Tell Your Story: Novels

Novels are an exciting genre in children’s literature, whether they are middle grade (ages 8-13) or young adult (ages 13 and up.) There are seemingly endless novel categories, too: novels in verse, contemporary, horror, fantasy, historical fiction, mystery and narrative nonfiction.

Whatever your novel interest, we’ve got resources and workshops to help you begin, revise, plot, outline, receive feedback, develop characters and more.

No matter where you are on your journey, we’re glad you’re here. We can give you the skills you need to create the very best novel for kids and teens.

Novel Workshops

Start Plotting Your Novel: a Two-Night Mini to Move Your Story Forward

Starts: January 14, 2025

Free #HFGather: 2025 Scholarship Celebration and Information Session

Starts: January 15, 2025

Diving Into Your New (or Next) Novel: An Online Workshop

Starts: February 4, 2025

The Power of Historical Novels in Verse: A Two-Part Mini on Using Poetry and History to Inspire

Starts: February 18, 2025

Whole Novel Workshop: A Virtual Course for Middle Grade and Young Adult Writers

Starts: May 7, 2025

Summer Camp in Writing: Create and Dream!

Starts: July 13, 2025

Whole Novel Workshop: An In-Person Retreat for Novelists (August)

Starts: August 17, 2025

Whole Novel Genre: An Online Course for Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror, & Beyond

Starts: October 8, 2025

Whole Novel Workshop: An In-Person Retreat for Novelists (October)

Starts: October 26, 2025

Explore Our Novel Workshops

Inspiring Children Through Story

“My picture book … deals with parents separating. One little boy, who parents recently divorced, went to bed with [it] many nights. This deeply moved me to know this picture book helped this little boy.”

“I tutor 2nd grade reluctant readers. My understanding of picture book structure and prose allows me to help them learn more than words. Rather than just read the story, we talk about it.”

“You mean I get to keep this book forever?”

…Spoken by a child in tears who was gifted with one of my books at a school visit and had never owned a book before.

“When I hear kids giggle while I’m reading [my book] I feel like I’ve done the job I intended to do.“