CPW617
Writing a Young Adult Novel
From The Hunger Games to The Fault in Our Stars, young adult novels continue to grow in popularity and cover a range of sub-genres, including thrillers, fantasy, and contemporary fiction.
In this course, you'll explore how topics such as story structure, character creation, dialogue, and conflict are used in young adult novels. Exercises include writing subtext into dialogue and turning conflict resolution techniques upside-down to increase conflict. Using practical examples from popular books, you'll have the opportunity to practise your writing and obtain feedback.
Related program(s)
This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):
| Section | Session(s) | Date/time | Campus | Instructor(s) | Cost | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPW617-VA11371 | 4 | Tuesdays Sep 24–Oct 15, 2013 6–9 pm |
Van | Eileen Cook | $441 | Register |
| CPW617-SU11411 | 4 | Saturdays Feb 1–Mar 1, 2014 10:30 am–1:30 pm (no class Feb 8) |
Surrey City Centre Library | Eileen Cook | $441 | Register |
* This course involves 12 instructional hours.
What will I learn?
By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Identify the elements of the YA genre
- Understand the basics of story structure
- Create well-rounded, interesting characters
- Write realistic dialogue, including understanding how to layer in subtext
- Tturn common conflict resolution techniques upside-down as a way to increase conflict in your stories/book
- Apply the strategies you learn in class to your own work
How will I learn?
- Lectures
- In-class discussions and writing exercises
- Readings
- Independent take-home assignments
How will I be evaluated?
Your grade will be based on your participation in class as well as completed assignments.
Textbooks and learning materials
Students are to purchase two recent (published within the past five years) young adult novels of their choice.