February 4, 2025 - February 25, 2025
Online
$399Overview
A 4-Week Online Course
Each novel begins with a new idea, a new page, a new chapter, and countless choices about character, plot, and pacing. This course is designed with those choices in mind. Work with celebrated novelists, Rajani LaRocca, Leah Henderson, and Chris Tebbetts to begin (or begin again) your novel in 2025.
- Live presentations at 7pm – 8:30pm Eastern on Tuesdays (February 4, 11, 18, and 25)
- Weekly writing exercises.
- Workshop the first three chapters of your novel (or novel ideas) in small discussion groups. (You will be assigned for February 11, 18, or 25)
- Differentiated exercises to support intuitive writers, plotters, and those who flow between.
- 24 participants max
Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend the live sessions and you would still like to register, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re usually posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through March 31, 2025.
Please note that workshopping sessions will not be recorded.
Why This Workshop?
Are you starting a novel for the first time, or starting over again with a new novel? This multi-week course has been thoughtfully designed to support you as you begin.
Rajani LaRocca, Leah Henderson, and Chris Tebbetts will help you explore:
- What type of “planning” works best for your new novel: character interviews, intuitive inspiration, and/or plot structure mapping?
- How to establish the beginning pages and get your novel off to a strong start so that you can finish a first draft,
- and how to engage in feedback when you are early in the drafting process.
Highlights of the course include:
- Weekly presentations with your goals in mind,
- Weekly writing exercises (and/or reflections) to move you along in your draft,
- Workshopping the first three chapters of your novel (or novel ideas) in small discussion groups. (You will be assigned February 11, 18, or 25)
Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend the live sessions and you would still like to register, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re usually posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through March 31, 2025.
Please note that workshopping sessions will not be recorded.
Feedback Expected
- Informal feedback in the classroom around weekly discussion posts
- Workshopping the first three chapters of your novel in small discussion groups. (You will sign up for February 11, 18, or 25) You will submit your work and questions to your group one week prior to your discussion. Your work will be the focus of a discussion for 15 – 20 minutes, with ample follow up in the virtual classroom for your remaining questions.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- Beginning novelists. Not sure where or how to begin your novel for children or teens, join this course for strategies to support this new adventure.
- Experienced novelists looking to begin again. Each novel is an exercise in starting over! Get support during this process with faculty and fellow writers as you start your next novel.
- You need a workshop that fits into your schedule. This is an online course. All live lectures will be recorded so that you can watch the recordings at a time that best fits your needs. The virtual classroom is available for questions and interaction with your faculty and fellow writers. (Please note that small group workshops will not be recorded.)
- You’d like a high level of engagement with fellow writers and faculty so that you can experiment and grow as a novelist.
Detailed Agenda
All Times are Eastern Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
At least one week prior to the course, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards).
Week 1: Begin (Again)
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 7 – 8:30pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom)
- 7pm Welcome and Introductions (You will share three key ideas about your new novel.)
- 7:30pm Presentation One: Where to begin? (Story ideas and making progress on drafts) with Rajani LaRocca
- 8:30pm Overview of virtual classroom and week one writing exercise/reflection
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Introductions
- Discussion of writing exercise/reflection
- Submission for first workshopping (eight students will submit this week)
Week 2: All About Character!
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 7 – 8:30pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom)
- 7pm Presentation Two: Crafting Rich Characters in Unique Worlds with Leah Henderson
- 8pm Small Groups (workshop the first 2 novels in your group)
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Discussion of writing exercise/reflection
- Submission for second workshopping (eight students will submit this week)
Week 3: A Strong Start
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 7 – 8:30pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom)
- 7pm Presentation Three: The Importance (or Not) of First Pages with Chris Tebbetts
- 8pm Small Groups (workshop the next 2 novels in your group)
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Discussion of writing exercise/reflection
- Submission for third workshopping (eight students will submit this week)
Week 4: Bringing it All Together!
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 7 – 8:30pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom)
- 7pm Small Groups (workshop the final 2 novels in your group)
- 7:30pm – 8:30pm Presentation Four: Revision and Continuing YOUR Process
Commitment Required for the Best Experience
This multi-week online program is best if you attend or watch all presentations, take part in the small group workshopping, and reserve time for the writing exercises and reflections. (Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend the live sessions and you would still like to register, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re usually posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through March 31, 2025. Please note that workshopping sessions will not be recorded.)
The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.
How It Impacts Kids
Novels for all ages and in all genres are an important part of readers lives. This workshop will help you start (or start again) at page one and begin your new novel.
Testimonials from Our Community
“Every time I’ve been to Highlights or taken a class online, I’ve made fabulous connections with other writers, and advanced my craft skills.”
“The virtual classes are wonderful and accessible…especially for teachers, like me, who fit classes in after a day of teaching.”
