Teen Summer: Planning, Plotting and Revising Your Fiction

Class Description

***This class will be hosted remotely! You'll receive an email from your instructor about 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin with a Zoom link. There is no need to download or sign up for Zoom in advance!***

-------

Class Description:

Writing happens in phases, and each phase is as equally important as the final product. How do we follow through on our inital creative sparks and successfully write our stories from start to finish? In this workshop we'll practice writing in different stages: story notes, outlining, first draft, redrafting and general revision. We’ll start by reading Anne Lamott’s “Shitty First Drafts” and selections from The Handmaid’s Tale, The Book Thief, and Haruki Murakami’s After Dark to stoke our creative fires. Next, we will dive into our stories and talk plot and all things story as we define what we want our stories to be. So bring your boldest and most audacious ideas! All levels of writing and experience are welcome. Writing exercises will include tutorials on novel outlining and writing a killer first chapter! For writers age 13-18 ONLY. This class was previously listed as, Phases: Exploring the Writing Process.

Takeaway:

Students will leave class with a deeper understanding of the writing process, plot, and how stories evolve; a better idea of what stage of the writing process they are in; a plan for moving their project forward; a first chapter, exploratory pages and/or an exciting new outline of their piece!

Zoom Accessibility:

Online Class Format--Sustainability and Community:

Based on student suggestions and to offer writers a sustainable learning experience, this YAWP weeklong provides a balance of craft sessions and exercises with plenty of optional components so that teens can take screen breaks as needed.

Each morning session will feature a craft talk or group exercise with your designated instructor, and in the afternoon you’ll have optional and lowkey meetings that could consist of:

• Q&A chat with your writing instructor
• Group writing with music
• Reading party
• Movie viewing followed by a chat about craft
• Writing games
• Open mic/sharing

Students are encouraged to self-advocate, opting out if they are fatigued or diving in if they want more creative activity. Either way, instructors will always be available to answer questions via email and/or Zoom chat!

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 :)

-------

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