YA/MG Novel in Progress

Class Description

If you're working on a young adult or middle grade novel, then this is the class for you! This class will push you to learn more about the craft of novel writing generally and of young adult and middle grade novels in particular. We will focus on a different craft element each week, such as identifying (or clarifying) the true heart of your novel, developing characters, drafting a plot and story beats that marry inside and outside story, and world building. We will look at published YA and MG novels for inspiration. Students should be ready to read excerpts of their in-progress work aloud for in-class critique throughout the course. You will be able to apply the lessons each week to your in-progress novel with the ability, by the end of this class, to have written and/or edited a portion of your novel and also created a working synopsis. A week prior to the first class, the instructor will request the first 5 pages of your novel via email. Please keep an eye on your spam folders.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. 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!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.