For many authors, seeing their work in print can mean they’ve accomplished a major goal. In this ongoing class we will switch between two components, alternating weeks. Learners can choose to work on flash fiction short stories, poetry, and/or essays, as well as shift between them. Ages 12-17
Polishing and Publishing Short Bites – Stories, Poetry, and Essays on Outschool.
Component one: The first class, as well as every subsequent alternating week, will have a semi-workshop structure. We will talk about what is necessary for a piece to be polished enough for submission, what pieces students are currently working on, and what challenges individual students are having with their current work. Learners will brainstorm ideas to help other students with their writing problems, as well as provide support for one another. The teacher will also provide short feedback on pieces brought in each week. Outside of class learners will be expected to have a piece they are working on to bring to each class. This can be revisions on the same piece each week, or a new piece of work. During class each learner will come up with the kind of market they think their piece would be good for, and we will keep a running list.
Component two: The second class, and on every subsequent alternating week, will be devoted to market research and submissions. Using the genres and styles of pieces that students are working on, each week there will be a checklist of markets that students will research together. Students will use several checklists to evaluate each market to see it if is worth submitting to, find out how the market works, and how to submit. For students interested in that market we will go over the submission process. While the act of submitting will not necessarily be done in class, all students will be equipped with the knowledge of whether a market is good for the particular piece they are working on, and how to submit it after class
Note: This is a good class for teens who have experience writing and revising, and have work they would like to polish and submit. We will not be discussing the basics of creative writing as it will be assumed that learners will already have mastered that information. My classes on the different parts of writing are a good alternate for those looking for a foundational classes.