Do you have a compelling idea for a story or novel featuring a young adult protagonist? Perhaps you have a general sense of the plot but struggle to connect the events in a cohesive way. Or maybe you have a specific storyline and have written extensively, yet something still feels off. This fiction course will help you refine your story ideas and equip you with the tools to generate new ones, all while deepening your understanding of the elements that make for successful fiction.
Program Overview
This course will delve into the key elements of the Young Adult novel, including character development, world-building and conflict, with a particular focus on plot structures. We will analyze common plot frameworks in Young Adult fiction, discussing their mechanics and effectiveness. By examining excerpts from recent YA bestsellers, such as Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give, Karen McManus's One of Us Is Lying and Adam Silvera's They Both Die at the End, we will identify the elements that resonate with readers and learn how to incorporate them into our own writing.
Our goal is to create original material while understanding the stakes in our stories and the unique perspectives we bring as authors. This summer course is perfect for anyone struggling to start a story that has been brewing in their mind or seeking to organize the structure of a long-term project. Students will workshop during the week and showcase it on the last day with an open invitation to family and friends.
At the end of this program, you’ll walk away with:
- A comprehensive understanding of various plot structures that you can apply to your current stories and use to kickstart new projects.
- A developed protagonist profile, along with a clear understanding of other characters and their dynamics with the protagonist.
- A toolkit of world-building exercises that you can utilize in all future writing endeavors.
- A deeper understanding of the expectations within the Young Adult genre and the unique aspects of crafting stories for young adult audiences.
Program Dates
July 28, 2025 - August 1, 2025
Program Costs
- Residential (overnight): $1,680
- Commuter (day): $1,400
All options include:
- One week of faculty-designed and delivered programming, administered online or on campus with educational support staff and program materials
- All technology and software support
- Quinnipiac T-shirt
- Certificate of completion with personal assessment from a QU faculty member
- Special Quinnipiac Admissions events
Discounts and Financial Aid
Partial financial support may be available for those who indicate the need for financial assistance in their online application. Financial support awards are based on a combination of financial need and academic merit.
We are pleased to offer a 15% discount on all summer camps and experiences to current Quinnipiac employees, Quinnipiac alumni and employees of our corporate partners. Please contact summerprograms@qu.edu to request your discount code.
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