What are some good YA workshops? I'm totally new to it. I've only done a handful of short stories for YA but I want to do books. I'd rather take some workshops first before trying to break into that. Any good ones out there I can do via online?
Good YA writing workshops
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I don't think most of us have done the workshop thing, to be honest. I haven't heard any rave reviews about any courses that can be taken online, though, I'm afraid.
Hmm... I don't know. I think the best thing would be to read quite a few books (if you haven't already done that) and do some research online.
Holly Black has some good links on her website but I haven't used them myself.
Reading, reading and reading is the best idea I think. Then when you think you've read enough read five more books. Then come up with an idea and read books like that.
But for god sakes don't write just like everyone else. Read for inspiration not format. I've caught myself doing that once of twice with my WIP and had to bash my head against the wall to get myself out of it.
Reading, reading and reading is the best idea I think. Then when you think you've read enough read five more books. Then come up with an idea and read books like that.
But for god sakes don't write just like everyone else. Read for inspiration not format. I've caught myself doing that once of twice with my WIP and had to bash my head against the wall to get myself out of it.
SCBWI has conferences, regional ones and bigger ones. I haven't been myself, though I plan to go to their New York conference either this year or possibly just wait until next year.
Thanks, everyone. 
Ideas are not what I lack, just the confidence. But maybe if I read more, that will change.
Ideas are not what I lack, just the confidence. But maybe if I read more, that will change.
The more your WRITE, the more confidence you will have. Finishing your first ever novel (which will probably be rubbish; mine was) is such an amazing feeling of accomplishment. Writing workshops can probably help you with technical issues but most of what you need is already in your head.
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Mediabistro.com has some (expensive) online classes, including one with a YA editor (Liesa Abrams) that I eyeballed but concluded I couldn't afford. And I've heard good things about Gotham Writers Workshop.
If you can, think about joining SCBWI, which does have great conferences (as Bethany pointed out.) I went to the LA conference this August and it was totally worthwhile - lots of editors there, a few agents, and fellow writers. If the SCBWI presence in your locale is big enough, they will have gatherings of writers, critique groups, etc. Cost is $75 a year. www.scbwi.org. If you're in an area with few SCBWI members, though, it might not be worthwhile for you.
And like everyone else said - the most important thing is to read read read and write write write!
If you can, think about joining SCBWI, which does have great conferences (as Bethany pointed out.) I went to the LA conference this August and it was totally worthwhile - lots of editors there, a few agents, and fellow writers. If the SCBWI presence in your locale is big enough, they will have gatherings of writers, critique groups, etc. Cost is $75 a year. www.scbwi.org. If you're in an area with few SCBWI members, though, it might not be worthwhile for you.
And like everyone else said - the most important thing is to read read read and write write write!
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