MasterClass

R.L. Stine Teaches Writing For Young Audiences

Award-winning novelist R.L. Stine wrote jokes and funny stories for 20 years before he switched gears and became a horror-writing legend. Since then, the author of the Goosebumps and Fear Street series has sold more than 400 million copies. In his first-ever online class, Bob takes the fear out of fiction writing. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll learn new ways to conquer writer's block, develop plots, and build nail-biting suspense that will thrill young readers.
Where to Watch R.L. Stine Teaches Writing For Young Audiences
28 Episodes
  • Introduction
    E1
    Episode 1IntroductionMeet your new instructor, R.L. Stine (you can call him Bob). The legendary kids’ horror author outlines his intentions for the class and encourages you to forget the idea that writing is difficult.
  • The Idea Store
    E2
    Episode 2The Idea StoreBob reveals how to stay alert for ideas and shares three great places to find them: experience, memory, and imagination. These are departments in what he calls "the idea store."
  • Other Rich Sources of Ideas
    E3
    Episode 3Other Rich Sources of IdeasThere are so many ways to find inspiration for your story. Here, Bob points to some that might surprise you—television and movies, titles, and topics.
  • Getting From Idea to Plot Outline
    E4
    Episode 4Getting From Idea to Plot OutlineOnce you have an idea you love, Bob believes you should map out your plot using his preferred method: the outline.
  • Outlining: Surprise Endings and Cliffhangers
    E5
    Episode 5Outlining: Surprise Endings and CliffhangersSurprise endings and cliffhangers are tried and true methods to get kids to read—and keep them reading. Learn the value of figuring out your ending first and how to write a compelling cliffhanger.
  • Outlining: Plot Twists and Tricks
    E6
    Episode 6Outlining: Plot Twists and TricksAs you continue to write your outline, Bob reveals what you should include in the middle of your book to keep readers engaged, from twists and surprises to false leads.
  • Outline Case Study
    E7
    Episode 7Outline Case StudyBob shares two versions of his outline for I Am Slappy’s Evil Twin—the one that was rejected by his editor and the one that was accepted—and breaks down how he strengthened the plot in the outlining phase.
  • Kids Are the Best Audience
    E8
    Episode 8Kids Are the Best AudienceMaking your books fun and easy to read is the key to hooking young readers. Learn Bob’s strategies for understanding young audiences.
  • Writing for Different Age Levels
    E9
    Episode 9Writing for Different Age LevelsLearn how to build the appropriate amount of “scary” into books for different age levels.
  • Case Study: Comparing Young Adult and Middle Grade Fiction
    E10
    Episode 10Case Study: Comparing Young Adult and Middle Grade FictionBob breaks down the differences between YA and middle grade books using two examples from his own work.
  • The Key to Scary Writing: POV
    E11
    Episode 11The Key to Scary Writing: POVWhen writing horror, Bob believes writing from the point of view of your main character will maximize fear. He explains the importance of focusing on what your characters are experiencing, rather than what they are feeling.
  • Hook Readers Right Away
    E12
    Episode 12Hook Readers Right AwayBob teaches you how to write an effective hook that swiftly captivates young readers.
  • How to Scare Your Readers
    E13
    Episode 13How to Scare Your ReadersLearn to maximize "the scares" when writing for young audiences. Bob shares his method of tapping into your childhood fears, making ordinary locations scary, and using sensory details to set the scene.
  • Making Monsters
    E14
    Episode 14Making MonstersBob teaches you how to transform inanimate objects into terrifying monsters with examples from It Came from Beneath the Sink! and Say Cheese and Die!
  • Dialogue and Prose Style
    E15
    Episode 15Dialogue and Prose StyleDialogue is the primary tool Bob uses to reveal character and story. Learn how he writes timeless, realistic dialogue and how to discover your own writing style.
  • Mixing Horror and Humor
    E16
    Episode 16Mixing Horror and HumorHorror and humor go hand in hand. Bob explains why humor is harder to write than horror and how to use humor to create breaks between scary scenes.
  • Creating Middle Grade Characters
    E17
    Episode 17Creating Middle Grade CharactersLearn how Bob develops relatable middle-grade characters that help middle-grade readers enter the world of the story and make his books even scarier.
  • Creating YA Characters
    E18
    Episode 18Creating YA CharactersTo demonstrate how to avoid clichés and construct realistic characters, Bob walks you through his character cheat sheet using examples from Give Me a K-I-L-L.
  • Have Fun With Your First Draft
    E19
    Episode 19Have Fun With Your First DraftBob takes you through his steps for writing a first draft and reminds you to enjoy the process.
  • Revising and Getting Feedback
    E20
    Episode 20Revising and Getting FeedbackLearn how to first revise on your own and then seek honest feedback. Bob teaches you what questions to ask of your draft-readers and editors—and how to take criticism in stride.
  • Developing a Book Series
    E21
    Episode 21Developing a Book SeriesTo develop a series, focus on selling the first book. Learn how to construct rich settings and characters that leave your readers eager to read book two.
  • Borrow From Your Influences
    E22
    Episode 22Borrow From Your InfluencesFrom Shakespeare and Dickens to Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury, and Stephen King, Bob breaks down what he's learned about storytelling from some of his favorite writers.
  • Writing as a Career
    E23
    Episode 23Writing as a CareerBob shares advice for aspiring writers and teaches why it's important to choose your genre and understand the market.
  • Promoting Yourself
    E24
    Episode 24Promoting YourselfBob gives recommendations on how to promote yourself as a writer through school visits, book fairs, and social media.
  • Combating Writer’s Block and Developing Routines
    E25
    Episode 25Combating Writer’s Block and Developing RoutinesThe best way to combat writer’s block is to be well-prepared. Learn the self-discipline, tools, and routines that helped Bob write the Goosebumps series.
  • Twenty Story Ideas for You
    E26
    Episode 26Twenty Story Ideas for YouBob shares 20 story ideas to take away and make your own.
  • Exercises to Get You Going
    E27
    Episode 27Exercises to Get You GoingExperiment with writing exercises you can utilize to jump-start your process.
  • Conclusion
    E28
    Episode 28ConclusionNow that Bob has covered his tips and tricks, he challenges you to start writing and have fun!
 
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