Teen Writers’ Workshop: Discover the Writer You Want to Be

Teens—ages 13 to 17—who have an interest in creative writing are invited to join this two-day Zoom workshop where you’ll unleash your story writing talents and explore different forms of fiction writing alongside other teen creatives. Writing can be an opportunity for connection, belonging, and self-discovery. In this two-session course, teens will connect with other young writers, explore the craft of storytelling, and have fun as they dip their toes into the world of writing workshops. 

Experience not necessary! You just have to enjoy writing! Young writers of all levels are welcome to join and explore all the forms that creative writing can take, including flash fiction, fan fiction, fantasy, free writing… and that’s just the ones that start with F! Structured as an interactive creativity workshop, the class will combine a mix of group activities, writing sprints, micro-lessons, live group critique, and an opportunity to explore themes and structures outside of class through optional assignments and prompts.

To help you explore your calling as a writer, you will have time to craft a personal writing statement. Writing a bold personal statement that says I AM and I DO and I WANT is a powerful first step in manifesting the type of writer you hope to become and discovering where your writing can take you in the future. 

At the end of class, you will also have the opportunity to receive feedback on one piece of work you’ve created in the workshop in the form of a developmental edit letter from me. The developmental edit letter will provide feedback, encouragement and guidance to help you take your work to the next level.

Through engaging activities, expert guidance, and a supportive community, you will have crafted a short work that reflects who you are and who you aspire to become as a writer. 

Workshops are not only a practical and productive way to hone specific skills; they’re also a way to feel connected to a larger community of writers and creatives. This workshop is a special gift to give a teen writer just beginning to explore and establish their own place in the writing world!

Learning and Writing Goals

Learning Goals:

In this workshop, you will: 

• Discover Your Voice: Understand your writing style, themes, and narrative preferences to discover your distinct voice as a writer.
• Cultivate Creativity: Develop your creative thinking, imagination, and storytelling skills through interactive creativity games and exercises.
• Master Storytelling: Learn essential storytelling techniques and the art of crafting compelling narratives.
• Receive Peer Feedback: Gain valuable insights from your peers and improve your writing through constructive feedback sessions.
• Self-Reflect: Use fiction writing as a tool for self-reflection and self-expression.
• Build Confidence: Boost your confidence in your writing abilities and unlock your full creative potential.

Writing Goals:

By the end of this course, you will:

• Create a piece of fiction that showcases your unique voice and perspective.
• Explore fundamentals of story structure while writing different types of short fiction.
• Build a portfolio of writing that reflects your growth as a writer.
• Develop the skills to give and receive constructive feedback effectively.

Zoom Schedule

We will meet on Zoom on Sundays, January 21st and 28th from 4pm to 6pm Eastern.

Workshop Syllabus

Session 1: Discovering Your Voice

• Ice Breaker: Get to know your fellow writers.
• Creativity Games: Spark your imagination.
• Writer’s Personal Statement: Explore who you are as a writer and craft your own personal writing statement, creativity manifesto, or a precursor to a personal college essay statement.
• Micro Lesson: Understanding storytelling fundamentals.
• Writing Sprints: Apply what you’ve learned.
• Sharing and Feedback: Share your work and provide constructive feedback.
• Homework Assignment: Begin crafting your personal fiction piece.

Session 2: Mastering Storytelling

• Ice Breaker: Strengthening connections within the group.
• Creativity Games: Enhance your creative thinking.
• Writer’s Personal Statement: Revisit and revise your writing personal statement.
• Micro Lesson: Exploring epistolary storytelling – telling stories through texts, letters and posts.
• Writing Sprints: Practice new techniques.
• Sharing and Feedback: Receive valuable input on your progress.
• Homework Assignment: Refine and expand your fiction piece.