Writing Young Adult Fiction

Quick Facts

Delivery Method Online
Professional Certificate
24hrs Suggested Study Time
3 Months Access
Tutor Support
Study On Any Device
952 Students

Develop your own young adult novel and learn how to break into one of today's hottest publishing markets.

From Harry Potter to Twilight, young adult fiction is one of the hottest genres for today's novels. Teens and adults alike have discovered the excitement and passion of these stories, and publishers are hungry for more. If you're eager to break into this market, this course provides you with the recipe for creating your own successful young adult story and shows you how to get it published.

First, you'll learn why writing young adult fiction is both fun and financially rewarding. After that, you'll decide what type of story you want to tell, plan your plot, and choose the dramatic elements that will keep your readers eagerly turning pages.

Next, you'll discover the secrets for bringing your characters to life. You'll also learn about story patterns, the three-act structure, and a technique called scene and sequel. In addition, you'll find out how to introduce conflict, suspense, and mystery so you can grab and hold your readers' attention.

And are you fluent in teenspeak? In these lessons, you'll master the art of creating dialogue that resonates with teenagers and young adults. You'll also decide which viewpoint, voice, and tense you want to use, and you'll see how imagery can make your story sparkle.

As you master each element of young adult fiction, you'll also be writing scenes for your own story. In addition, you'll analyze excerpts from bestselling young adult books to see what makes them so successful.

In the final lessons, you'll get expert advice on publishing and marketing your book. You'll learn how to find an agent or publisher and how to write a synopsis that sells. You'll also get the facts about literary contests and discover why on-demand publishing might be the perfect choice for you.

If you've dreamed for years of becoming an author, this course can help you turn your dream into a reality. In this course, you'll have all the tools you need to create a polished manuscript and get your story in print!

Courses are delivered to you through expertly executed lessons, online instruction and interaction with like-minded students. Our courses are designed to deliver all of the benefits of studying in a classroom whilst giving you the flexibility to study at a time and place to suit your needs. You can access your classroom 24/7 from any device with an internet connection.

This course has a 3 month duration. You'll complete comprehensive lessons, quizzes and assignments before submitting your final exam at the end of the course to achieve your certificate. Courses must be completed within the 3 month access period.

In our first lesson, we'll explore what makes young adult fiction the most exciting choice for your writing. You'll discover why it's rewarding from both a creative and monetary standpoint, and then you'll have an opportunity to select the genre that works best for your own original story, which you'll develop during this course.

This lesson is filled with what I call "lightbulb moments" that I hope will make you say "Ah-ha!" We'll begin by defining the important difference between story and plot, and then we'll examine the dramatic elements of young adult fiction. Finally, you'll begin planning your own story by choosing the dramatic elements that will propel it to success.

We all have some idea of how to write a character sketch, but do you know the two most important things that drive your characters? This lesson shows you how goals drive your characters and how flaws impede them. Then you'll have a chance to choose attributes that create your characters' goals and flaws. We'll make it easy, with a Comprehensive Character Attribute Form.

What on earth are "story patterns"? This lesson answers that question. By the time you finish it, you'll have a whole cookbook full of great recipes to use in concocting your own original story. Best of all, you'll understand exactly how other best-selling young adult fiction has used those patterns so you can pick the one that works best for you.

You might have heard of the three-act structure, but did you know that nearly all great fiction uses it? That's because it guarantees an effective beginning, middle, and end. I've refined it into my own nine-checkpoint system that makes it incredibly easy to create a well-structured story. This lesson shows you how to apply it to your own work. After following these simple steps, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it!

This lesson delivers plenty of lightbulb moments. It's all about the ebb and flow of fiction, and how you create that using plot and story. You'll have an opportunity to practice writing scenes for your original story and learn how to use transitions and chapter breaks to achieve maximum impact.

Conflict, suspense, and mystery are what make your story exciting. In this lesson, we'll explore how conflict is much more than a fight—it's the dramatic underpinning of your story. Then you'll learn a simple technique for creating suspense. Finally, you'll discover a few tricks for adding mystery to your young adult story.

Dialogue is very different from conversation. This lesson explains why and helps you develop your dialogue-writing skills. You'll polish your "teenspeak" and learn when to use dialect—and when not to. You'll even discover there are some kinds of dialogue that aren't spoken!

Young adult fiction is almost always written in one of three viewpoints and two tenses. In this lesson, you'll have fun comparing the techniques used in some of the best young adult books and discovering which combination you like best. Then you'll have a chance to try them all on your own original story.

Voice can be a slippery concept, but this lesson makes it easy to hold on to. You'll learn how to give your main character or narrator a distinctive voice and then discover other techniques for imparting deeper meaning and bigger imagery to your own young adult story.

As you've seen so far, there's a lot more to writing your novel or screenplay than just jumping in and writing your long form! In this lesson, you'll learn about the collateral documents that will help you with the planning, writing, and marketing stages—stages that are all equally important. You'll also discover how to write a synopsis that sells your work. Finally, I'll give you an extensive Manuscript Evaluation Checklist to help you make your story perfect.

It's all about getting into print so others can read your work, and this lesson shows you how. You'll learn submission strategies for finding an agent or publishers. We'll also discuss what contests can (or can't) do for you. Finally, you'll explore how print-on-demand publishing can turn your young adult fiction into income and might be your perfect choice.

Steve Alcorn

Steve Alcorn is the published author of a wide range of fiction and nonfiction works including the mystery A Matter of Justice, the historical novel Everything in Its Path, the romance Ring of Diamonds (under the pseudonym Sha... Read more

Read Steve Alcorn's Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you've made the payment, we'll send you a confirmation email with a link to start your course. Feel free to get started whenever you're ready!

You'll have 3 months access to your course. In that time you are free to study at your own pace. The course duration is 24 hours.

Online learning is a flexible way to study that fits around your schedule, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. You'll have 3 months to complete the course and can take the multiple-choice questions and final exam whenever it suits you.

If you need help, you can contact us anytime. You can also join the discussion area where you can interact with other students. The discussion area for each lesson is open for the entire duration of the course.

Of course! We offer a 7-day money back guarantee. As long as you haven't completed the course, you can get a full refund within 7 days of enrolling.

We do not offer extensions or transfers for this self-paced course. However, you will have 3 months to complete the course, and if you need to cancel within the first 10 days of enrolment, we offer a money back guarantee.

What people are saying about our courses

This course was extremely helpful and the instructor is excellent. The course material helps to develop a young adult fiction idea and to turn that idea into a story you would want to write and to be enjoyed by the teens reading your work. This course has made a huge difference in my writing and has sparked a great idea for my work of fiction. It has also been helpful for the other students that have already written a story that needs some fine tuning.

Verified Student

Mr. Alcorn is a professional instructor who really cares about his students and the writing process. I had a completed draft of a YA manuscript when I started this course, and through the lessons, I was able to tighten up the story substantially. The lessons took my writing one step beyond, but more importantly, I feel confident that perhaps someday I will see my book in print.

Verified Student

Taking this course has confirmed my desire to write a novel in this genre. Moreover, it also helped me to reassess the story behind my novel, which was becoming a bit overwhelming. I now have a new plan to tackle it because of this course. I highly recommend it, in addition to any other courses that this instructor teaches.

Verified Student

See More Reviews

The Learning Environment

From the moment that you enrol in the Writing Young Adult Fiction you will become an integral part of our learning community. You'll find yourself with the freedom to learn at a speed that suits you, on any device, from anywhere in the world. Achieving your career goals no longer has to mean compromising family and work commitments.

Our Values

Learn At Your Own Pace

We believe in personalised learning. That's why we provide all the tools and support you need to succeed at your own pace. With flexible learning, you'll stay motivated and retain more information. Plus, you can balance your studies with work and family commitments to make your dreams a reality.

We Won't Break The Bank

Education should be accessible to anyone who wants to learn. That's why we offer some of the most competitive prices in the industry with payments plans for just $25 per week. Investing in your future is a smart choice and doesn’t have to break the bank.

Industry-Led Courses

There's no better way to learn than from experts with years of experience in your field. That's why each of our 200+ industry-led courses are designed to give you a real-life perspective on your industry. With our expert mentors, you'll learn from people who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and who are passionate about sharing it with you.

Get The Personal Support You Deserve

At Vibe Learning, we're real people who are dedicated to providing you with personal support every step of the way. Our industry experts are not only professional and knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about sharing their expertise with you. With their guidance, you'll gain invaluable insights and practical knowledge to help you succeed.

Still looking?

Check out the following courses related to Writing Young Adult Fiction:

Get your Book Published

Creative Writing Workshop

Understanding Adolescents Minds

Creativity Training for Writers

Discover more online courses

Writing Young Adult Fiction

$599

$389AUD

Save 35%

Pregnancy Joy: Health and Happiness

Quick Facts

Delivery Method Online
Professional Certificate
24hrs Suggested Study Time
3 Months Access
Tutor Support
Study On Any Device
70 Students

In this course, you'll learn how the stages of pregnancy affect your body, emotions, and budget, and how to prepare yourself and your family to welcome your new baby.

Without a doubt, having a baby is a life-changing experience. And it can sometimes feel overwhelming as you prepare for the many changes you'll face. By learning all about pregnancy, childbirth, and the basics of newborn care, you'll feel better prepared and ready for the challenges ahead.

In this course, you'll learn how the different stages of pregnancy will affect your body, your moods and emotions, and even your relationships. We take a look at the latest nutrition, diet, and exercise information, how pregnancy can change your sex life, and how to financially prepare for your baby. We'll even learn about ways you can cultivate a strong support network to help you through these transitions.

We will review different types of childbirth preparation classes, how to choose your healthcare provider, and options for where you would like to give birth. We also cover the basic physical aspects of childbirth and taking care of mom and baby after the birth.

The goal of this class is to help you feel more confident and calm in the many choices you have throughout your pregnancy and birthing time. The first step to a happy and healthy pregnancy is a happy and healthy you. This class is designed to inform, encourage, and support you during this amazing time of life.

You're pregnant! In this first lesson, we'll examine the basics of pregnancy. You'll discover that a happy and healthy pregnancy involves preparing for physical, emotional, and even social changes. We'll discuss the basics of a prenatal appointment and what to expect with your first doctor's visit, and we'll talk about common fears and worries that pregnant women experience—and how to address them. Even if you're well into your pregnancy, this lesson will help you appreciate the amazing work your body is doing during these nine months!

Today's lesson is all about diet, nutrition, and exercise. We'll go over basic recommendations for what you should and shouldn't eat while you're pregnant, as well as some positive changes you can make for your and your baby's nutritional benefit. You'll also learn about important (and simple!) exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine.

Already feeling some pregnancy highs or lows? You're not alone! Today, we'll discuss the changing emotions associated with pregnancy. You'll learn about physical causes for these emotional shifts, as well as some of the common feelings and experiences of mothers-to-be. What's most important about your emotional state during pregnancy is that you know what's within the range of normalcy.

In this lesson, we'll examine the basics of effective communication. Pregnancy comes with many changes to your life, so it's a great time to strengthen your communication skills. Learning to be a strong communicator will help you advocate for your needs, express your feelings, and be confident in discussing your choices for you and your baby. We'll review some ways to practice effective communication with your partner and other important people in your life, and we'll even talk about communicating with your baby!

You're probably beginning to wonder by now whether some of the physical changes you've been noticing are normal. In all likelihood, yes! Your body will go through a major transformation during pregnancy, and today we'll discuss some of the most common physical changes you can expect, as well as some less common changes. We'll talk about what to look out for that might be cause for concern, and we'll also discuss some discomforts you might be feeling and how you can remedy them. Finally, we'll take a look at a few trimester markers for you and your baby!

In today's lesson, we'll look at some of the major lifestyle changes that can occur during pregnancy, including how and when you sleep and adjustments to your sex life. We'll also discuss some mental shifts you're likely to encounter, and we'll look at some ways you can begin preparing for these changes now. Yes, your life will change in some less-than-desirable ways, but you'll find that you're more resilient than you think!

<p>This lesson is all about the social constructs surrounding pregnancy. We'll look at social dilemmas you're likely to face and social trends affecting your pregnancy and birth. We'll also discuss ways you can create and develop social support throughout your pregnancy.</p>

Have you be thinking about your birth options? You've probably heard that you can give birth in a hospital, a birth center, or even at home. Today we'll discuss these options, and we'll examine the key differences between them. We'll also talk about the types of childbirth preparation classes you can take, and we'll discuss doulas and their role in the birth process. You have a lot of choices when it comes to the delivery of your baby, and we'll take a close look at these in today's lesson!

Budgeting is particularly important when you're expecting a new baby. We'll review some important planning you might want to consider before your baby arrives, and we'll look at how your finances are likely to change and how you can prepare for these changes. We'll also discuss planning for work and childcare.

Fear of delivery is common for pregnant women. Today's lesson will give you the basics about birthing, so you can walk into the labor room armed with knowledge. We'll examine the three stages of childbirth and look closely at the phases within each stage. We'll also address some typical emotions and experiences women go through during each of these stages, and we'll talk about specifics associated with C-sections. By the end of today's lesson, you'll know what you can expect to feel and experience as your body prepares to give birth.

Think of this lesson as baby basics. We'll go over what you can expect a baby to look and act like in the first few weeks in the world. You'll learn about your baby's senses, reflexes, and patterns for sleeping, waking, and eating. And we'll also review some of the decisions new parents have to make about a baby's medical and personal care. You'll come out of this lesson with the tools you need to be ready for your newborn!

In our final lesson together, we'll discuss how you can prepare for the first few days and weeks after giving birth. You'll learn some of the physical and emotional changes you can expect to experience and ways to cope with the adjustment to becoming a parent. We'll also review some of your options for preparing your home and family to welcome your new baby!

Denise Hopkins

Denise Hopkins graduated from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, FL, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and from the University of Oklahoma with a Masters in Human Relations. She has taught classes in the Sociology of Sexuality and ... Read more

Read Denise Hopkins's Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you've made the payment, we'll send you a confirmation email with a link to start your course. Feel free to get started whenever you're ready!

You'll have 3 months access to your course. In that time you are free to study at your own pace. The course duration is 24 hours.

Of course! We offer a 7-day money back guarantee. As long as you haven't completed the course, you can get a full refund within 7 days of enrolling.

The Learning Environment

From the moment that you enrol in the Pregnancy Joy: Health and Happiness you will become an integral part of our learning community. You'll find yourself with the freedom to learn at a speed that suits you, on any device, from anywhere in the world. Achieving your career goals no longer has to mean compromising family and work commitments.