The Five Ws (and One H) of Drafting Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels

By answering the traditional five “W” (and one “H”) questions, you’ll craft a substantial outline which will serve as a guide for drafting your MG/YA novel.

Assignments will be posted weekly. There will be several opportunities to post work and receive feedback from your peers, as well as weekly feedback from Amanda.

Also, there is an optional (but highly encouraged) 30-minute one-to-one Zoom call with Amanda to discuss your work in progress or anything else related to the class. This call will be scheduled at mutual convenience between weeks three to seven.

Learning and Writing Goals

By the end of the course, you will have a chunky outline that will serve as a road map for writing the rough draft of your MG/YA novel. In addition, you will have drafts of the first and last chapters written, along with key scenes.

Course Syllabus

Week One: Before the Questions

What is middle grade and young adult fiction? Where does your story belong? We’ll look at common attributes, industry standards, and recent award winning novels so that you’re ready to plot a strong outline.

Assignment: Briefly answer the 5Ws +H questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How) about your middle grade/young adult novel.

Week Two: Who is involved?

Characters are the lifeblood of children’s literature. We’ll look at the building block of crafting memorable characters (main, supporting, and opposing) that readers will gleefully follow down dark alleys, sneak aboard any spacecraft with, or entrust their heart to, page after page.

Assignment: Write two scenes. One including the protagonist and an antagonist and one including the protagonist and a supporting character. Begin word bank.

Week Three: What is happening?

The Opening: The first pages set the tone for the entire novel. We’ll look at the elements needed for a captivating opening.

Assignment: Write in the main character’s voice about their own emotional state, problems, and wants at the novel’s beginning. Brainstorm at least three plot twists. Continue word bank.

Week Four: When is it happening?

The Middle: The main character must propel the plot forward. By having a clear sense of action, reaction, and counter action, the reader follows closely along on the journey. We’ll also play with the concept of time in the story world and figure out what type of trials will best reveal characters’ growth or lack thereof.

Assignment: Write in the main character’s voice about their reaction (physical and emotional) to their successes and failures. Brainstorm at least two major and two minor plot twists, including a betrayal by a supporting character. Use word bank.

Week Five: What is happening? (Part Two)

Ending: We’ll look at how resolving plotlines and twists make for an unforgettable ending that will both surprise and satisfy readers.

Assignment: Write in the main character’s voice about their shock or surprise concerning another characters’ actions. Brainstorm at least three plot twists. Write a brief outline.

Week Six: Where is it happening?

Details enrich the reader’s experience. We’ll discuss how to establish a story world that feels real, no matter if the setting is the swamps of an alien world, a 4^th grade classroom, or a stolen camper van on a cross country adventure.

Assignment: Write descriptions in the main character’s voice for their favorite place and least favorite place, including how it makes them feel when they are/are not there. Expand word bank.

Week Seven: Why is it happening?

Using everything you’ve learned about your characters, you’re ready to begin their journey. We’ll zoom out to see how external forces affect the character’s world, then zoom in to see how the character’s wants and needs guide their decision making.

Assignment: Write the First and Last Chapters, along with key scenes.

Week Eight: How is it happening?

A fast-moving, well paced plot is enthralling, but readers want heartfelt connections. As you plot out your novel, you’ll dig deep into the emotional reasons of why characters make their choices.

Assignment: Revise the outline and make a plan to write an entire draft.