February 12, 2026 - March 5, 2026
Online
$399Overview
A 4-Week Online Course
Novels in verse are a celebrated storytelling form. They are packed with emotion, alongside a tight pace and deeply resonating character arcs. If you are just beginning on your journey into novels in verse and wonder how to get your idea into a first draft, this course is for you.
Join verse novelists Meg Eden Kuyatt, Laura Shovan, and Hannah Sawyerr for this multi-week introductory course with a focus on how characters and narratives are formed.
- Live presentations at 7pm – 8pm Eastern on Thursdays (February 12 19, 26, March 5)*
- *Please note: Those students who are part of Meg Eden Kuyatt’s small group will meet on March 12 instead of March 5.
- *Please note: Those students who are part of Meg Eden Kuyatt’s small group will meet on March 12 instead of March 5.
- Weekly writing exercises.
- Workshop up to three poems with your peers in small groups.
- If you can’t attend live, no problem! All presentations will be recorded. (Small groups will not be recorded.)
Why This Workshop?
Novels in verse have the narrative needs of a novel, with the added need for poetic conventions. If you are just beginning to explore this storytelling form, gain knowledge and support from verse novelists Meg Eden, Laura Shovan, and Hannah Sawyerr. Through their weekly presentations, writing exercises, and guidance, you’ll gain a better understanding of drafting your novel in verse.
You will:
- Explore character as the heart of the novel in verse,
- Discover the form that best fits your novel’s concept,
- Learn about emotional arc and narrative design,
- Review poetic conventions,
- and workshop up to three poems with peers (and faculty facilitator).
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 April 30, 2026. Please note that workshopping sessions will not be recorded.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You have an idea for a novel in verse and aren’t sure where to begin. This course will provide the support to start your novel.
- You have an in-progress draft of a middle grade or young adult novel in verse. In this course, you’ll gain understanding of how to plot your draft.
- You are looking for writing exercises to extend your understanding of the form, including poetic conventions. The first three weeks of the course host presentations to define this novel form, as well as poetic conventions sprinkled throughout.
- 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. (Please note that small group workshops will not be recorded.)
- You’d like a high level of engagement with fellow writers and faculty so that you can experiment and grow as a verse novelist.
Detailed Agenda
All Times are Eastern Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Pre-course resources:
- A detailed handout on poetic conventions will be offered in the classroom to reference during the course.
- A list of novels in verse that will be referenced throughout the course will be released in the classroom.
Week 1: Character & Emotional Arc
Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 7 – 8pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom) with Hannah Sawyerr
- Opening: What is a novel in verse? (Exploring the poetry and personality of this form)
- Presentation One: Finding the Heart of Your Verse Novel: Character & Emotional Arc
- Overview of virtual classroom and week one writing exercise/reflection (defining your character)
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Introductions
- Discussion of writing exercise/reflection
- Questions from the pre-course resources (poetic conventions and recommended novels)
Week 2: Giving Narrative to the Emotional Arc
Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 7 – 8pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom) with Laura Shovan
- Presentation Two: Finding the Narrative Plot and Pitch of your Novel in Verse
- Overview of week two writing exercise/reflection (looking for page turns in your poems)
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Discussion of writing exercise/reflection
- Discussion: Pacing at the line, poem, and scene level
Week 3: Pacing Scene by Scene
Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 7 – 8pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom) with Meg Eden Kuyatt
- Presentation Three: Composing Scenes from Multiple Poems
- Overview of week three writing exercise/reflection (emotional beats of your novel– or novel in progress)
- Overview of submissions and what to expect in next week’s workshopping
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Discussion of writing exercise/reflection
- Discussion: Novel-level structures
- Discussion: How can the emotional arc help you outline your novel?
- Submissions for peer groups
Week 4: Workshop Three Poems
Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 7 – 8:30pm Eastern (Live Session Via Zoom)*
Note: Small group workshopping with Meg Eden Kuyatt will take place on March 12th instead of March 5.
* Please note extended time for workshopping
- Small Groups with up to 8 verse novelists
- Closing Q & A
About This Online Novel in Verse 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 assignments.
- Workshopping up to three poems from your novel in small discussion groups. (Submissions due in the classroom by February 26, with workshopping taking place on March 5.* Please note that Meg Eden will workshop her group on March 12.)
What if you don’t have something to submit? See our guide.
What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Workshop?
Commitment Required for the Best Experience
This multi-week online program is best if you attend or watch all presentations, take part in the small group workshopping, 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 April 30, 2026. Please note that workshopping sessions will not be recorded.
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 in verse have an emotional impact on readers. Learn many ways to make the most out of this unique form.
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).
Are There Other Resources for Learning to Write a Novel in Verse?
If you’re looking for more resources and tools to learn about verse novels, see these resources from faculty:
