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Creative Writing
Release the Novel In You - Appreciation Week
Want to join other teens and write a novel ? Come with an idea or a blank page and in 6 lessons create a plan to write your novel. I can't write your novel for you, but I can show you how!
Class Schedule(s)
0 availableClass Description
Maybe you don't even know what to write. Perfect! This class will release the novel in you!
From idea to first draft, you will learn what every story needs to be successful. You'll find your story and create three-dimensional characters people will want to read. You'll learn to hook your reader and how to structure and craft a dynamic and powerful, page-turning plot that will have readers wanting more. In addition, you'll review the mechanics of good writing and you'll learn to paint a picture in the reader's mind. Everything you need to start writing your novel is in this class.
Every class starts out as a lecture then turns interactive to engage learners in conversation and class participation. Questions and discussion are encouraged as each day we will brainstorm everyone's story. Not only will you be learn how to write and plot a novel, you will be writing and plotting your novel! So at the end of class, you will have everything you need to write your first draft.
Lesson 1: Learners will P.L.A.Y with their words and learn the 4 elements every story needs. We will explore story theme using examples from "The Hunger Games," "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," and "StarWars Episode IV: A New Hope," "Frozen II," "Mulan" and others. It's not necessary to have watched all films, but it would be helpful if you know a little about one or two of them. Then we will craft a one-sentence summary using examples from popular Disney movies.
Lesson 2: Students will learn about different types of story plots and choose one that works best for their story idea. We will continue to work on themes and story summaries. We will build memorable characters using the B.E.S.T. F.R.I.E.N.D. worksheet and talk about characterization, point of view, and voice. This is a chance for learners to brainstorm with the class and create their character. Questions will be asked and shared to help other students unlock their creativity.
Lesson 3: We will explore the setting of our stories and learn how to breathe life into our story locations and characterization through literary devices so the reader experiences all five senses. We will begin plotting our stories using the G.A.M.E. O.F. L.I.F.E. story structure. Disney movies like Mulan and Frozen II will be discussed to illustrate the key turning points.
Lesson 4: We will finish plotting our stories using the G.A.M.E. O.F. L.I.F.E. story structure. Disney movies will be discussed to illustrate the key turning points.
Lesson 5: Plan to write your novel: In this class, I will answer any questions on the 4 elements of story, move into small groups to brainstorm problem areas, and create a plan to finish our novels in November or whatever goal the student sets.
Lesson 6: Plan to write your novel: In this class, I will answer any questions on the 4 elements of story, individual help will be offered as well as peer review.
Want to continue to work on your novels, after the course is completed? Ask your instructor for more details.
Included in this course is the evaluation of learners' first page done by the teacher outside of class with more opportunities for editing and evaluation if the learn desires.
“I liked how Gina Conroy put the way of planning stories into different types of games and used P.L.A.Y. to bring home the points about Playmate, Location, Action, and Game. It makes it fun to read and a more engaging way to think about plotting.”– Danielle, 14 yrs old
HOMEWORK:
Some movie viewing will be involved.
Homework will be required if the lesson is not completed in class. It is not important that the learner fills in or knows all the information about their novel or character, just that they are continuing to brainstorm and think about their story. Part of writing is thinking about the story, and if learners walk away from this class with a better grasp of their story, then I've done my job! The novel writing course is inspired by an award winning book on Amazon https://ginaconroy.com/
Additional Information
Class size: 2-15 students
Supplies:
Students should have a couple of pencils, notebook paper, and a folder or 3 ring binder. Final stories will need to be typed and shared with the teacher for input. Worksheets will be provided.
Class tags:
Creative Writing
General
Language Arts
Writing
Questions about this course?
Contact us
About Gina Conroy
I love when students get excited about writing, even reluctant writers. Whether they love to write or find it difficult, I make it fun and show them how to use their writing super powers! After graduating with a degree in communications and journalism, I published several fiction and nonfiction books as well as hundreds of newspaper, magazine articles and blog posts. I hosted a podcast called Teen Writers Publish for teens of all ages based on the bestselling Amazon book “Release the Novel in You.” While attending writing conferences for 20 years, I designed courses to teach my homeschooled kids how to write more descriptively. Aside from being a private writing tutor, I’ve taught in private schools, homeschool co-ops as well as writing programs to the public. While there’s no greater reward than seeing a confused or frustrated child light up with understanding, I love challenging the gifted to reach their full potential. No matter where your child’s writing falls, I’ll encourage, challenge, and take their writing to the next level. My guidance will inspire your child’s voice to be released, and my instruction will shape ideas into creative, cohesive, and impactful writing, which benefits every subject.
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