YA is a diverse and ever-expanding genre that charms adults and teenagers alike, offering boundless realms of storytelling. YA fiction appeals to the imagination, allowing writers and readers to explore and flex their creativity within a novel – it is truly a genre of endless possibilities.

Entering into such a vast category of writing can be intimidating, but our 2023 course Writing a Novel for Young Adults will take students through each step of the process and is led by industry professionals and YA powerhouses who offer first-hand knowledge and unique insight into navigating the genre. The course is taught by Shivaun Plozza, award-winning Children’s and YA author of acclaimed works such as Tin Heart and Frankie, and Bec Kavanagh, feminist literary icon whose works have been featured in Shuffle and Kill Your Darlings, to name just a few.

Over the course of four months, Shivaun and Bec will cover everything from plot and characters, to pitching your manuscript for publication. They will be joined throughout the course by a series of celebrated and established writers of YA, such as prolific and award winning author Lili Wilkinson (The Erasure Initiative, After the Lights Go Out) and Simmone Howell of works such as Girl Detective and CBCA 2018 Older Readers: Book of the Year Take Three Girls (with Fiona Wood and Cath Crowley). The distinguished lineup of guest tutors continues with the triumphant Alice Pung of Unpolished Gem (ABIA 2007 Australian Newcomer of the Year winner), and Alison Evans – notable author of queer-YA titles such as Euphoria Kids, Ida and Highway Bodies. 

Guided by these experienced YA practitioners, students in Writing a Novel for Young Adults will develop their skills, network with their peers and learn the ins-and-outs of the diverse spectrum that is the YA genre.   

Writing a Novel for Young Adults
with Shavaun Plozza, Bec Kavanagh and guests
ONLINE
26 April – 30 August 2023