Young Adult Writers Program (YAWP): Main Characters–Assemble!: Filling Your Fiction with Memorable Characters

Class Description

***We are planning for this class to be held in-person at our beautiful new Seaport location! This is subject to change depending on COVID case numbers. We will stay in communication with registered students as more information becomes available.***

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Course Description:

Most fiction doesn't follow just one character, but a wide cast of characters who interact in different ways. From X-Men and Avengers comics to Ursula Le Guin's The Tombs of Atuan books and Leigh Barudo's Six of Crows, plenty of popular fiction starts with characters coming together, working through their differences, and forming a cohesive group. But how can we introduce these kinds of ensemble casts in a way that is memorable without being confusing? How can we plant seeds for the character dynamics that will drive the rest of the story–or even the series? This short class will focus on brainstorming and writing practices to create strong character introductions, differentiate characters from one another, and set up tensions that will excite and hook readers. For writers age 13 - 18 ONLY.

Takeaway:

Students will leave the workshop with the start to a story with an ensemble cast...and ideas for where the story can go!

Class Format:

This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood. Please note that proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is required to attend this class. Please submit your proof of vaccination here at least 48 hours before your class begins. Read on to learn more about GrubStreet's vaccine protocol and find information about where to get vaccinated below.

GrubStreet Vaccine Protocol:

Please submit your most recent proof of vaccination, which requires a booster shot for those eligible, here at least 48 hours before your class begins. If you have previously submitted a proof of vaccination that did not include your booster shot, you will need to resubmit your updated vaccine card. If you are not able to fill out our vaccination form 48 hours before your class begins, please bring your vaccine card (or a photo of it) with you to the building. Please note that if you arrive for class and you have not filled out the form and do not have proof of vaccination with you, you will not be allowed to participate in the class. And don’t forget your mask! Masks will be required at all times while inside the building. Click here to read GrubStreet's full Vaccination and Masking Policy.

Vaccination status: For in-person classes and events, your vaccination status is considered up-to-date until the time you are eligible for a booster – which is 5 months after the second dose in a two-shot series. Boosters are required for all visitors on our second floor if your second shot was more than 5 months ago.

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.

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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 fall!***