UC Irvine Extension Offers New Course on Fiction Writing

The University of California, Irvine Extension announced plans to offer a new course designed for creative writers interested in penning novels for young adults. The course, "Fiction Writing for Young Adults" is available in an online format, allowing writers from all over the world to gain knowledge on how to produce successful novels for publication.

"Today's writing market reflects a rise in popularity and an increase in audience for young adult novels," said Kirwan Rockefeller, Ph.D., director of UC Irvine Extension's Arts and Humanities Programs. "With so many novels focusing on adolescent experiences, the ability to create a piece of work that holds the attention of readers of all ages will definitely lend authors a greater chance of getting novels published."

Students will learn to think as aspiring authors, identifying elements within fiction novels that have successfully captured the attention and interest of the young adult target audience. While course work will help strengthen writing skills, it will also help participants develop the ability to create realistic young adult characters and produce effective plots, scenes and dialogues.

Course instructor, Erin Leigh Brescia, Master of Liberal Arts, has written eight young adult novels, with her latest, "One Wish," set for publication in early 2009. Her interests include 19th century female authors, Jane Austen, and celebrated young adult authors such as Sarah Dessen, Meg Cabot and Stephanie Meyer. Brescia currently teaches for Davenport University in Michigan and for the American Military University.

"This course will focus on character development, plot, conflict, dialogue, scene and revision as they relate to the emerging young adult novel," said Brescia. "Writers will come together in an online workshop setting to share creative ideas to help each other formulate imaginative, original stories."

For more information on the course or about UC Irvine Extension, please contact the Arts and Humanities Programs Department at unexarts@uci.edu or call 949-824-5414 to enroll. The course runs from Jan. 12 to March 8, 2009.