Writing YA (Young Adult) Stories for the Screen

The rise of the YA (young adult) novel is arguably the single most significant literary event of the 21st century. In a time of declining book sales, YA readership has exploded. And so has the market for screen adaptations, as well as original TV and film projects targeting the YA market. “If you’re working on the next Harry Potter,” says instructor Kate Montgomery, “or on a reality-based YA drama, the time’s never been better to get it published and/or produced.”

In this 3-hour online class, you’ll learn what sets a YA movie or series apart, the importance of point of view, voice, setting, and subject matter, how to deal with touchy subjects, and how to avoid appropriating. Through a fun mix of short lectures and group and individual writing exercises, you’ll get hands-on experience crafting YA characters and storylines.

“The most compelling YA stories are timeless and tend to resonate not only with 12-18 year olds, but also with adults. Yet the market is ever-evolving,” says Kate. “We’ll look at current trends and how to stay up on them, and you’ll learn how to get your YA project to the right literary agents and producers.”

About The Writing Salon's Remote Classes

You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.