Young Writers' Workshop (Ages 13 - 15) - Virtual

Are you a high school student with a passion for storytelling? Join us for an immersive week-long Young Writers Workshop dedicated to the art of crafting compelling fiction. Throughout this dynamic program, you'll explore essential elements of fiction writing and hone your storytelling skills.

Workshop Highlights:

Deep Dives into Craft Elements: Delve into the fundamental building blocks of fiction writing as we explore elements including plot development, character creation, narrative voice, setting, and theme. Through engaging discussions, interactive exercises, and hands-on activities, you'll learn how to bring your stories to life with depth and resonance.

Interactive Writing Sessions: Put your newfound knowledge into practice through a series of interactive writing sessions designed to ignite your imagination and spark creativity. Whether you're crafting a gripping plot twist, developing multi-dimensional characters, or experimenting with narrative techniques, you'll have the opportunity to explore diverse genres and styles while receiving personalized feedback.

Publication Strategies: Learn about the publishing process and gain insights into strategies for submitting your work to literary magazines, journals, and online platforms. Discover the importance of crafting a compelling author bio, writing a cover letter, and navigating the submission process with confidence.

Drafting a Short Story: Throughout the workshop, you'll work on drafting a short story from start to finish, applying the techniques and principles covered in class to your own creative project. Whether you're drawn to speculative fiction, mystery, romance, or realism, you'll have the opportunity to explore your unique voice and style while receiving guidance and support from your instructor and peers.

Community and Collaboration: Immerse yourself in a supportive and inclusive community of fellow young writers who share your passion for storytelling. Connect with like-minded peers, participate in group discussions, and engage in collaborative activities designed to inspire creativity and foster a sense of camaraderie.

Celebration and Reflection: Conclude the workshop with a celebration of your achievements as you share excerpts from your completed short stories with your classmates. Reflect on your growth as a writer, celebrate your creative accomplishments, and leave feeling inspired and empowered to continue your writing journey beyond the workshop.

Share Your Work with the World: Sharpen your presentation skills and share your creative voice with confidence! Learn effective public reading techniques and receive tips for engaging an audience. Then, showcase your literary talents at a special Thought Fox open mic or Young Writers Workshop-exclusive reading event (format TBD).

Lara Ehrlich is the author of the novel Bind Me Tighter Still (Red Hen Press, 2025) and Animal Wife, which won Red Hen Press’s Fiction Award judged by NYT-bestselling author Ann Hood and was published by the press in 2020.

In addition to being the founder & director of Thought Fox Writers Den, Lara teaches writing at the University of Connecticut and the Yale Young Writers Workshop. She has also led workshops at Bread Loaf Writers Workshop, the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing at Arizona State University, AWP, and Story Studio Chicago, among others.

Lara is the host of Writer Mother Monster, a conversation series devoted to dismantling the myth of “having it all” and offering writer-moms solidarity, support, and advice.

Event Venue

Online