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  • Seminar
  • In-Person: Seaport
  • Teen (13–18)
  • YAWP/Teen

Young Adult Writers Program (YAWP): Getting to Know Your Characters, Collaboratively

No Longer Enrolling

  • $0.00 Non-Member
  • $0.00 Member

Class Description

UPDATE 4/8/23: THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELED.

Class Description:

Are you looking to craft rich, complex, compelling characters that drive your story? Would you like to explore revolutionary methods to effectively do so? Do you enjoy working collaboratively? Or, are you interested in learning how peer collaboration can benefit your character writing? Well, then this class is for you!

Knowing your characters well will allow them to guide the plot intuitively. In order to create fully fleshed out characters, we’ll try experimental and collaborative methods of uncovering their rich complexities. One of our activities will be watching interviews of writers such as Daniel Kwan, writer of “Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)” and Octavia Butler “Parable of the Sower (1993),” to understand both their character writing and collaborative writing processes. We will also respond to speed-dating style prompts, created collaboratively with other classmates. You and your character get to know each other, while getting to know your peers and their characters! We will take time to write scenes using our newfound understanding of our characters. Then, as a group, we’ll take time to read aloud and share about our scenes, and exchange feedback. For writers age 13 - 18 ONLY.

Takeaway:

Students will leave with new scenes and necessary insight into character development and collaborative writing through unconventional techniques, guided discussions, and peer feedback!

Class Format:

This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood. Students who need an MBTA pass to commute to class can request one using this form. Snacks, pens, notebooks, chromebooks, and post-class pizza will be provided!

Space Accessibility:

Our space is fully ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.

Covid-19 Updates:

GrubStreet is a mask-friendly space. When our community Covid risk level is low or medium, masks are optional. We are currently at a medium community risk level, so this offering is: mask optional. If our community Covid-19 risk level becomes high, we will follow the CDC recommendations and require masks within our space. Learn more about our Covid-19 Policy here.

Registration Instructions:

  • If the student is under 18, parents/guardians must complete this permission form online. You only need to fill this form out ONE TIME, NOT for every class. If you cannot remember whether you have already filled it out, please email [email protected] and we will check for you! If you do not complete this form, your registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply.
  • If the student is 18, simply let us know by emailing [email protected].
  • If you are registering on behalf of a student, add their email in the “For a Friend or Child?” field on the right-hand side of the screen at check out. This will send them a direct link and reminder to create their own profile with GrubStreet.
  • Please register with your preferred name :)

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***If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We’re looking forward to writing with you this spring!***

Scholarships Format/Location

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.

This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.


Covid-19 Update:

GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.


Space Accessibility:

Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.