ENGL 4207: Writing YA Fiction

University of North Carolina, Charlotte

Today, the young adult (YA) novel is often a beautifully crafted work of literary fiction open to a variety of experimental approaches.� This course serves those who already write, or would like to try writing, YA fiction.� It explores aspects of reading and writing young adult fiction, including developing a narrative point of view, trajectory and conflict, creating complex characters, and issues of voice and style. Section information text: This is an introductory class for those who already write, or would like to try writing, YA fantasy. Today, YA fantasy is a thriving and cutting-edge genre, greatly in demand with publishers. The YA novel is often a beautifully crafted work of literary fiction open to a variety of experimental approaches, including shifting points of view, multiple intersecting narratives, time shifts, and intertextual meta-fiction, as well as more "traditional" approaches to narrative. We'll begin our exploration of YA fantasy by experimenting with brief sketches, descriptions, character portraits, and other exercises to develop new skills and insights into the writing process. In the second half of the course, writers will have the opportunity to plot a YA fantasy novel and produce a synopsis and first chapter. This class also offers beginning writers the chance to become better readers, both through constructive discussions of selections from each others' work, and through reading the work of contemporary writers.

Average GPA: 3.52

Grade distribution records: 131 students across 7 terms.

Grade distribution

Based on 131 student grade records across 7 terms and 2 professors.

Instructors

• Elizabeth Gargano 118 students, Average GPA 3.51
• Andrew Hartley 13 students, Average GPA 3.55