One of the cool things about taking teen writing at Bellevue College, is working with a published author. Lois Brandt (who is certifiably awesome) teaches Writing Short Stories in the Teenage Novelist program. Students rave about her classes, which have included the “Write a Novel in 30 Days” class she usually teaches in November (to go along with NaNoWriMo) and “Editing Your Manuscript.” Lois is a prolific author of short fiction, and her new book, Maddie’s Fridge is coming out in September!
Teenage Novelist: Writing Short Stories
7/21/2014 – 7/25/2014 OR 8/4/2014 – 8/8/2014
Every story has a beginning middle and end, but how do you write stories that make your readers lean forward to find out what happens next? In this short story class students learn characterization and plotting. We will create memorable characters and chase them through a 2000 – 7000 word story. Once our stories are drafted we learn to edit and polish. Each student will leave the class with at least one completed short story. All genres are welcome.
Interview with Lois Brandt
1. What were you writing when you were a teenager?
When I was a teenager I was writing a novel set in the Civil War. I was particularly interested because my Mom and Dad’s families fought on separate sides, so I wrote about a family that split down the middle. Two brothers wanted to fight for the South and two brothers for the North. The viewpoint character just wanted the family back together.
2. You have a book, Maddie’s Fridge, coming out in September. What did you say or do when you found out it was being published?
To be honest, I broke into tears. Maddi’s Fridge is a story that has been in my heart since I was about ten. Stories and events stick inside my head until I give them voice on paper. In this case, I couldn’t forget the day I found out my best friend had no food in her home. This wasn’t a temporary “Mom and Dad were too busy to shop.” They had absolutely no food and were days away from their mom’s payday. A discovery like that changes your world. It did not make the news (“American family has no food”), but it changed forever the way I looked at people with less money or resources. These are our friends and neighbors who are struggling for food, housing, and jobs. What do you do when your best friend is in trouble? Maddi’s Fridge tells that story.
3. What are some of your favorite things about working with teen writers?
Teen writers are brilliant. I say that in all humility. I am awed by the ideas that teens come up with and where they take the writing prompts and exercises I give them. They are also quick to learn and willing to try new things. Some write with brilliant voices, others have unique ideas and/or characters. All bring something interesting to the class.
4. What advice do you have for teens who hope to be published?
The first is a caveat: Writers are about writing. Yes, we want to publish and yes, all of us are at this very moment trying to get paid for our work. There is this whole business side that we really have to pay attention to. But for now, write. I have a game I play with myself. If someone asks what I do, and I’ve met my daily writing goal, then I allow myself to say I write. If I have not writtin, I say my other profession — teaching. If I’m extremely frustrated (missed a writing day), I list my profession as cat sitter. If you want to be published: write. The more you write, the better you’ll be. The better you are, the greater your chance of publication.
What Happens Next?
Week 1, July 14-18Teenage Novelist: The Novel in a Nutshell |
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Teen Poets: Dancing on the Razor’s Edge |
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Teenage Novelist: Talking To Your Characters |
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Week 2, July 21-25 |
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Creating Graphic Novels (Dana Sullivan. Waitlisted)Young Writers’ Workshop (Waitlisted)Teenage Novelist: Writing Short Stories (Lois Brandt)Teenage Novelist: Scenes and DreamsGeek Fiction Writing |
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Week 3, July 28-August 1Teenage Novelist: Plotting and SchemingTeenage Novelist: Revisioning the NovelTeenage Novelist: Publishing |
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Week 4, August 4-8Teenage Novelist: Novel IntensiveTeenage Novelist: Writing Short Stories (Lois Brandt)Teenage Novelist: Live-Action Writing
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And don’t forget August 10-13Summer EpicWrite Camp!!! (not affiliated with BC)REGISTER FOR EPICWRITE |