Writing Workshop with Author Suzanne Nelson for Grades 7-12

Join author Suzanne Nelson for this hands-on writing workshop which will focuses on the methods and styles for crafting novels. Dialogue, plotting, conflict, and characterization styles will be discussed and practiced, in addition to conversations about the publishing and submission process. The majority of the course consists of in-class writing exercises and in-class critiquing by peers and instructor. The goal is to write at least several paragraphs or the opening pages of a novel, or begin developing an outline along with character studies and opening hooks. For those entering 7-12 grade in Fall 2025.

Pre-Class Assignment: Brainstorm at least one idea for a novel and at least one character. Write an opening paragraph and bring it to the first class for critiquing. Also, bring along a book you love that's similar in genre to the one you want to write, for discussion purposes.

Pizza will be provided for a lunch break or bring your own! 

Suzanne Nelson is the award-winning author of dozens of middle grade novels, including You’re Bacon Me Crazy, which was adapted into a romantic comedy movie for the Hallmark Channel. Her YA novel, Serendipity’s Footsteps, was a Sydney Taylor Honor Book. She was born in New Jersey, grew up in Southern California, attended college in Texas, and spent eight years as a children’s book editor in New York City. She now lives with her family in Ridgefield, Connecticut.