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Writer's Room => Chapter Books, Easy Readers, and Middle Grade (MG) => Topic started by: rajani-rajan on June 14, 2021, 07:25 PM

Title: Recommendations for writing classes?
Post by: rajani-rajan on June 14, 2021, 07:25 PM

I’m partway through my middle grade draft, and realized I could use some more structured support and feedback. I’m looking for a general mg writing class, it would be nice if I could work on my story there, but I’d like to learn more about craft generally.  Any recommendations?

Title: Re: Recommendations for writing classes?
Post by: Vijaya on June 15, 2021, 06:24 AM

I loved the book course I took with ICL: https://www.instituteforwriters.com/ I don't know if you still have to take the magazine course first. Check with them. I've taken both and also taught the magazine course for several years before retiring.

Highlights offers whole novel workshops: https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/programs/2985/the-whole-novel-workshop/
Free expressions also has workshops tailored around novels: https://www.free-expressions.com/

Some craft books that I turn to over and over:
Second Sight by Cheryl Klein
Stein on Writing by Sol Stein
Writing the Breakout Novel and Emotional Craft of Fiction by Don Maass

Check out other threads for book recommendations:
https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?topic=90968.msg1121224#msg1121224
https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?topic=73158.msg899844#msg899844
https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?topic=16508.0

Good luck! I hope you find something that fits your needs and your budget.

Title: Re: Recommendations for writing classes?
Post by: ponywriter7 on June 23, 2021, 02:57 PM

Hi there, The Writing Barn also does a good job with teaching. They have a lot to choose from, some things are one-time webinars, other things are longer term, community-support based classes. thewritingbarn.com

I have been to many Highlights workshops and classes (more when I lived on the east coast and pre-publication) ovr the years, some for a week, others for a weekend, and they are always excellent.

There is always the option, also, of hiring a writing coach who is with you the whole way.

But what you are doing is exactly how you make it happen, you are asking questions, you joined SCBWI, and you are seeking help. Good for you!

Nanci

Title: Re: Recommendations for writing classes?
Post by: verity-mclellan on July 23, 2021, 04:39 AM

I can highly recommend The Novelry,  https://www.thenovelry.com/write-a-book

It has transformed my MG writing

Title: Re: Recommendations for writing classes?
Post by: priscilla.gilman on August 18, 2021, 02:43 PM

I'd be interested in hearing anyone's experiences with Maryrose Wood's class Path of the Storyteller. Also the cost. https://www.pathofthestoryteller.com

Title: Re: Recommendations for writing classes?
Post by: HaroldU on August 19, 2021, 11:20 AM

Quote from: priscilla.gilman on August 18, 2021, 02:43 PM

I'd be interested in hearing anyone's experiences with Maryrose Wood's class Path of the Storyteller. Also the cost. https://www.pathofthestoryteller.com

I don't have experience of it, but it looks like it's focused on writing for adults. And since no price is given, I think you can assume it's high...