Developing your writing for children

About this course

The course explores fiction writing for different age groups, including teens and young adults. Topics include point of view, character development, voice and style, genre, and dialogue, alongside analysis of contemporary children’s authors and the range of books currently published for children. Teaching combines talks illustrated with children’s books, writing exercises, group discussion and workshop feedback. Learners develop and review their own stories, with opportunities to revise and edit their work and consider the roles of agents and publishers.

What you'll learn

• Apply point of view, character, voice, style, genre and dialogue techniques in fiction for children and young adults
• Develop, revise and edit original stories
• Assess their own and others’ writing with sensitivity
• Identify the range of books available for children
• Explain the roles of agents and publishers in children’s writing

Is this course right for you?

Entry is open to potential writers who can write fluent English. The course is intended for learners at all levels and involves producing original work, sharing it with peers and taking part in group discussion and constructive workshop feedback.

• Fluent English is expected for entry.
• Learners should be prepared to share writing and respond to work in a group setting.

Before you go

• Bring a notebook, paper and writing materials.
• Work must be shared with peers on Google Classroom before the lesson.
• Independent reading and writing projects are set outside class.
• Learners are encouraged to give advance content notes when sharing writing that may contain sensitive material.