January 13, 2026 - February 3, 2026
Online
$399Overview
A 4-Week Online Course
Each novel begins with a new idea, a new page, a new chapter, and countless choices about character, plot, and pacing. This course is designed with those choices in mind. Work with celebrated novelists Rajani LaRocca and Chris Tebbetts to begin (or begin again) your novel in 2026.
- Live presentations at 7pm – 8:00pm Eastern* on Tuesdays (January 13, 20, 27, February 3)
- *The final session may run over slightly because of the peer discussion.
- Weekly writing exercises
- Differentiated exercises to support intuitive writers, plotters, and those who flow between
- Partner first pages discussion
Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend the live sessions and you would still like to register, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re usually posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through March 31, 2026.
Please note that workshopping sessions will not be recorded.
Why This Workshop?
Are you starting a novel for the first time, or starting over again with a new novel? This multi-week course has been thoughtfully designed to support you as you begin.
Rajani LaRocca and Chris Tebbetts will help you explore:
- What type of “planning” works best for your new novel: character interviews, intuitive inspiration, and/or plot structure mapping?
- How to establish the beginning pages and get your novel off to a strong start so that you can finish a first draft
- and how to engage in feedback when you are early in the drafting process
Highlights of the course include:
- Weekly presentations with your goals in mind
- Weekly writing exercises (and/or reflections) to move you along in your draft
In addition, you’ll be able to meet with your peers during Week 4 to discuss your first pages.
Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend the live sessions and you would still like to register, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re usually posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through March 31, 2026.
Please note that workshopping sessions will not be recorded.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- Beginning novelists. Not sure where or how to begin your novel for children or teens, join this course for strategies to support this new adventure.
- Experienced novelists looking to begin again. Each novel is an exercise in starting over! Get support during this process with faculty and fellow writers as you start your next novel.
- You need a workshop that fits into your schedule. This is an online course. All live lectures will be recorded so that you can watch the recordings at a time that best fits your needs. The virtual classroom is available for questions and interaction with your faculty and fellow writers.
- You’d like a high level of engagement with fellow writers and faculty so that you can experiment and grow as a novelist.
Detailed Agenda
All Times are Eastern Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Week 1: Begin (Again)
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 7 – 8:00pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom)
- 7pm Welcome and Introductions (You will share three key ideas about your new novel.)
- 7:15pm Presentation One: Where to begin? (Story ideas and making progress on drafts) with Rajani LaRocca
- Overview of virtual classroom
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Introductions
- Discussion of writing exercise/reflection
Week 2: All About Character!
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 7 – 8:00pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom)
- 7pm Presentation Two: Crafting Rich Characters in Unique Worlds with Chris Tebbetts and Rajani LaRocca
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Discussion of writing exercise/reflection
Week 3: A Strong Start
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 7 – 8:00pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom)
- 7pm Presentation Three: The Importance (or Not) of First Pages with Chris Tebbetts
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Discussion of writing exercise/reflection
- Submission for partner session
Week 4: Bringing it All Together!
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 7 – 8:00pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom)*
*This session may run over slightly because of the peer discussion.
- 7pm: Bring Your First Page! Partners will meet in break out rooms to share their first pages and discuss before coming back to the main space.
- Final Q & A, and ways to move forward with the progress you’ve made
About This Online Novel Writing Workshop
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?
Feedback Expected
- Informal feedback in the classroom around weekly exercises.
- First pages session with a partner.
What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Retreat?
This multi-week online program is best if you attend or watch all presentations and reserve time for the writing exercises and reflections. (Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend the live sessions and you would still like to register, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re usually posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through March 31, 2026.)
The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.
How Does This Workshop Support Our Mission?
Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Novels for all ages and in all genres are an important part of readers lives. This workshop will help you start (or start again) at page one and begin your new novel.
Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Workshop?
At least one week prior to the course, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards).
