Overview
This course will delve into the key elements of the Young Adult novel, including character development, world-building and conflict, with a particular focus on plot structures. We will analyze common plot frameworks in Young Adult fiction, discussing their mechanics and effectiveness. By examining excerpts from recent YA bestsellers, such as Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give, Karen McManus's One of Us Is Lying and Adam Silvera's They Both Die at the End, we will identify the elements that resonate with readers and learn how to incorporate them into our own writing.
Our goal is to create original material while understanding the stakes in our stories and the unique perspectives we bring as authors. This summer course is perfect for anyone struggling to start a story that has been brewing in their mind or seeking to organize the structure of a long-term project. Students will workshop during the week and showcase it on the last day with an open invitation to family and friends.
At the end of this program, you’ll walk away with:
-
A comprehensive understanding of various plot structures that you can apply to your current stories and use to kickstart new projects.
-
A developed protagonist profile, along with a clear understanding of other characters and their dynamics with the protagonist.
-
A toolkit of world-building exercises that you can utilize in all future writing endeavors.
-
A deeper understanding of the expectations within the Young Adult genre and the unique aspects of crafting stories for young adult audiences.
