Your teen writes. Now what?
They fill notebooks. They've got a story going that they won't let you read. You can tell there's something there and you have no idea how to help them develop it, because you're not a writing teacher and encouragement only goes so far. This class is what comes next.
What this is
A real writing class for homeschool teens, taught by someone with 17 published books. Twice a month they get a lesson. Twice a month they bring pages to a critique group and get honest, useful feedback from a working author and from other teen writers.
That second part is the part most young writers never get. Family will tell them it's wonderful. A critique group will tell them the middle drags, and then show them how to fix it.
What your teen learns
Story structure
so their ideas have somewhere to go
Character development
past “she's nice and has a horse”
Revision
which is where writing actually happens and where most teens quit
How to give feedback
which teaches them more than receiving it does
How to receive feedback
without falling apart, a skill worth more than the class costs
What publishing actually involves
from someone who's done it repeatedly
How it works
For parents
Does this count for credit?
Many homeschool families use it as an English or creative writing elective. You know your state's requirements better than I do, but the workload supports it.
What about a portfolio?
Teens leave with actual finished work, which matters for college applications and for their own sense of themselves as writers.
How much do I need to be involved?
Very little. Show up, log on, that's it. The critique groups are the teen's space.
What if my teen is shy?
Most of them are, at first. Critique groups are structured so nobody has to improvise, and reading your work to strangers gets dramatically easier around week 3.
FAQ
When does the class start?
As soon as 3 students are enrolled. I'm aiming for October, and joining the interest list means you'll hear the moment it's confirmed.
What age is this for?
Teens, roughly 13 to 18. If your writer is younger and serious, ask me and we'll talk about fit.
What do they need?
A computer, an internet connection, and something they're working on or want to start.
Does my teen need to be good already?
No. They need to want to get better, which is different and more useful.
Can they join mid-session?
Yes, in most cases. Ask.
Get on the list and I'll tell you the minute it's confirmed.
No commitment, no payment, just first word when the start date is set.
Questions first?