Writing for Kids — The Next Step

Ready to take your MG/YA writing to the next level? Maybe you’re trying to polish your novel or complete that short story you’ve been stuck on. This workshop will help you get feedback on your work-in-progress from writers who, like you, love writing for kids. Come with your current project, and be prepared to have fun—and work!—in a supportive atmosphere. We’ll also talk about the revision process, analyze published short stories and/or novel excerpts, swap book recommendations, give each other tips and hints, and do some writing prompts (if time permits). This workshop is for any MG/YA writer with a work-in-progress, whether you’re looking to publish, want to finish a story for your grandkids, etc. Geared toward writing for middle grade (ages 8-12) and young adult (ages 13-18).

Instructor: Tina Tocco is a Pushcart Prize nominee. Her work has appeared in publications for children and adults, including Highlights for Children, Highlights High Five, Cricket, Humpty Dumpty, New Ohio Review, River Styx, Potomac Review, and Italian Americana. Tina has contributed to multiple anthologies, such as The Best Small Fictions (2019). She was a Reader-in-Residence for SmokeLong Quarterly Issue 72. Her short story "The Unknown Soldier" is pending publication in Haunted States of America, a middle-grade ghost story anthology (SCBWI-Henry Holt). Tina earned her MFA from Manhattanville College, where she was editor-in-chief of Inkwell, the college’s national literary journal.

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Details: Writing for Kids — The Next Step takes place Thursdays February 2, February 9, February 16, February 23, March 2, and March 9 from 6:30-8:30pm remotely through Zoom.

Genre: Fiction

Level: Intermediate

Format: Craft and generative workshop with writing in class if time permits and outside of class.

Location: This class takes place remotely online via Zoom.

Size: Limited to 12 participants (including scholarships).

Suggested Sequence: Follow this class with a craft and/or generative fiction workshop, a feedback course, or a publishing course.

Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by December 1.

Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email info@litcleveland.org.

Registration Fee

$180 - Non-Member Registration

$120 - Registration with Member Discount

I'd also like to help out other writers with a donation to the Word for Word Scholarship Fund. (This fund provides low- and limited-income writers in NE Ohio with access to our classes)

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