Amanda Hosch | Writers.com https://writers.com/instructor/amanda-hosch Your voice is a gift. Share it. Mon, 05 May 2025 23:20:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 Look Again: Revision for Novel Writers https://writers.com/course/look-again-revision-for-novel-writers Mon, 04 Sep 2023 15:37:32 +0000 https://writers.com/?post_type=product&p=17914 Most novels become great through the power of revision. Learn how to turn a rough draft into a swoon-worthy manuscript that readers and publishers will love.

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]]> See your novel with fresh eyes.

Most novelists hope that just a few tweaks will magically transform our rough drafts into swoon-worthy manuscripts. And for a lucky few, sure. For the rest of us, we make the magic by revising.

This course is for anyone with a novel draft, in any genre and at any level of completion. Your work might still have a few “insert scene about how they somehow escape out of this mess here” notes. Or it be may be as polished as you can make it.

You’ll scrutinize three major elements of your novel: character, setting, and storyline. You’ll work scene-by-scene to form a plan for revising each of these elements, and you’ll start strong by revising key scenes within your manuscript.

Look Again will help you look at your manuscript with fresh eyes. You’ll see both its areas that need something, and its marvelous aspects that readers will adore.

By the end of this course, you will have written a synopsis of your novel, revised at least three scenes, received feedback from and offered feedback to your fellow participants, and received comprehensive notes from the instructor on areas to focus on going forward.

Learning and Writing Goals

Learning Goals

In this course you will:

  • Chart the emotional journey of your characters to ensure vibrant characters that grow and change.
  • Work through your story chapter by chapter to ensure it is consistent throughout.
  • Balance setting and description with other elements to enrich your story.

Writing Goals

In this course, you will:

  • Revise at least three scenes and targeted places in your manuscript for further revision.
  • Create a chapter-by-chapter recap of your novel to ensure a strong and consistent story structure.
  • Complete a synopsis (from week five’s work) for when you’re ready to query your manuscript.

Course Format

Weeks 1, 3, and 5 have live classes with brief lectures, group discussions, revision prompts, and lots of time for questions. These calls will be held on 10/5, 10/19, and 11/2, each from 4-6 P.M. U.S. Eastern Time. 

Weeks 2, 4, and 6 will have new text-based assignments. It is highly recommended to submit a scene each session for feedback from both the instructor and other participants.

Weekly Syllabus

Week 1 (live class): The Paradox of Character

Memorable characters act in ways that are always true to themselves while growing and overcoming their fears, ultimately making braver choices at the end. We’ll trace the entirety of their journey to ensure character growth while becoming the best version of themselves. This is also your chance to breathe life into one-dimensional villains and flat sidekicks, making for a richer reading experience.

Assignment: Pick two characters (e.g. main character and main opposing character, MC and sidekick, MC and love interest), and chart how they change, focusing on the choices they make, how their relationships influence each other, and reflect on how their emotional journeys are make physical in the story.

Week 2: Assignment

Choose two scenes from different sections of the manuscript where a character has to make a similar type of choice. Read them side-by-side. See what echoes or threads you can find. With an eye to making the scenes tight, revise them, using the chart from last week.

Week 3 (live class): The Just Right Amount of Setting

Too much description is tedious but not enough can leave readers unmoored. Treating Setting like a major character can help add tension and give the main character yet another opponent (or ally). We’ll look for areas to strengthen and areas to trim. Choose a setting that the MC often is in. With fresh eyes, review what the MC should already know and what would surprise them.

Week 4: Assignment

Revise the scenes from week 3.

Week 5 (live class): Storyline from A to Z

Now that you know who is doing what where, we’ll make sure that your ideas are on the page. A quick chapter-by-chapter recap will reveal gaping plot holes, redundant red herrings, and unsupported events and decisions. We’ll ferret out weak scenes and pinpoint areas that need further revision. And, as a bonus, this week’s exercise can serve as the basis for your synopsis.

Week 6: Assignment: Synopsis

Often required by agents and editors for submission, a synopsis must show what happens in your manuscript, including character changes and plot twists, all in about 500 words. For you as a novelist, a synopsis is a great tool to make sure that the manuscript on the page matches the novel in your imagination.

Why Take a Novel Revising Course with Writers.com?

  • We welcome writers of all backgrounds and experience levels, and we are here for one reason: to support you on your writing journey.
  • Small groups keep our online writing courses lively and intimate.
  • Work through your weekly lectures, course materials, and writing assignments at your own pace.
  • Share and discuss your work with fellow writers in a supportive course environment.
  • Award-winning instructor Amanda Hosch will offer you direct, personal feedback and suggestions on every assignment you submit.
Look Again: Revision for Novel Writers
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]]> Writing for Kids: Entering the World of Children’s Literature https://writers.com/course/writing-for-kids-entering-the-world-of-childrens-literature Sat, 17 Sep 2022 23:38:22 +0000 https://writers.com/product/writing-for-kids-entering-the-world-of-childrens-literature Learn the fundamentals of writing for children in this one day workshop, and write the kinds of stories that kids simply can't put down.

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]]> If you want to write for children, start here!

The Children’s Literature audience runs the gamut, from ages 0 to 18, from babies and their caregivers to emerging readers to (almost) adults. In this half-day webinar, you’ll get a clear overview of Kid Lit today.

You’ll understand the different categories (picture book, chapter book, middle grade, young adult, and more). You’ll learn where your own work belongs in the Kid Lit landscape, and you’ll gain practical building blocks needed to craft stories that kids can’t stop reading.

The writing exercises will reveal your story’s heart, helping to propel the plot forward. At the end, there will be a substantial Q&A session to discuss individual issues, and to clear up any nagging questions—from “Does my picture book have too many words?” to “Why does it seem that all YA protagonists are 17?”

Come ready to dig deep into your main character’s innermost desires. If you haven’t started writing yet, don’t worry: we’ll play with ideas to spark your imagination. Ask questions, share your thoughts and your writing, and be ready to take your insights into the next step of your writing journey.

Learning and Writing Goals

Learning Goals

In the workshop, you will learn:

  • The different categories in Kid Lit
  • Where your story would work best
  • How to write compelling characters
  • What you need to hook a young reader from the first page
  • How to structure an engaging middle section
  • What a makes a satisfying yet surprising ending

Writing Goals

In the workshop, you will write:

  • A passage that reveals your main character’s “want,” which is what they believe they must have in order to be happy.
  • A passage that reveals your main character’s “need,” which is what they actually must accomplish in order to be successful in their personal journey.
  • These guided writing exercises will work for any level, from picture books to young adult, and everything in between.
  • These exercises will clarify your work-in-progress or spark a new story.

Webinar Schedule

This workshop meets from 7-9:30 P.M. U.S. Eastern Time. It includes the following:

  • 20 minutes: Overview of Kid Lit Today: Picture Books, Early Readers, Chapter Books, Middle Grade, and Young Adult
  • 20 minutes: Building Blocks of Captivating Characters
  • 20 minutes: Guided writing session with option to share
  • 30 minutes: Compelling Openings, Fast-Paced Middles, and Unforgettable Endings
  • 20 minutes: Guided writing session with option to share
  • 10 minutes: Avoiding common pitfalls when writing for children
  • 30 minutes: Questions and Answers
Writing for Kids: Entering the World of Children’s Literature
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]]> The Five Ws (and One H) of Drafting Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels https://writers.com/course/drafting-middle-grade-and-young-adult-novels Sat, 17 Sep 2022 23:38:21 +0000 https://writers.com/product/drafting-middle-grade-and-young-adult-novels Asking yourself these six questions will give you the scaffolding for your next young adult or middle grade novel.

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]]> By answering the traditional five “W” (and one “H”) questions, you’ll craft a substantial outline which will serve as a guide for drafting your MG/YA novel.

Assignments will be posted weekly. There will be several opportunities to post work and receive feedback from your peers, as well as weekly feedback from Amanda.

Also, there is an optional (but highly encouraged) 30-minute one-to-one Zoom call with Amanda to discuss your work in progress or anything else related to the class. This call will be scheduled at mutual convenience between weeks three to seven.

Learning and Writing Goals

By the end of the course, you will have a chunky outline that will serve as a road map for writing the rough draft of your MG/YA novel. In addition, you will have drafts of the first and last chapters written, along with key scenes.

Course Syllabus

Week One: Before the Questions

What is middle grade and young adult fiction? Where does your story belong? We’ll look at common attributes, industry standards, and recent award winning novels so that you’re ready to plot a strong outline.

Assignment: Briefly answer the 5Ws +H questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How) about your middle grade/young adult novel.

Week Two: Who is involved?

Characters are the lifeblood of children’s literature. We’ll look at the building block of crafting memorable characters (main, supporting, and opposing) that readers will gleefully follow down dark alleys, sneak aboard any spacecraft with, or entrust their heart to, page after page.

Assignment: Write two scenes. One including the protagonist and an antagonist and one including the protagonist and a supporting character. Begin word bank.

Week Three: What is happening?

The Opening: The first pages set the tone for the entire novel. We’ll look at the elements needed for a captivating opening.

Assignment: Write in the main character’s voice about their own emotional state, problems, and wants at the novel’s beginning. Brainstorm at least three plot twists. Continue word bank.

Week Four: When is it happening?

The Middle: The main character must propel the plot forward. By having a clear sense of action, reaction, and counter action, the reader follows closely along on the journey. We’ll also play with the concept of time in the story world and figure out what type of trials will best reveal characters’ growth or lack thereof.

Assignment: Write in the main character’s voice about their reaction (physical and emotional) to their successes and failures. Brainstorm at least two major and two minor plot twists, including a betrayal by a supporting character. Use word bank.

Week Five: What is happening? (Part Two)

Ending: We’ll look at how resolving plotlines and twists make for an unforgettable ending that will both surprise and satisfy readers.

Assignment: Write in the main character’s voice about their shock or surprise concerning another characters’ actions. Brainstorm at least three plot twists. Write a brief outline.

Week Six: Where is it happening?

Details enrich the reader’s experience. We’ll discuss how to establish a story world that feels real, no matter if the setting is the swamps of an alien world, a 4th grade classroom, or a stolen camper van on a cross country adventure.

Assignment: Write descriptions in the main character’s voice for their favorite place and least favorite place, including how it makes them feel when they are/are not there. Expand word bank.

Week Seven: Why is it happening?

Using everything you’ve learned about your characters, you’re ready to begin their journey. We’ll zoom out to see how external forces affect the character’s world, then zoom in to see how the character’s wants and needs guide their decision making.

Assignment: Write the First and Last Chapters, along with key scenes.

Week Eight: How is it happening?

A fast-moving, well paced plot is enthralling, but readers want heartfelt connections. As you plot out your novel, you’ll dig deep into the emotional reasons of why characters make their choices.

Assignment: Revise the outline and make a plan to write an entire draft.


The Five Ws (and One H) of Drafting Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels
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