This course is run in partnership with Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival 2015. The festival’s programme offers a range of events of all different styles encompassing talks, panel debates, workshops, in-conversations and readings for both adults and children, from 27 April until 2 May in Stratford-upon-Avon.
It’s easy to forget that we were all children once. If you want to write a novel that young people will love, finding connections between your childhood memories and the stories you want to tell is a good place to start. During this interactive course, award-winning author Steve Voake will teach you how to harness your inner child and create stories for literature’s most demanding audience.
Using a mixture of short, focused exercises and discussions, Steve will show you how to find new pathways into your story, as well as how to build ideas, characters and plotlines. You’ll also learn how to combine conflict, character and structure to create an engaging and easy-to-follow novel. In addition, you’ll learn the importance of a first draft and receive tips on the writing process, including how to boost creativity and motivation. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to start writing truly imaginative stories for young people of any age.
This course is for you if…
- You’re currently writing, or would like to write, a novel for children or young people
- You’ve started writing a novel for young people but have got a bit stuck, and want advice on structure, motivation and story development
- You’re finishing writing a novel for young people and want to find new ways of improving it
Course description
This playful and practical course combines talks, discussions and exercises on how to write a novel for children or young people of any age. Attendees will learn how to free creativity and develop ideas, and receive guidance on structure, storytelling and character development. Topics covered include:
- How to find new ways into your writing
- The principles of storytelling
- Developing ideas and creating believable characters
- How to use conflict to develop plot
- Understanding the job of the first draft
- How to structure your work
- How to free your creativity and enjoy the writing process
- Practical exercises with time for feedback
- Q&A and discussion with Steve Voake
Tutor profile
Steve Voake is the award-winning author of twenty-one books for young people. His work has been translated into many languages. Steve’s novels include The Dreamwalker’s Child, The Starlight Conspiracy and Blood Hunters, as well as the Daisy Dawson and Hooey Higgins series for younger readers. Steve is senior lecturer in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University and a regular tutor for the Arvon Foundation. Many of his previous students have gone on to become successful published novelists for young people. Steve is currently working on a new series for Walker Books.
Details
This course has now passed – but we update our programme all the time. For information on our full range of masterclasses, sign up to our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, or keep an eye on our calendar.
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
