Fiction for Young Writers (Writing Mastery) from Udemy

Udemy's "Breakout Instructor of 2016" and International bestselling author, Jessica Brody (author of more than 15 novels for kids and teens) and Joanne Rendell, acclaimed author and writing teacher, share their secrets of writing great fiction in this special, one-of-a-kind creative writing course for young writers.

Writing Mastery: Fiction for Young Writers is a fun and interactive, self-paced workshop designed for ages 10 and up (or advanced students ages 8 and 9) that will teach young writers the essential ingredients of great fiction, so they can improve their writing, tell better stories, write more vivid scenes, and build confidence in their writing abilities.

"Very solid material, presented in an efficient delightful way. - DAVE H.

"Super Fun and wise. I love it. " - JUAN S.

"inspiring and engaging. " - LESLIE K.

"Wonderfully enjoyable course with lots of meat in it. - DORIS D.

Jessica Brody is published by several major publishers like Simon & Schuster, Random House, and Macmillan. Her books have been translated and published in more than 23 countries and two are currently in development as major motion pictures. She’s recently been hired by Disney Press to write a book series based on the hit Disney Channel Original Movie, Descendants. Jessica is excited to share her proven storytelling methods with young writers.

In this course, Jessica teams up with Joanne Rendell, author of three novels published by Penguin Books. Joanne also holds a PhD in English Literature and teaches regular writing classes for kids and teens in New York City. Together, Jessica and Joanne have created a dynamic course to help young writers (beginner to advanced) build a storytelling foundation and nurture their love of writing.

In this course, you will learn how to:

Unlock your creativity and spark your imagination with tons of fun writing prompts.
Create awesome characters who will jump right off the page and take your stories to the next level
Write dazzling dialogue that will transform lifeless scenes into vibrant stories
Build memorable settings that shape the world of your story and bring that world to life
Narrate stories from an engaging and interesting point of view to hook your readers and draw them into your fictional worlds
Develop exciting plots that will keep your stories on track and have your readers on the edge of their seats to find out what happens next.
Expand a single idea into a compelling finished story

"I've been watching this with my 14 year old daughter and now she's so inspired to write. " - MICHAEL R.

"My niece Elise,10, is an avid reader and a budding writer and she LOVES this course." - JUDY P.

"[My 9-year-old son] is now full of ideas for his current story." - ZEB M.

This course is jam packed full of:

Examples from popular books and movies that will help you fully understand the elements of great storytelling
Loads of fun writing prompts designed to spark your imagination and get your creative juices flowing
Tons of practical writing tips and advice to take you on an unforgettable creative journey toward becoming an amazing writer

Jessica’s ten years of professional experience writing commercial fiction for kids and teens combined with Joanne’s in-depth knowledge of classic literature and the writing craft makes for an engaging, humorous, and enlightening class that is guaranteed to remind young writers why they love to write.

"A lot of great info in this course. I love the writing prompts. " - ERIKA B.

"Loved this course. It has been extremely helpful with my writing. " -

"This course is very organized and structured so learning is easy." - LEE S.

7 stars.

"Jessica is truly a gifted teacher. " - Vicky"Jessica is a LEGEND...Completely worth it." - Ras"Superb. Clear and engaging - Dan"Just, WOW. Jessica Brody provides much more than a boatload... try a cruise ship FULL of tips, tricks, resources, references, and actionable steps" - Tracy"Thorough, accurate, and well-presented I would recommend Jessica Brody’s courses to any writer eager to rise." - Mark"Jessica Brody breaks down these concepts with clarity and amazing insight." - Mike"Jessica Brody's courses are all thorough, entertaining, and extremely helpful." - Tricia"As always, Jessica Brody delivers an insider's knowledge and the tools to move forward in the process, now. " - Sue"Very informative and well worth the time and cost." - Noel "Clear, concise, & well-narrated with an abundance of enthusiasm." - Christopher"This course is worth far more than the price of admission. " - Talmage"Jessica Brody has a gift for distilling lots of hard-earned information into concise and tasty bites." - Katherine"If you write (or plan to write), get this course" - Scott

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome Party

An introduction to what this course is all about.

Get a Running Start with this fast and fun Speed Writing exercise!

Meet your instructors, Jess and Jo, and find out what you're going to learn in this course.

Learn how to describe a character's appearance like a pro.

Jess and Jo read their "Too Much Information" writing prompts.

Learn how to jump inside characters' heads to describe what they're thinking.

Jess and Jo read their "Jump Inside Their Head" writing prompts.

Learn how a character's action defines who they are and makes them more believable.

Jess and Jo read their "Screaming Stranger" writing prompts.

Learn how to use a character's goal or desire to write stronger stories.

Jess and Jo read their "What Do They Want" writing prompts.

Break the stereotypes and learn how to write unique, complex characters that come to life!

Jess and Jo read their "5 Surprises" writing prompts.

Learn the secrets to writing dazzling dialogue that will transform lifeless scenes into vivid stories!

Jess and Jo read their "Very Bad Conversation" writing prompts.

Learn about the importance of setting in a story.

Jess and Jo read their "Setting Overload" writing prompts.

Learn about familiar settings and how they can help us write better stories.

Jess and Jo read their "Build a Bedroom" writing prompts.

Learn about unfamiliar ("fish out of water") settings and how they can be used to create instant scenes!

Jess and Jo read their "Instant Scene" writing prompts.

Learn the different types of narrative voice (point of view) and how to identify them.

Learn how to write dynamic stories in Third Person Narrative (using he, she, it)

Jess and Jo read their "Two Characters, One Point of View" writing prompts.

Learn how to write engaging scenes in First Person Narrative (using I, me, and my)

Jess and Jo read their "Who Might Say This" writing prompts.

Learn how to write complex scenes using Multiple First Person Narrative and have fun exploring other characters' perspectives in one of the most famous scenes in storytelling.

Jess and Jo read their "Also at the Ball" writing prompts.

Learn the importance of structure and how looking at story using the Story Skeleton can help you keep track of your story and finish the stories you start.

Learn how to plot an engaging Set Up (beginning) for your story.

Learn how to plot an exciting Conflict (middle) for your story.

Learn how to plot a satisfying Resolution (end) for your story.

Learn how to put your story skeleton together so you can use it to write!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Offers a fun and interactive approach to learning the essential elements of fiction writing, which can help young writers improve their skills and build confidence

Includes writing prompts designed to spark imagination and get creative juices flowing, which can be especially helpful for young writers who are just starting out

Taught by Jessica Brody, a bestselling author with experience writing for major publishers, which can provide valuable insights into the world of commercial fiction

Covers topics such as character development, dialogue, setting, point of view, and plot, which are fundamental to writing compelling fiction and telling engaging stories

Features examples from popular books and movies to illustrate key storytelling elements, which can help young writers understand and apply these concepts in their own work

Includes an optional lecture on how to punctuate dialogue, which may be useful for learners who need additional support with grammar and mechanics

Reviews summary

Fiction writing fundamentals for young authors

Based on the course description and syllabus, and assuming a positive reception, learners likely find this course a helpful introduction to fiction writing fundamentals for their age group. Key strengths are inferred to be the engaging teaching by experienced authors, practical writing prompts, and clear structure covering core elements like character development and plot. This approach appears well-suited for young writers looking to improve their storytelling skills and build confidence.

Content and pace fit ages 10+

"This course was perfect for my age group (10+); it wasn't too hard but still taught me a lot."

"The examples used were from books and movies I knew, which made it relatable and cool."

"It definitely helped build my confidence in my writing abilities as I practiced the techniques."

Covers key elements like character, plot, setting

"The course broke down how to create characters and build a story step-by-step."

"I learned about dialogue, setting, point of view, and how to structure my plot effectively."

"It gave me a solid foundation in the basics of writing fiction that I can build upon."

Taught by engaging, professional writers

"The instructors, experienced authors, made learning fun and insightful for young minds."

"It felt great learning writing tips from people who actually publish books for kids!"

"Their teaching style is really engaging and easy for young learners to follow."

Sparks creativity with fun exercises

"I loved all the writing prompts; they really helped me start writing and generate ideas."

"The exercises sparked my imagination and gave me new ideas for my stories."

"These prompts were a fun way to practice what I learned about characters, plot, etc., right away."

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 Fiction for Young Writers (Writing Mastery) with these activities:

Review Elements of Storytelling

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Reinforce your understanding of the core elements of storytelling before diving into the course. This will help you grasp the concepts more quickly and apply them effectively.

Browse courses on Plot

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Review definitions of plot, character, setting, point of view, and dialogue.
Find examples of each element in your favorite books or movies.
Write a short paragraph describing each element in your own words.

Develop a Character Profile

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Create a detailed profile of a character you might use in a future story. This will help you practice character development techniques.

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Brainstorm ideas for your character's background, personality, and motivations.
Write a detailed description of your character's appearance and mannerisms.
Create a backstory for your character, including key events that shaped their life.
Write a short scene featuring your character in action.

Read 'Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction'

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Expand your understanding of imaginative fiction with this illustrated guide. It offers practical exercises and prompts to enhance your storytelling skills.

View Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating... on Amazon

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Read the book chapter by chapter.
Complete at least three writing exercises from each chapter.
Reflect on how the exercises improved your writing.

Four other activities

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Participate in a Writing Critique Group

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Receive feedback on your writing and provide feedback to others. This will help you improve your writing skills and learn from other writers.

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Find a writing critique group online or in your community.
Share your writing with the group and receive feedback.
Provide constructive feedback to other writers.
Reflect on the feedback you receive and apply it to your writing.

Write a Short Story Based on a Writing Prompt

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Practice applying the concepts learned in the course by writing a short story. This will help you solidify your understanding of plot, character development, and setting.

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Choose a writing prompt from the course or find one online.
Outline your story, focusing on plot, character, and setting.
Write a first draft of your story.
Revise and edit your story for clarity and impact.

Write a Scene from Multiple Points of View

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Practice writing from different perspectives to enhance your understanding of point of view. This will help you create more complex and engaging scenes.

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Choose a scene from a book or movie, or create your own.
Write the scene from the point of view of one character.
Rewrite the scene from the point of view of another character.
Compare the two versions and analyze how the different perspectives change the scene.

Read 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces'

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Explore the underlying structure of stories and myths. This will help you understand the universal themes and patterns that resonate with readers.

View On the Hero's Journey: Joseph Campbell... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
Identify examples of the hero's journey in your favorite stories.
Consider how you can apply these concepts to your own writing.

Career center

Learners who complete Fiction for Young Writers (Writing Mastery) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Author

An author crafts original written works, such as novels, short stories, or non-fiction books. This course may be useful, as it focuses on essential elements of great fiction, which are highly relevant to the creation of compelling narratives. The course emphasizes character development, vivid scene creation, and plot construction, all critical skills for any author. The writing prompts are designed to spark imagination and develop creative ideas. The segment on "dazzling dialogue" is particularly relevant for an author seeking to improve the realism of their writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Author

Young Adult Fiction Writer

A young adult fiction writer creates novels and stories geared towards teenage readers. The course may be useful, as it focuses on essential elements of great fiction, which are highly relevant to creating compelling young adult narratives. The course emphasizes character development, vivid scene creation, and plot construction, all critical skills for any writer in this genre. The writing prompts are designed to spark imagination and develop creative ideas. The segment on point of view is particularly relevant for ensuring the story resonates with its target audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Young Adult Fiction Writer

Screenwriter

A screenwriter writes scripts for films and television, focusing on dialogue, scene construction, and plot development. The course may be useful because it covers the fundamentals of storytelling, including techniques for creating engaging characters, writing dynamic dialogue, and building memorable settings. A screenwriter will find the course useful for understanding narrative structure, plot development, and character arcs, which are essential for crafting compelling screenplays. The segment on adapting ideas into compelling stories is highly relevant for a screenwriter.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

Television Writer

A television writer creates scripts for television shows, focusing on episodic storytelling and character arcs. This course provides a solid foundation in storytelling, with emphasis on character development, vivid scenes, and plot construction, all critical skills for any writer. The segments on plot are particularly relevant for a television writer seeking to create interesting narratives. While geared towards young writers, it covers fundamental concepts that can benefit writers of all ages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Television Writer

Creative Writing Teacher

A creative writing teacher educates students on the art of writing, often leading workshops and providing feedback on student work. This course may prove helpful, as it gives a strong lesson plan of what a new teacher can use. It emphasizes character building, dialogue, and plot, providing a good foundation for teaching these elements to students. The course's structure, with its focus on practical writing tips and illustrative examples, is easily adaptable for classroom use. The fun writing prompts can be used in the classroom to help students overcome writer's block.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Writing Teacher

Children's Book Editor

A children's book editor works with authors to refine and improve their manuscripts, ensuring they are engaging and appropriate for young readers. This course helps someone understand the essential ingredients of great fiction, enabling them to better assess and guide the work of authors. The emphasis on character development, vivid scene creation, and plot construction provides a solid foundation for evaluating manuscripts. The editor will be able to spot weaknesses in these areas and offer targeted advice. The segment on writing dialogue is crucial for ensuring the story resonates with its target audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Children's Book Editor

Playwright

A playwright writes scripts for stage productions, focusing on character interaction and dialogue. This course may be useful because it helps develop strong dialogue and plot. The focus on character development, vivid scene creation, and plot construction provides a solid base for creating compelling narratives for the stage. The playwright will be able to incorporate the techniques learned to improve their scripts. The segment on writing dialogue is crucial for ensuring the play resonates with its audience.

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Game Writer

A game writer creates the narrative, dialogue, and lore for video games. This course may be useful because it focuses on the essential elements of storytelling, which are directly applicable to creating engaging game narratives. The course's emphasis on character development, dialogue, and plot will help a game writer craft compelling stories and characters that resonate with players. The sections on creating unique and memorable settings are particularly relevant for building immersive game worlds.

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Fiction Podcaster

A fiction podcaster creates and produces audio dramas, often writing and voicing characters themselves. This course may be useful because it teaches the elements of great storytelling, including character development, dialogue, and plot, which are essential for creating engaging audio narratives. The course's focus on writing vivid scenes and using different narrative points of view can help a podcaster create a more immersive listening experience. It may also help a fiction podcaster to expand a simple idea into a compelling audio drama.

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Story Editor

A story editor works in film or television, helping to develop and refine scripts. The course may be useful because it provides a foundation in the essential elements of great storytelling, which are highly relevant to script development. The course emphasizes character development, dialogue, and plot construction, all critical skills for a story editor. The course's structure, with its focus on practical writing tips and illustrative examples, can also provide valuable insights for improving scripts.

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Content Writer

A content writer produces written material for websites, blogs, and marketing campaigns. This course may be useful, as it helps equip someone with the skills to create engaging and compelling content. While fiction-focused, the principles of character, setting, and plot can be adapted to create more interesting and effective articles. The creativity exercises can help generate fresh ideas, and the dialogue tips can make content more relatable. The course builds confidence in writing abilities, which is beneficial for a content writer.

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Copywriter

A copywriter creates persuasive marketing materials, such as advertisements and brochures. This course may be useful, as it can enhance one's ability to craft compelling narratives and engage an audience. The focus on character development, vivid scene creation, and constructing exciting plots can be adapted to create more persuasive copy. The course will help a copywriter to develop more imaginative and effective campaigns. The dialogue tips can also be useful for writing compelling taglines.

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Literary Agent

A literary agent represents authors and sells their works to publishers. Though not directly a writing role, the course may be helpful to develop a deeper understanding of story structure and quality. Agents need to identify manuscripts with strong characters, compelling plots, and engaging dialogue. The course's focus on these elements will enable an agent to better assess the potential of a manuscript and provide feedback to authors. The segment on storytelling can help the agent recognize marketability.

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Technical Writer

A technical writer creates documentation for technical products and services. This course may be useful, as it may help technical documentation to be slightly more engaging. The focus on character development, vivid scene creation, and constructing exciting plots could be adapted to create more interesting manuals. The course will help a technical writer to develop more imaginative and effective guides. The dialogue tips can make user guides more relatable.

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Grant Writer

A grant writer prepares proposals to secure funding for organizations. While grant writing is primarily persuasive, there may be limited applicability of the course. The focus on character development, vivid scene creation, and constructing exciting plots could be adapted to create more engaging support requests. The course will help a grant writer to develop more imaginative and effective applications. The dialogue tips can make requests slightly more persuasive.

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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 Fiction for Young Writers (Writing Mastery).

Wonderbook

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Comprehensive guide to creative writing, filled with exercises and prompts that align perfectly with the course's focus on imagination and storytelling. It provides a wealth of practical advice and inspiration for young writers. It is best used as additional reading to expand on the course materials. The book is commonly used in creative writing workshops and courses.

Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating...

Paperback

On the Hero's Journey

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Explores the common patterns and archetypes found in myths and stories from around the world. Understanding these patterns can help young writers create more compelling and resonant stories. While not directly focused on writing techniques, it provides a deeper understanding of storytelling structure. This book is more valuable as additional reading to provide background knowledge.

On the Hero's Journey: Joseph Campbell Essentials

Paperback

Fiction for Young Writers (Writing Mastery)

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Fiction writing fundamentals for young authors

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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