienced educator, library specialist and tutor in Bethesda. Lori writes picture books, poetry, middle grade and Young Adult fiction. She is currently revising an historical middle grade novel.
