Department of English

Writing for Young Readers (online)

This intensive creative writing workshop is for those who want to begin a young adult or middle-grade novel. During the accelerated online semester, we will combine synchronous meetings with asynchronous creative tasks focused on creating fully dimensional young protagonists, crafting authentic young voices, and generating ideas that would speak to an audience of young readers. We will discuss the hallmarks of and differences between YA and MG literature and consider readings in both categories, including two full novels and other excerpts. Student writing will be workshopped and shared in peer critique throughout the course. The ultimate goal will be to write the opening chapters of a unique and promising YA or MG novel, and complete a polished revision for the final project.

Synchronous class meetings in Zoom on Tuesdays

Asynchronous tasks and individual conferences with instructor on Thursdays

Books we will read and discuss:

• One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia (MG)
• Watch Over Me by Nina LaCour (YA)
• Additional reading available in Canvas