Writing for Middle Grade and YA Audiences (Mixed Level)
Lori Steel
Five Wednesdays:
April 3, 10, 17, 24; May 1, 10 a.m. - noon
Price: $120 ($110 members)
Books:
Elements of Fiction Writing - Characters and Viewpoint, Orson Scott Card
Steering the Craft, Ursula K. Le Guin
Writing Irresistible Kidlit, Mary Kole
REFUND POLICY: Please note that we can issue class refunds up until seven (7) days before the first class session.
“It is important that you say what you mean to say. Time is too short. You must speak the words that matter.”
― Kate DiCamillo, The Magician's Elephant
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 audiences different than writing for adults?
We’ll examine how authors create relevant, meaningful and well-written prose that children and teens crave. Using creative writing prompts and exercises, together we will craft compelling characters, meaningful scenes and authentic voices for middle grade and YA audiences. The revision process and the ever-changing children’s literature market will also be discussed.
All students will have the option of sharing their work-in-progress with the group for peer and instructor feedback. Instructions for submitting manuscripts for critique will be given during the first class. This five-week workshop is structured for all writers interested in writing for middle grade and/or YA audiences who are at various stages in their creative process and is designed to be taken more than once.
Please bring a notebook, writing utensils, and highlighters (four colors). Participants are also encouraged to bring a short list of recently read or favorite middle grade and young adult novels to share at the first class.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Lori Steel received her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts where she was awarded the VCFA Alumni Gift Award and Picture Book Certificate. She is an experienced educator, library specialist and adjunct professor of writing. Lori writes picture books, poetry, middle grade and Young Adult fiction from her home in Kensington where she is currently working on a YA novel in verse.
