Overview

A Two-Night Mini Online Course

Horror novels for young adult readers don’t just scare – they give voice to all the fears and anxieties readers experience and can offer safe spaces to explore complex emotions in a difficult world.

Join young adult author Rob Costello for this short course for writers looking to create engaging and compelling horror narratives for young adult readers. This program will draw on current and classic horror examples.

This is a great program if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions with information, plus time to capture your own ideas and ask questions.

From the Faculty:

“Horror is the Worst-Case-Scenario genre. Scary books enable readers to safely project themselves into the most terrifying situations in order to imagine how they might survive them. When daily life itself feels like a struggle to survive, living vicariously through characters who have it even worse than you do can offer a kind of solace and escapism.”— Rob Costello

• Tuesday, September 16, 2025 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
• Thursday, September 18, 2025 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
• Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat
• IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE: If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through October 31, 2025.
  • Please note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session, you will not receive recordings immediately. You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session, usually within 24 hours.

Feedback Expected

• No feedback included in the course. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.
• Rob will get to as many questions as possible on the second evening of the program.

It’s a Great Fit If…

• You are interested in writing horror for a young adult audience. This short course will explore reasons why horror might be the perfect genre for your next novel.
• You are currently writing genre fiction and are looking for inspiration. We’ll share examples, talk character, and leave time for your questions.
• You’re looking for something short and smart! This program is a starting point for your study, and a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with the community, but loads of information.

Tentative Agenda

At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course.

IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE:

If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through October 31, 2025.

• Please note that if you cannot attend live but you’d like to receive recording links by email, you must register for this course.  Recordings are not sold separately; they are only available to those who register.
• Please also note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session, you will not receive recordings immediately.  You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session, usually within 24 hours.

Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.

All Times are Eastern Time.

How It Impacts Kids

Teens explore the world, their fears, their identities, and their hopes through the pages of fiction. Young adult horror has the opportunity to validate and center teen readers like nothing else. Join Rob Costello to learn how to make the most out of this powerful genre.

Testimonials from Our Community

“I loved working with Rob [Costello]! He was kind, generous, and thoughtful.”

“I knew I could not attend in person but I signed up because you offered the recording. Having that option was invaluable.”

“Keep the mini courses going for those of us that can’t attend at the Highlights Foundation Campus! It helps us stay in touch and keep our skills growing!!

Resources

• 10 Scary Books for Queer Teens to Feel Empowered Reading
• Guest Post from Ally Malinenko: MG Readers Want Horror
• Guest Post from Nova Ren Suma on Writing About Fears