As a YA writer, you might be located in any part of the world. At one point, your resources for writing might have been limited by how far you could travel. However, with the internet and the spread of online learning, it’s become more common to take writing courses from your computer.
We’ve compiled a few writing courses to help you improve as a YA writer, including several free options at the bottom of the article!
Gotham Writers
While based in New York, their online classes can be attended by anyone around the world.
These classes don’t take place in real time, but you do have the option to attend a weekly one-hour chat session. Classes advance week by week and you have a seven-day time period to accomplish certain tasks.
Aside from the convenience of time and location, you have a record of everything that transpires in class, which you can print out and keep for future reference. (The material is written, not video.)
Class size is limited, so that all students get personal attention.
In particular, YA writers might be interested in this course
Place & Price: Zoom: real-time video conference Tuition: $165 Registration fee $25, paid once per term
The Creative Penn
This course is a step-by-step guide on story structure and the elements of a novel.
This course is great if you want to learn at your own pace. Each lesson has videos, downloadable audio, and PDS slides.
Place & Price: Online at your own pace Tuition: $275
Grub Street
From their website: GrubStreet is one of the nation’s leading creative writing centers. We believe that narrative transforms lives, builds bridges, and produces empathy. By rigorously developing voices of every type and talent and by removing barriers to entry, GrubStreet fosters the creation of meaningful stories and ensures that excellent writing remains vital and relevant.
Place & Price:Online Tuition: $200-$400
Udemy Young Adult Fiction Writing Workshop
From their website: Featuring lively discussions between Young Adult Fiction authors Steve and Dani Alcorn, this engaging class gives you all the tools you need to create a bestseller.
We’ll reveal what makes Young Adult novels today’s most exciting genre, and show you how to use the techniques of top-selling authors to create your own finished novel.
Place & Price:Online Tuition: $109.99 but often has discounts for more than 80% off
Wesleyan Creative Writing Specialty at Coursera
From their website: This Specialization covers elements of three major creative writing genres: short story, narrative essay, and memoir. You will master the techniques that good writers use to compose a bracing story, populated with memorable characters in an interesting setting, written in a fresh descriptive style. You will analyze and constructively evaluate peer writing. In the Capstone, you will draft, rewrite, and complete a substantial original story in the genre of your choosing.
Place & Price: Online at your own pace Tuition: Free without the certificate
Brandon Sanderson Lectures at BYU
Author Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn Series and The Stormlight Archive) gives writing lectures at BYU.
Place & Price: Online on Youtube at your own pace Tuition: Free