Foundations in Creative Writing

Build your storytelling confidence with the basics in fiction, poetry, and personal narrative.

Overview

Foundations in Creative Writing is a small-group course (max 6 students) designed to give teens the essential tools to express themselves through words. Classes are tailored to each student’s voice and interests, so everyone progresses in a way that feels inspiring and natural.

Course Goals

  • Learn the core elements of storytelling — character, setting, and plot.

  • Explore poetry and prose with freedom and skill.

  • Develop creativity, clarity, and confidence in writing.

  • Build a foundation for future creative projects and self-expression.

How Classes Work

  • Twice a week, 75 minutes per session.

  • Rolling starts with year around enrollment — no catch-up stress; one-on-one breakout time per seesion.

  • Materials: just a notebook and pen, though digital writing is welcome.

  • Classes are live, interactive, and hands-on — sessions are not recorded.

  • Parents: encouraged to support but not micromanage; check-ins welcome anytime.

Who This Is For

  • Teens (13–17) eager to develop their voice as writers.

  • Students who want mentorship, guidance, and inspiration, not formulaic “school writing.”

  • Anyone ready to have fun while building real confidence in their creativity.

Choose Your Path

12-Week Deep Dive
All the foundations plus guided projects, mentorship, and a showcase at the end.

  • Frequency: Twice a week, 75 minutes per session

  • Goal: Strengthen writing skills, experiment with different forms, and share your voice.

12-Month Mastery
A full immersion for ambitious writers ready to create, refine, and share their work.

  • Frequency: Twice a week, 75 minutes per session

  • Goal: Develop a strong writing practice, experiment with genres, and build a portfolio of polished work.

Program Outline

12-Week Deep Dive
Goal: Build confidence, strengthen skills, and explore multiple forms of writing.

  • Week 1–2: Storytelling basics — character, setting, plot.

  • Week 3–4: Poetry foundations — rhythm, imagery, and finding your voice.

  • Week 5–6: Personal narrative — memoir, journaling, and self-expression.

  • Week 7: World-building and imagination exercises.

  • Week 8: Writing dialogue that feels alive.

  • Week 9: Short story planning and development.

  • Week 10–11: Guided writing project + peer sharing.

  • Week 12: Showcase & reflection — share excerpts, celebrate growth, and set next steps.

12-Month Mastery
Goal: Deep creative immersion, personal style development, and portfolio building.

  • Month 1–2: Core storytelling skills + short exercises in multiple forms.

  • Month 3–4: Poetry & experimental writing — voice, structure, and creative risks.

  • Month 5–6: Short story writing — drafting, revising, and polishing.

  • Month 7–8: Personal narrative — journaling, memoir, and self-discovery.

  • Month 9–10: World-building & advanced fiction techniques.

  • Month 11: Major project development — with mentorship and feedback.

  • Month 12: Portfolio & showcase — curated collection of work, final reading, and celebration.

Classes are grouped by age

13–14 | 15–17

Ready to sign up and help your teen bring their stories to life? We’d love to have them!