Young Adult Writers Program (YAWP): Supercharge Your Story Openings

Teen Class Description:

Story openings have a big job—they entice your reader to continue reading! But what’s the best way to get their attention? Dialogue? Setting? A knock-down argument? In this workshop, you’ll write your own story opening from a prompt. Then, you’ll revamp it—once, twice, maybe three times—creating different effects on each go-round. We’ll also examine and discuss various story openings across genres to understand how different styles can change a piece. You’ll see how your reimagined intros can alter tone, POV, pace, and more.

Class Takeaways: Students will leave this workshop with at least three variations of their story opening and an understanding of how story opening styles can work differently. In addition, they will have experimented outside their natural way of writing by altering how they would normally begin a piece of fiction.

Note About Our NEW Class Format: 

We’ve made our remote classes more flexible than ever — with plenty of optional portions designed to allow for screen breaks — while still keeping us connected as a writing community. Learn more. 

How Remote Learning works: 

This class will be hosted remotely! You will be able to participate in class via Zoom video conference from wherever you’re most comfortable. All you’ll need is a laptop or a phone! About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting via Zoom–no need to download anything or sign up for Zoom in advance! 

For parents registering their teens: 

*Note: Parents/guardians must complete this permission form online if your teen is under 18.* Unlike previous forms, you only need to fill this 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 the form, registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply. If the student is 18, simply let us know at [email protected]. 

*If you are registering on behalf of your teen, add their email information in the “For a Friend or Child?” field on the right-hand side of the screen before you check out. This will send them a direct link and reminder to create their own profile with GrubStreet. 

(After adding the class to your cart, click "Checkout" and click “Add” next to “For a Friend or Child?” on the right-hand side to fill in their email. This is an easy way of linking the class to your child and encourages them to create their own account.)