The Young and The Reckless: Writing for Teens

WRITING 700.1

Enjoy a unique opportunity to learn from today's most exciting YA writers in a convenient virtual conference of prerecorded lectures and panels.

Not Currently Available

Why you should attend.

Learn from contemporary writers how works for teens can meet the needs of today’s readers
Get tips on how to craft plots and characters that resonate and enrapture
Understand your role and responsibilities as a storyteller for teens
Take a deep dive into genres and how to build your story worlds

About this course:

Offered by the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, The Young and the Reckless: Writing for Teens brings together the writing community and some of Southern California’s most accomplished writers and teachers in writing for young adults. Enjoy a unique opportunity to learn from today’s most exciting YA writers in a convenient virtual conference. Handouts and access to daily discussion boards included. Live Zoom panels and networking events on Saturday, August 14 and Saturday, August 21 Prerecorded lectures and conversations available through September 30th.

Live Panels Schedule

Saturday, August 14, 2021

10:00am - 11:00am (PDT) - Opening Remarks + Speed Friend-making event

11:15am - 12:30pm (PDT) - Live Panel: Defining and Redefining YA Literature

Saturday, August 21, 2021

10:00am - 11:15am (PDT) - Live Panel: Who is Your Audience?

11:30am - 12:45am (PDT) - Live Panel: Staying Ahead of the Trend

1:00pm - 2:00pm (PDT) - Closing Reception

Breakout Sessions: Conversations

Conversation Topics:

Discovering Your Story's Theme
Finding a Writing Community
Mining Your Life for Stories
Staying Motivated

Breakout Sessions: Lectures

Lecture Topics:

Asking the Right Questions
Creating a Writing Practice
Fundamentals of Story
Learning From Your Messy First Draft

Accessing Content

You will have access to the pre-recorded lectures, conversations, and Q&A discussion boards from Saturday, August 14 through Thursday, September 30. After that, you will have an additional two weeks to access and download materials, such as handouts or additional resources that the speakers may offer.

Meet the Speakers

This year's featured writers include: Aiden Thomas, Elise Allen, Francesca Lia Block, Pseudonymous Bosch, Mayra Cuevas, Camryn Garrett, Deborah Halverson, Lydia Kang, Sarah Kuhn, Axie Oh, Adam Sass, Eric Smith.

Sponsored in part by the Antioch University MFA program in Creative Writing.