Learn More: Mystery Story Sprint
Learn More: Mystery Story Sprint

Learn More: Mystery Story Sprint

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S HA R P E N Y O U R P E N C I L A N D Y O U R W I T S ... the game is afoot! In this fast-paced, independent mini-course, you will sprint your way from idea to finished short mystery with author, Naomi Kinsman. Choose one of three approaches: Spend a Saturday with the Inklings: Throw a writing party and work your way from beginning to end in three+ supercharged hours. Write over four weekends: Break the writing process up so you can spend more time drafting and building your skills along the way. Create a masterpiece in six weeks: Give yourself the luxury of time for each stage of the writing process. You'll have time to stretch your skills, explore possibilities outside your comfort zone, and invest time in polishing and revising your work. ... Or try all three!

What sort of mystery might you write?

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W H Y A S P R I N T ? Strengthen your quick-decision and creative thinking skills Speed up your drafting to add energy and liveliness to your writing Improve your overall writing efficiency by separating drafting from revision Build writing stamina and confidence Give yourself permission to try something new — it's a sprint, so you don't have to overthink your choices You just might stumble into an exciting new discovery. Why not give it a try?

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I S T H I S A C L A S S ? W I L L I T B E F U N ? No stress or pop quizzes here. Also, no matter your skill level, you can enjoy yourself and produce great work in a Story Sprint. Each Story Sprint is an experience designed for creative thinkers who love to push past their limits. You know the best way to level up as an artist is to write the very best story you can, and once you're done, build on all you've learned when you start the process again. Whether this is the fifth or fiftieth story you've written from start to finish, you'll find questions, games, and activities here to launch your thinking in new directions.

H E R E ' S A S N E A K P E E K

We realize you probably haven't tried a Story Sprint before. If you want to see what it's like, check out this behind the scenes video. Naomi Kinsman, author and course creator, played through the Mystery Story Sprint. Here's how the experience went:

H O W T H E C O U R S E W O R K S

Process:

After brainstorming a couple concepts, each writer will choose one mystery to develop. Then, we'll build a detective, criminal, and cast of suspects. Next, we'll race the clock in a series of short drafting sessions. Finally, writers will choose one of three quick revision strategies to add suspense and surprise to their mystery, and then print and format their book to share with family and friends.

Goals:

Writers will:

  • practice making quick decisions
  • strengthen their writing stamina
  • learn to both start AND finish a story
F A Q

When does the course start and finish?

It starts now, and is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.

How long do I have access to the course?

For two years, or as long as the course is available on our site, whichever is longer. After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course - across any and all devices you own.

What if I am unhappy with the course?

We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

I'm an educator. Do I have permission to share the course with my students?

Yes! As an educator, your access to the course is considered a classroom license. Should a colleague want to use the material in their classroom, we ask that they purchase their own copy. Additionally, should your students want to access the material at home, their parents should sign up independently. This policy helps us support students in their independent study, and maintain their safe interaction with Society of Young Inklings' online programs.

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W H A T W E ' L L C O V E R :

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Ready ...

  • Brainstorm Strange Occurences
  • Explore Mysterious Settings
  • Develop Your Detective and Criminal

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Go!

  • Sprint One: Draft the Opening Scene
  • Sprint Two: Draft the Search for Clues
  • Sprint Three: Draft the Climactic Discovery
  • Sprint Four: Draft the Resolution

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Set ...

  • Map Your Clues
  • Storyboard an Investigation
  • Troubleshoot Potential Problems

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Cross the Finish Line

  • Quick Revision Strategies
  • Create a Cover and Make it a Book

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H A V E Q U E S T I O N S ?

Contact us at info@younginklings.org

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