Writing for Young People

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Nikki Sheehan is an author, journalist, mentor and teacher. She has published three novels for young adults, short stories, one biography and two picture books. Her first adult novel is forthcoming. She has also written poetry, advertising copy, subtitles and a TV comedy script. Nikki has been shortlisted for, and won many awards, including being twice nominated for the Carnegie medal.
Nikki loves nurturing creativity as a mentor and course leader, and has been instrumental in several writing careers. She believes that there are fundamental misunderstandings about creativity that stop many people from pursuing their creative goals. As well as sharing the tools of the craft, a sensitivity to the psychology at play in the writer’s mind underpins her teaching, and Nikki is proud to have enabled many writers to find enjoyment, satisfaction and success whether their goal is a flash fiction poem, a novel or a movie script.

Start Date: 18th February, 2025

Duration: 6 Weeks

Fee: $350

1 place remaining

Spark Imagination with Your Stories: Enrol in Our Online Writing for Young People Course

Welcome to our 6-week Online Writing for Young People Course—a dynamic journey crafted for aspiring authors eager to create stories that ignite imagination and inspire wonder in children and young adults. As a writer for young audiences, you have a special opportunity to build worlds that entertain, educate, and empower young minds. This course will enhance your writing skills and help you produce engaging, memorable content that leaves a lasting impression on your readers.

Please note that this course is designed for those who want to write for children or young adults. If you’re looking for a course aimed at children or teenagers themselves, check out our Creative Writing Course for Children (suitable for ages 7-12) or our Writing for Teenagers Course.

Join us on this enchanting journey and discover the secrets to crafting stories that resonate with the hearts and minds of young readers everywhere!

Limited Enrolment: Reserve Your Spot Today

To ensure a high-quality learning experience, this course is limited to just ten students. We recommend registering early to secure your place and kickstart your literary adventure.

Extended Access: Lifetime Access to Course Materials

Once the course concludes, you’ll have access to all course materials for an entire year, allowing you to revisit lessons and refresh your knowledge as needed.

Global Reach: Open to Students Worldwide

You don’t have to be based in Ireland to join us. Our online courses welcome aspiring authors from around the world. Become part of our diverse community of passionate writers and gain insights from a variety of perspectives.

Weekly Assignments and Personalised Feedback

On the first day of the course, your tutor will send you your initial module (please check your Spam/Junk folder for this email and add us to your contacts for smooth communication). Each week, you’ll receive assignments designed to refine your skills and keep you on track. Your dedicated online tutor will assess each assignment and provide personalised feedback to support your growth as a writer. The course is structured around weekly modules, with new materials delivered as text lessons. We suggest dedicating 2-3 hours each week to the course, but with no set class times, you can learn at your own pace.

Course Outline

Module 1: Children are all different

In this first week we look at both children’s books today, and who you are as a children’s writer. After learning why understanding the norms of different age ranges and genres is essential, we will ask you to think about the books that moved, entertained or influenced you, as a child and now, so that you can begin to define who you are as a writer, and be ready to meet your own goals.

Module 2: Ideas, words and pictures

In this second week we will look at story ideas, topics and themes and how they may have changed from when you were younger, touching on what currently appeals to children and to the publishing industry. ideas. As part of this we will focus on the art of the picture book. Even if you know you want to write for older children,
by learning to write a picture book you will have a firm grasp of how to structure a story for any age.

Module 3: Real characters

This week we will cover what makes a character work both for you as the author, and for the reader. Children look to their storybook heroes for inspiration, so you will learn to create likeable, independent characters who develop throughout a story. You will read about the importance of sensitivity and inclusion and how to make a modern reader feel right at home within your story world. This will be done via a focus on chapter and middle grade books (aged 6-12).

Module 4: Telling teens

This week we will tackle plot, and whether you currently consider yourself a plotter or a pantser, you will become more confident in how to tame a long story with aplomb. This week’s focus will be on Young Adult (YA) fiction, a distinct and exciting format which is popular with children from 12 up to adult readers, and much sought-after by the film industry.

Module 5: On the moon or in the classroom

By now you will know where your heart lies (though age-wise) but where will your story be set? This week we will look at how to build a story world and how to use language to bring this to life, whether in a picture book or a long YA novel.

Module 6: On the shelf

Publishing is now a very professional industry and expectations are high of new writers. In our last session I will give you practical insights and trade secrets of children’s publishing and show you how to edit your way to success.

Get Started – Enrol Today

By enrolling in our Online Writing for Young People Course, you’re investing in your development as a writer while also nurturing the imaginative and emotional growth of countless young readers eager for your stories. Your words can inspire dreams, ignite curiosity, and foster empathy, shaping the minds and hearts of the next generation.

Begin your transformative journey and leave your unique mark on children’s and young adult literature. Join our Online Writing for Young People Course today and start crafting unforgettable stories that will enchant, inspire, and delight young readers for years to come!

To find out more about how the online courses work, or if you have any further queries, you can check out our Frequently Asked Questions or email us at info@creativewriting.co.nz.

Our cancellation/refund policy may be viewed here.

Start Date

18th February

Duration

6 weeks

Price

$350

Tutor

Nikki Sheehan

About The Tutor

Nikki Sheehan
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