It’s a long, interesting journey from an author’s imagination to the book you clutch in your hands. Our workshop will take you, the reader and/or writer, through portals along the way.

Exposure is one big milestone. After an author’s much-revised words are committed to paper, it’s critical for other eyes to view them. Our workshop offers “fresh eyes” of the ultimate audience (you), as well as those of an editor and agent in the business of publishing books.  

HOW DOES THE WORKSHOP... WORK?

Before the workshop: In early July, you’ll be invited to choose five enrollees’ manuscripts from our online anthology—the opening chapters of three adults’ novels and two teens’ works (novellas, short stories, journal entries, or memoirs). Our brief form, “Investigative Critique Questions,” will suggest points to consider as you read, then fill out the form.

At the workshop: You’ll hear manuscripts discussed with faculty in our open clinics, called master classes. This way, everyone learns from each author’s work.

In this glimpse “behind the scenes,” you’ll see how a professional editor, agent, and published author evaluate adults’ writing samples. Did you find the same strengths and flaws—or others?

We have both teens-only master classes and intergenerational ones. If you’re a smart reader but not a writer, your feedback can support those who do write. In any case, join the master class discussions. Teen comments are mega-helpful for adults writing youth novels—you are the real deal!

A CLOSER LOOK

Here are some perks that make our workshop a splash!

(1) Enjoyment. What makes a story gripping and/or entertaining? When you dissect their elements, such as character and plot arcs—and the harder to define “distinctive voice”—you see how these help make a story successful.

If you enjoy stories, our workshop will give you insider’s tips that will help you enjoy novels, movies, TV sitcoms, and myths—even more. And the more you understand intricacies, the more you may appreciate a good story—put your finger on the “Oh, WOW!” factor that you love.

(2) Faculty feedback on your writing. Smart peer critiques can be cool—but we also offer another option, rarely available to young writers. You may sign up for a complimentary critique (usually on 5 to 15 pages) with an accomplished and/or published Assistant Faculty Author. Novelists may also include a one-page synopsis, or informal story summary, or questions you need help with.

(3) Valued written and verbal feedback to adults writing novels for youth. Our adult writers greatly appreciate teens’ first-hand perspective about their manuscript samples. You response will provide the voice of authenticity—so adults won’t have to depend solely on what they think teens will like!

Some of our workshop manuscripts may be for readers younger than you. No problem—our adult enrollees also critique stories about characters younger than themselves! You too can try to remember what it feels like to be, say, 12, with feelings that people of all ages share: the need to be accepted, independent, useful, accomplished, and appreciated!

If you’re an older teen who reads adult novels, tell us why you like them and how they differ from YA novels you’ve enjoyed. Whatever your age, we have a place for you!

(4) Teens-only Sessions. These meet for 1 to 2.5 hours each day, Friday through Sunday, complementing adult sessions you’ll join. You’ll read peer writing before we meet. Then your sessions will combine lively technique (from published authors and enrollee samples), writing and revision time, and optional sharing. It’s a really mellow space—don’t be shy! For more info, see our streamlined schedule.

(5) Recommendation. If you participate in discussion at the workshop, and bring copies of your critiques for the director, you may request a written recommendation after the workshop—useful for boosting future job or academic applications.

Our previous workshops were approved for graduate-level credit (Literature Department) at the University of CA-Extension, so our recommendation could impress your future employer or AP/college admissions panels!

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