- Level
- Mixed
- Basic and Premium Members Prices
- Premium Members $30 Basic Members $40
Register by September 20th and save $5, use code MIDGRADEROTH2021 at checkout!
- Category
- Characters
- Description/Setting
- Dialogue
- Structure
- Genre
- GMC
- Plotting
- POV
- $5 off Early Registration Coupon-expires 1 week before class starts
- MIDGRADEROTH2021
Do you read Middle Grade novels? Do you find a real affinity in the story lines? Do you find that middle-grade fiction provides a wonderful escape for you, even when your life seems a bit in tatters? Do you like hanging out with pre-teens or do you perhaps have a pre-teen at home? If you answered any of the above questions in the affirmative, you have come to the right place. You will love to write middle-grade stories!
One of the best things about the middle age genre is this: it’s an age demographic. People only recently began to consider it a separate genre belonging to children’s fiction. However, that doesn’t mean that writing for the specific age demographic of 8 until 12 is somehow more difficult than writing for children or young adults. The elements of a good story remain the same in every genre. The difference here is in the themes you choose to tackle in your stories, and what your target audience will be. For that reason, it’s impossible to not further divide middle grade fiction into two age categories: early and late, early covering ages 8-10, and late covering ages 11-13.
However, another way of looking at middle grade fiction is through themes, writing style and tone. Younger children, belonging in the early group, will be interested in lighter topics, while older children might be more interested in crushing and very light romance. And while all children’s stories are essentially coming of age, middle grade is the time when we first discover the big bad world. Themes like being self-conscious, friendship, and even bullying in modern times, are interesting to the children who like to read about discovering oneself. On the other hand, humor, adventure, and fantasy will interest other children.
Writing for the middle grader can initially be very hard. It takes a lot of determination and skill. In this workshop, I will help you develop these skills and improve on them. I’m so excited that you are interested in this workshop through Savvy Authors and I look forward to seeing you in the workshop!
One of the best things about the middle age genre is this: it’s an age demographic. People only recently began to consider it a separate genre belonging to children’s fiction. However, that doesn’t mean that writing for the specific age demographic of 8 until 12 is somehow more difficult than writing for children or young adults. The elements of a good story remain the same in every genre. The difference here is in the themes you choose to tackle in your stories, and what your target audience will be. For that reason, it’s impossible to not further divide middle grade fiction into two age categories: early and late, early covering ages 8-10, and late covering ages 11-13.
However, another way of looking at middle grade fiction is through themes, writing style and tone. Younger children, belonging in the early group, will be interested in lighter topics, while older children might be more interested in crushing and very light romance. And while all children’s stories are essentially coming of age, middle grade is the time when we first discover the big bad world. Themes like being self-conscious, friendship, and even bullying in modern times, are interesting to the children who like to read about discovering oneself. On the other hand, humor, adventure, and fantasy will interest other children.
Writing for the middle grader can initially be very hard. It takes a lot of determination and skill. In this workshop, I will help you develop these skills and improve on them. I’m so excited that you are interested in this workshop through Savvy Authors and I look forward to seeing you in the workshop!
- Syllabus
- Week 1: Discovering Middle Grade Fiction
This week, we’ll explore what makes middle grade fiction the most exciting choice for your writing. You’ll discover why it’s rewarding from both a creative and monetary standpoint. Then you’ll have an opportunity to select the genre that works best for your own original story, which you’ll develop during this course.
Week 2: The Dramatic Elements of Middle Grade Stories
This week is filled with lightbulb moments that will hopefully make you say ah-ha! We’ll begin by defining the important difference between story and plot, and then we’ll examine that dramatic elements of middle grade fiction. Finally, you’ll begin planning your own story by choosing the dramatic elements that will propel it to success.
Week 3: Middle Grade Characters
This week, you will learn how to write a character sketch. This lesson will show you how goals drive your characters and how flaws impede them. Then you’ll have a chance to choose attributes that create your characters’ goals and flaws.
Week 4: Creating Middle Grade Stories in Three Acts
This week, we will examine the three-act structure. All great fiction uses it. This is because it guarantees an effective beginning, middle and end. This lesson will show you how to apply it to your own work.
Week 5: Relevant Themes for Middle Graders
This week, we’ll explore the ebb and flow of middle grade fiction, and how you create that using plot and story. You’ll have an opportunity to practice writing scenes for your original story and learn how to use transitions and chapter breaks to achieve maximum impact.
Week 6: Middle Grade Dialogue
Dialogue is very different from conversation. This lesson explains why and helps you develop your dialogue-writing skills. You’ll learn how to polish your teen-speak and when to use direct dialogue and when not to.
There will be one live chat during this six-week workshop. There will also be assignments each week that you will have to submit by Sunday evening. It is a workshop that you won’t soon forget. And you will learn how to write in a new genre that is fulfilling and rewarding.
I can’t wait to see you in the workshop!
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Denise Bauer DiLeo
