Yearlong in YA and MG Manuscript
with Karen Finneyfrock
Genres: Fiction, Young Adult/Children's Lit, Novel
Online
Online Introductory, Intermediate
Introductory, Intermediate 30 Sessions
30 Sessions In this craft-focused cohort, we’ll focus on writing and revising our Young Adult and Middle Grade drafts. Through craft talks, close readings, writing exercises, and workshop, we’ll learn how to develop our story visions into a completed, compelling story. Perfect for writers at all stages in their YA or MG manuscript who would benefit from tightening their craft knowledge and from the accountability of a supportive cohort.
In fall, we’ll focus on elements of craft and generative techniques to write your book. We’ll practice story structure, voice, and tension while creating memorable characters and write a LOT. Then, in winter and spring, we’ll focus on workshopping in large and small groups.
Leave with many new pages of writing, substantive feedback on (up to) one hundred pages of your project, knowledge about the publishing industry, and the tools you need to continue forward with your YA or MG novel.
What to expect:
- Generative Writing: students create new work during class or from assignments.
- Workshop: students submit work for critique from the teacher and class.
- Craft Discussion: teachers and students explore essential elements of the craft.
- Feedback from both peers and instructor.
- 2-3 hours of writing and/or reading outside of class.
Students say…
“Karen is an amazing instructor and this class was one of the best parts of my year!”
“Karen consistently prepared a structured, thoughtful, engaging lesson. Her passion and support for writing for kids and youth are apparent. She cultivated a class community who actively listened to one another, learned from each other, and worked well in the workshop portions of class. When I do accomplish publishing a YA novel, Karen will be one of the teachers and mentors who helped me develop my writing craft and get the job done!”
Q&A with Yearlong in YA & MG Manuscript instructor Karen Finneyfrock:
Who is this class best suited for? How much writing experience do I need to take this class?
This class is suited to both beginners and experienced writers looking for consistent workshop on their YA or MG projects. Students will benefit most who have or can generate at least one hundred pages of their project by January in order to get the most out of our workshop.
What will I learn over the course of this yearlong?
You will learn all the basic skills needed to write a YA or MG novel including character, conflict, story structure, plot, scene, and pacing. You will learn how to particpate in a positive and fruitful workshop atmosphere. You will learn ways of looking deeply into your work and the work of others and offering the right kind of feedback that encourages artistic growth and the desire to return to the work.
What's the balance of in-class generative writing, lecture, and workshop?
In-class generative writing and lecture take up the bulk of our first ten classes. The next seventeen classes are dedicated to workshop and the final three classes feature guest speakers.
How many times can I expect to workshop?
Depending on class size, students can expect to be workshopped approximately 9-12 times.
How much time outside of class will I need for this class each week?
Approximately two to four hours of work outside of class.
How much feedback will I receive on my work? Will it be from peers or my instructor?
You will receive considerable feedback from the instructor on your work at least three times and feedback from your peers approximately 9-12 times.
Who will we be reading?
Examples of the authors we will read include: Nicola Yoon, Brendon Mull, Kekla Magoon, Elizabeth Wein, and Tomi Adeyemi.
What will I come out of this yearlong with?
You will come out with strong knowledge about how to create and structure your YA or MG novel, a quantity of new pages written, and substantive feedback on one hundred pages of your project. Dedicated students can use this structure to write an entire YA or MG manuscript. You will have knowledge about the publishing industry and next steps to take your project toward publication.
Use this space to write anything else you want your students to know going in.
Most students report that the positive workshop atmosphere, the cohort of other dedicated writers, and the accountability are some of the most beneficial aspects of this class. In addition to all the building blocks of the novel, reading examples, and specific tools you will gain from the class, the experience of being part of the class tends to offer tremendous benefit. Come join us for the weekly community in novel writing!
Registration Dates:
- August 13: Member registration opens at 10:30 am PT
- August 20: General registration opens at 10:30 am PT
- September 1: Last day of Early Bird discount
This class is not eligible for a member discount. Learn more here »
Payment plans are available for classes with 8+ sessions. Email education@hugohouse.org to inquire about payment plan options.
Karen Finneyfrock
Karen Finneyfrock is a poet and novelist. She is the author of two young adult novels: The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door and Starbird Murphy and the World Outside, both published by Viking Children’s Books. She is one of the editors of the anthology Courage: Daring Poems for Gutsy Girls, and the author of Ceremony for the Choking Ghost, both released on Write Bloody press. She is a former Writer-in Residence at Hugo House. Learn more on her website: http://www.karenfinneyfrock.com.
FAQ
Complete FAQEach class description includes a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of in-class activity, feedback, and homework (if any).
Generative means you’ll be generating new writing, either in class or at home between classes.
Workshop means you’ll be sharing work to be read and critiqued by your instructor and classmates and that you will also be critiquing the work of your peers.
Reading means you’ll be doing close reading of a work with an eye toward craft.
Craft discussion means you’ll be looking at the tools writers use to do that thing they do so well and then trying it out yourself.
Class levels are designed for various stages of the writing journey. Simply self-select the level that sounds best for where you’re at.
Introductory: This is your first creative writing workshop, first writing class since high school, or first foray into a new genre or form. You’re looking to try something new, kickstart your writing, and/or establish yourself in the fundamentals.
Intermediate: You have a strong understanding of writing fundamentals and are eager to deep dive into craft. You’re honing your writerly identity and voice through independent projects. In workshop, you look for constructive feedback and are ready to do writing and reading outside of class.
Advanced: You’ve written a significant body of work and have taken it through several stages of revision. You’re getting ready to publish or are in the early stage of publishing, and you’re interested in refining the skills that will take you to the next level in the literary industry.
All Levels: You are any of the above and are looking to play with new possibilities.
You’ll get your class information, including Zoom link if applicable, three days before the first day of class.
Write With Hugo House is our free monthly write-in program, operated in partnership with the Seattle Public Library. Two take place onsite at SPL locations, one takes place online.
Sliding-scale classes are offered every quarter. Find them in our Class Catalog.
We announce flash sales, early bird periods, and special deals through our e-newsletter; sign up at the bottom of this page.
At this time, we offer payment plans on classes 8 sessions and up. Email education@hugohouse.org with the name of the class you’re interested in to set up a payment plan.
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We charge a 5% nonrefundable administrative fee for all payment plans.
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Extended payment plans up to 8 monthly installments and 16 semi-monthly installments are available upon request.
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We are unable to hold seats for prospective payment plan students. Students will be enrolled once their first installment has been paid.
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If you need to cancel, Hugo House will issue refunds according to its cancellation and transfer policies. Your 5% nonrefundable admin fee will not be refunded.
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If you withdraw from a class after it begins, you will not receive a refund and are still responsible for paying the full course tuition.
Asynchronous classes are perfect for students that need flexibility!
During an asynchronous class, instructors release new lessons once per week. Students then have one week to complete that lesson and any accompanying coursework. You’ll learn as much as you would in a traditional class but with the flexibility to work at the best times for your schedule!
While there are no live sessions, asynchronous classes are still a lively and rigorous experience. Async classes are not static lessons but an adaptable and energetic community space. Be ready to work in a collaborative environment, giving and receiving feedback on your writing, participating in discussions, and growing your writing practice in a way that works best for you.
Asynchronous classes take place through the website Wet Ink. Students receive an invitation to the class and to set up a Wet Ink account on the start date of the class. Each week of the class, a new lesson will be available through the Wet Ink portal. Classes close two weeks after the end date, and students receive an email containing their content from the class when it closes.
Hugo House will only process refund requests that are submitted 5 business days or more before the class start date. To request a refund, log in to your account, go to “My Account,” select the “Orders” tab on the left-hand side, click the appropriate order, and request a refund for your specific class. Administrative fees apply. Please see our full refund policy here.
In general, we do not record classes. However, an exception if a student has specific access needs.
We encourage students to only sign up for classes that fit with their schedule.
We do not tolerate racist, sexist, homophobic, ableist, transphobic or any other oppressive behaviors, regardless of who commits them. Please check out our full community guidelines by clicking here. If an instance of community guidelines are violated and not resolved within the classroom, students may let us know by filling out the student incident report.
If Hugo House needs to cancel a class for any reason, you’ll receive a full refund.
You can apply for a scholarship by clicking the red “Request a Scholarship” text on class pages. The scholarship request text is located at the top of each class page, underneath the “add to cart” button.
Hugo House members get to register early for classes – a full week before they open to the general public!, receive a 10% discount on events and classes, and more. See the full list of membership benefits here!
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