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Writing Young Adult Novels

A Novelist's Guide

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 13 ratings
see reviews
Matthew Dewey

Hello and welcome to your young adult novel writing course.

Books today need a certain quality to become bestsellers. However, I am about to inform you of the developments in the genre and how you can use them to your advantage. Writing is a difficult task, but with the right tools at hand you should find the process enjoyable.

If you are looking for the course that will inform you on the basics of writing a young adult novel as well as develop an in-depth story, look no further. In this course I guide you through some of the most basic to advanced concepts of making a young adult novel:

·

Read more

Hello and welcome to your young adult novel writing course.

Books today need a certain quality to become bestsellers. However, I am about to inform you of the developments in the genre and how you can use them to your advantage. Writing is a difficult task, but with the right tools at hand you should find the process enjoyable.

If you are looking for the course that will inform you on the basics of writing a young adult novel as well as develop an in-depth story, look no further. In this course I guide you through some of the most basic to advanced concepts of making a young adult novel:

·

If this sounds like the course for you then don't hesitate to enroll now and receive your personal novelists guide on writing a young adult bestseller.

"Writing is creativity, it is art, it is a to speak to people you will never meet."

Enroll now

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What's inside

Syllabus

Young Adult Novel Writing
Introduction
Discussing the Course
Tools of the Trade
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of the YA genre, covering character development, plot structure, and world-building, which are essential for crafting compelling stories
Explores elements like 'Fate and Destiny,' which can add depth and thematic resonance to young adult narratives, potentially appealing to readers seeking thought-provoking stories
Includes practical advice on 'Budgeting Time and Inspiration,' which can be valuable for aspiring writers who need to manage their writing process effectively
Covers the essentials of character creation, including main characters, secondary characters, and antagonists, which are crucial for building engaging narratives
Focuses on 'Length and Structure,' which is important for understanding the conventions and expectations of the young adult genre in the current market

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Writing young adult novels for beginners

According to learners, this course is highly recommended for beginners seeking to understand how to write YA novels. Students found the content informative and easy to understand, helping them to structure their novels and providing a good overview of the genre. Reviewers particularly appreciated the focus on specific YA topics like characters, theme, and plots. However, several students with prior experience felt the information was basic and lacked depth, noting it was not that useful for intermediate or expert writers hoping for more in-depth strategies or new information they couldn't find elsewhere.
Content is clear and well-organized.
"It was easy to follow and the information provided was well organized."
"The content was informative and easy to understand."
"Easy to follow."
Covers YA genre elements effectively.
"helped me more on specific topics related to YA. Like characters, theme and plots. The section about secondary characters was really good."
"I like the breakdown of character types and plots that are unique to YA."
"This course has helped me structure my young adult novel."
Ideal starting point for new writers.
"Good for a beginner, well presented and good information."
"It was easy to follow and the information provided was well organized."
"Highly recommended for those just starting out."
"Helpful to anyone who wants to write YA novels."
Lacks depth for intermediate/expert.
"For me as an experienced writer I found the tips about writing YA helpful but not a lot of new information that I couldn't find in a good book on the topic."
"It was an ok course, for a beginner it might be good, but for intermediate or expert is not that useful. There were a lot of info that i already knew."
"Some of the information seems a bit basic for those with some writing experience. Good overview for beginners, but I was hoping for more in-depth strategies."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Writing Young Adult Novels | A Novelist's Guide with these activities:
Review Common Plot Structures
Familiarize yourself with common plot structures to improve your understanding of narrative design.
Show steps
  • Research common plot structures online.
  • Identify examples of each structure in popular YA novels.
  • Outline your novel using one of the structures.
Read 'Save the Cat! Writes a Novel'
Learn a structured approach to novel writing to improve your plot development and pacing.
View Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel: The... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Save the Cat! Writes a Novel'.
  • Read the book and familiarize yourself with the beat sheet.
  • Apply the beat sheet to your novel's outline.
Develop a Character Profile
Create a detailed character profile for your main character to deepen your understanding of their motivations and backstory.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm key aspects of your character's personality.
  • Write a detailed biography for your character.
  • Consider their relationships with other characters.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Write a Scene from Multiple Perspectives
Practice writing a scene from different character perspectives to enhance your ability to create compelling narratives.
Show steps
  • Choose a pivotal scene from your novel.
  • Write the scene from your main character's perspective.
  • Rewrite the scene from another character's perspective.
  • Compare the two versions and analyze the differences.
Write a Short Story in the YA Genre
Practice writing a complete short story to hone your skills in plot, character, and pacing within the YA genre.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm a compelling idea for a YA short story.
  • Outline the plot and develop the characters.
  • Write the short story, focusing on pacing and voice.
  • Revise and edit the story for clarity and impact.
Read 'Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction'
Explore techniques for crafting imaginative fiction to enhance world-building and character development skills.
View Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of 'Wonderbook'.
  • Read the chapters on world-building and character creation.
  • Complete at least three writing exercises from the book.
Participate in a Writing Critique Group
Receive feedback on your writing from other writers to improve your craft and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Find a local or online writing critique group.
  • Share a chapter of your novel with the group.
  • Provide constructive feedback to other members.
  • Incorporate feedback into your writing.

Career center

Learners who complete Writing Young Adult Novels | A Novelist's Guide will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Young Adult Novelist
The heart of a Young Adult Novelist is to bring compelling stories to life for young readers. As a Young Adult Novelist, you craft narratives that resonate with the experiences, challenges, and dreams of teenagers and young adults. This course provides the essentials, guiding you from fundamental principles to the finer details of crafting a successful young adult novel. Chapters such as 'The Main Character', 'The Two Friends and Secondary Characters', and 'Character Development' will be particularly relevant to one's ambition to become a Young Adult Novelist. The course offers insight into the essentials of writing a novel while developing a story that can resonate with the readership.
See salaries and explore the career path for Young Adult Novelist
Fiction Writer
A Fiction Writer creates imaginative narratives in various genres. They craft stories, develop characters, and build worlds that captivate readers. This course helps one to develop an indepth story. It focuses on writing skills, making it relevant for aspiring fiction writers seeking to refine their storytelling abilities. Furthermore, the chapters titled 'World Creation' and 'Young Adult Novel Plots' would be especially useful when constructing your narratives. Overall, this course enables one to develop the story building skills necessary to succeed as a Fiction Writer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fiction Writer
Creative Writing Teacher
A Creative Writing Teacher instructs students in the art of writing, providing guidance, feedback, and encouragement to develop their skills. They typically hold a Master's degree. This course may be useful since it will help those who wish to teach others how to write. The course's modules on the basics to advanced concepts of making a young adult novel make this course very useful. Those modules include 'The Main Character', 'The Two Friends and Secondary Characters', 'Character Development', and 'Young Adult Novel Plots'.
See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Writing Teacher
Screenwriter
A Screenwriter writes scripts for films, television shows, and other visual media. They develop characters, create dialogue, and structure narratives to tell compelling stories on screen. This course helps develop in-depth story telling, and could be useful for Screenwriters who wish to work on movies for young adults. Modules such as 'The Main Character', 'The Two Friends and Secondary Characters', and 'Character Development' make this course very worthwhile.
See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter
Playwright
A Playwright writes scripts for theatrical productions, crafting dialogue, developing characters, and creating dramatic narratives for the stage. They often work collaboratively with directors, actors, and other theater professionals to bring their plays to life. This course helps Playwrights develop in-depth story telling. Furthermore, it could be useful for Playwrights who wish to write plays for young adults. Modules such as 'The Main Character', 'The Two Friends and Secondary Characters', and 'Character Development' make this course worthwhile.
See salaries and explore the career path for Playwright
Editor
An Editor reviews and refines written content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency. They collaborate with writers to improve their work and prepare it for publication. This course may be useful for Editors who want to gain a deeper understanding of the creative writing process and the specific challenges faced by young adult novelists. The modules titled 'Designing the End' and 'Leangth and Structure' may be particularly useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Editor
Content Writer
A Content Writer produces written material for various platforms, including websites, blogs, articles, and marketing materials. They create engaging and informative content to attract and retain an audience. This course may be useful for Content Writers who want to enhance their storytelling skills and understand audience engagement, especially in the young adult demographic. The course's modules on 'Discussing the Course' and 'Tools of the Trade' may be most helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer
Literary Agent
A Literary Agent represents authors and their work, seeking publishing opportunities, negotiating contracts, and managing their careers. They serve as intermediaries between authors and publishers, advocating for their clients' interests. This course may be useful for Literary Agents who wish to understand the essentials of writing a young adult novel. Specifically, the agent may wish to develop a comprehensive understanding to better represent their clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Literary Agent
Copywriter
A Copywriter crafts persuasive and compelling written content for advertising and marketing purposes. They create slogans, taglines, and ad copy to promote products, services, or ideas. This course may be useful because it helps Copywriters develop skills related to storytelling. Modules such as 'Young Adult Novel Plots' and 'Character Development' could provide new perspectives onto a Copywriter's role. This course can help one to develop in Copywriting.
See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter
Blogger
A blogger creates and publishes written content on a blog, sharing their thoughts, experiences, and expertise on various topics. Blogging can be a hobby, a way to build an online presence, or a source of income through advertising, affiliate marketing, or selling products and services. This course may be useful for Bloggers who want to enhance their storytelling skills and understand audience engagement, especially if their target demographic is young adults. The course's insight into the basics to advanced concepts of writing a young adult novel is very helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Blogger
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages a company's or organization's reputation and public image, developing and implementing communication strategies to build relationships with the media, stakeholders, and the public. This course may be useful for specialists who work with those in the publishing industry. Furthermore, the specialist may want to create a campaign for a young adult novel. The course's modules on 'Young Adults and the Genre' may prove to be especially useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist
Marketing Specialist
A Marketing Specialist creates and implements marketing strategies to promote products, services, or brands. They analyze market trends, identify target audiences, and develop campaigns to reach potential customers. This course, with its focus on young adult novels, may be useful for a Marketing Specialist. They may wish to promote products, services, or brands aimed at young adults. The course can help a marketing specialist develop knowledge around the target audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Specialist
Journalist
A Journalist investigates, researches, and reports on current events, issues, and people, providing information to the public through various media channels such as newspapers, television, radio, and the internet. They gather facts, conduct interviews, and write stories to inform and engage their audience. This course may be useful for journalists who focus on the publishing industry. To that end, it could help them to discuss developments in the young adult genre.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Social Media Manager
A Social Media Manager oversees a company's online presence, creating content, managing social media accounts, and engaging with followers to build brand awareness and drive traffic. This course may be useful for Social Media Managers who want to create engaging content for young adult audiences. Modules such as 'Young Adult Novel Plots' could provide new perspectives onto a Social Media Manager's role. Knowing the audience is vital to success, and this course would help build that.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager
Librarian
A Librarian manages library resources, assists patrons with research, and promotes literacy and learning. This course may be useful for Librarians since it will make them more familiar with the landscape of contemporary young adult novels. Specifically, modules such as 'Young Adults and the Genre' and 'Fate and Destiny' could give a Librarian insights into the kind of books to curate for young adults.
See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Writing Young Adult Novels | A Novelist's Guide.
Cover image
Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel
Save
Adapts the 'Save the Cat!' screenwriting method for novelists. It provides a clear and concise framework for structuring a novel, including identifying the core elements of a successful story. It's particularly helpful for understanding plot beats and character arcs. This book is commonly used by writers to ensure their stories are engaging and well-paced.
Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel: The...
Paperback
$$
Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel: The...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Wonderbook
Save
Comprehensive guide to creative writing, filled with exercises and prompts. It's particularly useful for YA novelists because it encourages experimentation and world-building. The book's visual approach and focus on imagination can help overcome writer's block and develop unique story ideas. It serves as a valuable resource for brainstorming and refining plot elements.
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating...
Paperback
$$

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Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
1 total hour
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Matthew Dewey
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of the YA genre, covering character development, plot structure, and world-building, which are essential for crafting compelling stories
Explores elements like 'Fate and Destiny,' which can add depth and thematic resonance to young adult narratives, potentially appealing to readers seeking thought-provoking stories
Includes practical advice on 'Budgeting Time and Inspiration,' which can be valuable for aspiring writers who need to manage their writing process effectively
Covers the essentials of character creation, including main characters, secondary characters, and antagonists, which are crucial for building engaging narratives
Focuses on 'Length and Structure,' which is important for understanding the conventions and expectations of the young adult genre in the current market
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