Did you know that you — yes, YOU — can write an entire novel in a year?!

YA author Gordon Korman wrote his first novel as a class assignment at age 13 and it was published by Scholastic Books — so what are you waiting for?  Here’s your chance to write the rough draft of a novel in just two semesters!  

Using the Nanowrimo Workbook as a framework for the class, along with my own experience as a traditionally published novelist, we’ll expand the “write a novel in the month of November” to “write a novel in a year!”  Each week, you’ll brainstorm the characters, setting, plot, and dialogue of your novel, go home and write pages, and then bring them back to share with the class.

This will be a creatively adventurous and safe place to risk experience — whether you’ve already written five novels or are an enthusiastic newbie!  I’ll demystify how to plot and structure the novel through using Young Adult and Middle Grade novels as inspiration.  By the end of the school year, you’ll have the rough draft of a novel – or even a polished draft ready for publication, if you’re extra motivated!  You might even write two!

This class is designed for a more advanced writing student.  You’ll know if this class is a good fit for you, if you:

• Actually LOVE reading novels, not view them as a chore or a bore.
• Have already completed other Creative Writing or Composition classes.
• Have the ability to craft short stories with a beginning, middle, and end.
• Feel comfortable reading your material outloud to the class and be able to receive (and implement) constructive feedback from your teacher and your peers.
• Can commit to bringing in completed pages to class every week.
• Have a novel idea you’re just DYING to write!

Book List:

• For some of the assignments, you’ll bring your favorite and least favorite novels to class.  
• The Nanowrimo Workbook (It’s around $10 on Amazon, or you can download the book for free here.)
• Carpe Diem by Autumn Cornwell (YA novel)/or Never Sorry Ever Jolly by Autumn Cornwell (YA novel)
• And three other novels over the course of the year TBD

Details:

1 1/2 hour class, two semesters

Eligible for High School Credit

Cost:

$250 per semester – private funds (Venmo, Zelle, check)

$300 per semester – charter funds (Protege)