Pacific Coast Children's Writers Novel Workshop

Nancy Sondel's Pacific Coast Children's Writers Workshop

20 years of Master Class to Masterpiece

“Writing is good. Reading is good. S’mores are good. Beaches are good.
But writing and reading while eating s’mores on a beach is beyond good…
and if you get to do it with friends, it’s just amazing squared.” — Audrey, age 13

Enroll!

If you’ve got a passion for fiction—and love meeting other teens who do, too—don’t wait to sign up. Enrollment is limited. Invite a friend or just come and meet new ones!

Teen foot on books Enrollment: General fee is $145, or $95 for enrolled college students through age 24. Need-based scholarships may be available (first-come). By August 26 or asap, submit your writing for feedback by peers, by teens-only instructor(s), and by our New York editor and/or agent, on your critical first pages. Share 3 to 10 double-spaced pages of your fiction, journal, or personal essay.

To enroll or ask questions, contact us. We’ll email you an enrollment form and Student Contract, plus (if you’re under 18) a Parent Permission Form. Here’s a preview:

Excerpt
STUDENT CONTRACT

For your safety, well-being and enjoyment.

Before the workshop (in summer), I agree to:

___		Submit my (optional) manuscript sample for faculty and peer critiques by August 1.

___		Read at least one adult enrollee’s Group B fiction submission (each 15 double-spaced typed pages); give written feedback using a short form. ALSO, if possible: Read one adult enrollee’s full-length novel manuscript of my choice and give written feedback on it, then attend that author’s feedback sessions with our editor or agent.

___		Read at least two teen enrollees’ fiction submissions (each 5 to 10 double-spaced typed pages); give written feedback on these two manuscripts using a short form.

At the workshop, I agree to:

___		Check-in when and where requested; not leave the workshop site.

___		Be considerate of my housemates and chaperones.

___		Use no substances (tobacco, alcohol, etc.).

___		Participate in group discussion about adults’ and teen peers’ writing.

Your fee also includes an optional faculty critique on up to 10 pages—and, for those enrolling first, an optional Spot Critique (editor and agent verbal feedback on your story’s first pages, shared with all workshop attendees in a supportive group setting).

OPPORTUNITIES: Teen enrollment is partly funded by our TeenSpeak Scholarship Fund. To contribute any amount in tribute to an author or special individual, and to support a young person passionate about writing, contact us year-round. Alternately, work-study partial scholarships may be available. Ask about possible jobs for parents or teens. We appreciate our generous donors!

Questions? Contact us. We look forward to sharing our books, plus future bonfire and beach weekend with you.

“The great jewel... took all light that fell upon it and
changed it into ten thousand sparks of white radiance
shot with glints of the rainbow.” — J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

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