This summer, our team-based storytelling programs will transform your child into a joyful writer... and a published author!
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$599
Our signature program for Upper Elementary Students: a virtual team storytelling adventure that will excite, ignite writing skills, and turn your storyteller into a published author! Meet every week with your dedicated Story Director and your band of teammates, drawing from your love of your favorite stories to co-author an original book that we will publish and mail to your doorstep! The program includes 8 classes, 16 hours total, WOL Studio access, an invitation to StoryCon, and a copy of your published book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
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$599
Our signature program for Middle School Students: a virtual team storytelling adventure. Working alongside creative co-authors and a passionate Story Director, storytellers will explore an even greater understanding of the ancient unifying wisdom contained within the steps of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. Accept this new challenge to diligently craft a story that harnesses each storyteller's creative potential that will then be published as a co-authored book. The program includes 8 classes, 16 hours total, WOL Studio access, an invitation to StoryCon, and a copy of your published book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
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$1,149
Allows the best young writers to tackle an incredible challenge: writing their own novel. Your Storyteller will work with a small class of similarly motivated Storytellers and their dedicated Story Director. They will collaborate to give and receive inspiration and feedback as they complete a draft of their very own novel. Each Storyteller will have the opportunity to receive their published book at StoryCon at Yale University. The program includes 14 classes, 21 hours total, WOL Studio access, an invitation to StoryCon, and a copy of your published book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
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$1,049
This program is ideal for writers who want to take a story they’ve drafted and elevate and polish it. Whether you’ve written your draft in our Young Novelist’s Program or on your own, you’ll dig in with a small team of Storytellers and a superb Story Director to edit, challenge, and truly refine your book. Don’t worry if you’re starting this program with a draft that isn’t fully completed yet. We know that finishing and editing is often the hardest part and this class will get you there. Every Storyteller will have the opportunity to receive their published book at StoryCon at Yale University. The program includes 9 classes, 18 hours total, WOL Studio access, an invitation to StoryCon, and a copy of your published book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
.png?width=318&height=318&name=Hubspot%202024%20Product%20Images%20(5).png)
$1,149
Allows the best young writers to tackle an incredible challenge: writing their own novel. Your Storyteller will work with a small class of similarly motivated Storytellers and their dedicated Story Director. They will collaborate to give and receive inspiration and feedback as they complete a draft of their very own novel. Each Storyteller will have the opportunity to receive their published book at StoryCon at Yale University. The program includes 14 classes, 21 hours total, WOL Studio access, an invitation to StoryCon, and a copy of your published book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$1,049
This program is ideal for writers who want to take a story they’ve drafted and elevate and polish it. Whether you’ve written your draft in our Young Novelist’s Program or on your own, you’ll dig in with a small team of Storytellers and a superb Story Director to edit, challenge, and truly refine your book. Don’t worry if you’re starting this program with a draft that isn’t fully completed yet. We know that finishing and editing is often the hardest part and this class will get you there. Every Storyteller will have the opportunity to receive their published book at StoryCon at Yale University. The program includes 9 classes, 18 hours total, WOL Studio access, an invitation to StoryCon, and a copy of your published book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$1,149
This revolutionary new program is for storytellers who have written their book, and now want nothing more than to connect it with readers! You’ll join a small “connection crew” of writers your own age who will work with you to promote and connect your book with readers - so you don’t have to “sell” all alone. They’ll help you create your book trailer, flyers, and marketing materials. The centerpiece of The Story Exchange will be your very own book launch - a live virtual event to celebrate and discuss your book and creative process. Promoting as a team is so much better than going it alone: just as you work to help them, they’ll work to connect your book with the readers you’ve dreamed of reaching. It’s the final step of your journey: making meaningful connections with readers through your story.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$1,299
This is it. It's your year to write YOUR book.
Written Out Loud is proud to present The Novelist’s Program, for fiction AND nonfiction writers like you who have something unique and powerful to say - but need a mentor, structure, and team to get it down, at long last, on paper. You will work with a small class of similarly motivated Storytellers and your dedicated Story Director. You will collaborate to give and receive inspiration and feedback as you complete a draft of your very own novel. You will receive a copy of your published book in your hands before the year is out, either in the mail, or better yet, in person, on the campus of Yale University, at Written Out Loud StoryCon 2024. The program includes 14 classes, 21 hours total, and a copy of your published book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$1,149
This revolutionary new program is for storytellers who have written their book, and now want nothing more than to connect it with readers! You’ll join a small “connection crew” of writers your own age who will work with you to promote and connect your book with readers - so you don’t have to “sell” all alone. They’ll help you create your book trailer, flyers, and marketing materials. The centerpiece of The Story Exchange will be your very own book launch - a live virtual event to celebrate and discuss your book and creative process. Promoting as a team is so much better than going it alone: just as you work to help them, they’ll work to connect your book with the readers you’ve dreamed of reaching. It’s the final step of your journey: making meaningful connections with readers through your story.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$599
This program is designed for storytellers in grades 6-8. Are you a lover of all things comedy? Are you a class clown who believes a well-placed fart noise is as beautiful and inspiring as Mozart's 41st Symphony? Do you have an overly-pronounced funny bone that doctors describe as "Potentially a problem in your mid-fifties?" Are you a Zlorgoff from dimension x45-7, but are all out of cregons to quraxl? Then join up for this class that celebrates the ridiculous, the absurd, and the perpectually vexed. If you've ever wondered why certain things are funny to you and why others aren't, or how to construct a scene from the very start that will certainly lead to humor, this class is for you. You will learn the essential elements of jokes, the sixty-seven different flavors of humor, and the Ultimate Meaning of the Universe (it rhymes with "Orange"). Together we'll investigate what makes us laugh, why, what, where, when, how, who, with whom, for whom, by whom, and why humans need comedy so very, very much.
This program includes: 2 hr classes, 4 days a week for 2 weeks; 16 hrs total + WOL Studio Access. Editing, layout, an invitation to StoryCon, and publishing for a co-authored book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$599
This program is designed for storytellers in grades 7+. Are you obsessed with movies? Do you daydream in 70mm, spliced with images and soundtracks that you know will capture an audience right from the opening credits?
This summer, Written Out Loud is bringing back our Screenwriting course! Delve deep into the world of cinema by breaking down scripts and scenes from movies we all adore, and be prepared to watch movies…I mean, a LOT of movies.
Understand what it takes to craft a story destined for the silver screen in this summer’s Screenwriting class! This program includes: 2 hr classes, 4 days a week for 2 weeks; 16 hrs total, and an invitation to StoryCon.
Note: All class times are Eastern Standard Time.
$699
This program is designed for storytellers in grades 7-10. Unlock the magic of storytelling through audio with our two-week summer camp, where young writers craft their own audiobooks from start to finish! We will start by writing captivating short stories, followed by recording and editing our creations. Storytellers will harness the power of equalization, pitch, fading, normalization, mastering, and sound effects to bring their tales to life. This class is all about exploring our voices, understanding the power of the audio medium, and finding the confidence needed to tell stories out loud. At the end of our class, each audiobook will be published on Spotify and Apple Podcasts as an album/collection of short stories. The cover art for the album will either be designed by the members of the class, or by our fabulous Written Out Loud designer, Naomi Giddings! Storytellers will determine how many short audio productions they produce, as well as how long each story lasts.
This program includes: 2 hr classes, 4 days a week for 2 weeks; 16 hrs total, and an invitation to StoryCon.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$1,149
This program is designed for storytellers in grades 6-10. This revolutionary new program is for storytellers who have written their book, and now want nothing more than to connect it with readers! You’ll join a small “connection crew” of writers your own age who will work with you to promote and connect your book with readers - so you don’t have to “sell” all alone. They’ll help you create your book trailer, flyers, and marketing materials. The centerpiece of The Story Exchange will be your very own book launch - a live virtual event to celebrate and discuss your book and creative process. Promoting as a team is so much better than going it alone: just as you work to help them, they’ll work to connect your book with the readers you’ve dreamed of reaching. It’s the final step of your journey: making meaningful connections with readers through your story.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$599
Our signature program for Upper Elementary Students: a virtual team storytelling adventure that will excite, ignite writing skills, and turn your storyteller into a published author! Meet every week with your dedicated Story Director and your band of teammates, drawing from your love of your favorite stories to co-author an original book that we will publish and mail to your doorstep! The program includes 8 classes, 16 hours total, WOL Studio access, an invitation to StoryCon, and a copy of your published book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$599
Our signature program for Middle School Students: a virtual team storytelling adventure. Working alongside creative co-authors and a passionate Story Director, storytellers will explore an even greater understanding of the ancient unifying wisdom contained within the steps of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. Accept this new challenge to diligently craft a story that harnesses each storyteller's creative potential that will then be published as a co-authored book. The program includes 8 classes, 16 hours total, WOL Studio access, an invitation to StoryCon, and a copy of your published book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$1,149
Allows the best young writers to tackle an incredible challenge: writing their own novel. Your Storyteller will work with a small class of similarly motivated Storytellers and their dedicated Story Director. They will collaborate to give and receive inspiration and feedback as they complete a draft of their very own novel. Each Storyteller will have the opportunity to receive their published book at StoryCon at Yale University. The program includes 14 classes, 21 hours total, WOL Studio access, an invitation to StoryCon, and a copy of your published book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$1,049
This program is ideal for writers who want to take a story they’ve drafted and elevate and polish it. Whether you’ve written your draft in our Young Novelist’s Program or on your own, you’ll dig in with a small team of Storytellers and a superb Story Director to edit, challenge, and truly refine your book. Don’t worry if you’re starting this program with a draft that isn’t fully completed yet. We know that finishing and editing is often the hardest part and this class will get you there. Every Storyteller will have the opportunity to receive their published book at StoryCon at Yale University. The program includes 9 classes, 18 hours total, WOL Studio access, an invitation to StoryCon, and a copy of your published book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$1,149
Allows the best young writers to tackle an incredible challenge: writing their own novel. Your Storyteller will work with a small class of similarly motivated Storytellers and their dedicated Story Director. They will collaborate to give and receive inspiration and feedback as they complete a draft of their very own novel. Each Storyteller will have the opportunity to receive their published book at StoryCon at Yale University. The program includes 14 classes, 21 hours total, WOL Studio access, an invitation to StoryCon, and a copy of your published book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$1,049
This program is ideal for writers who want to take a story they’ve drafted and elevate and polish it. Whether you’ve written your draft in our Young Novelist’s Program or on your own, you’ll dig in with a small team of Storytellers and a superb Story Director to edit, challenge, and truly refine your book. Don’t worry if you’re starting this program with a draft that isn’t fully completed yet. We know that finishing and editing is often the hardest part and this class will get you there. Every Storyteller will have the opportunity to receive their published book at StoryCon at Yale University. The program includes 9 classes, 18 hours total, WOL Studio access, an invitation to StoryCon, and a copy of your published book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$1,149
This revolutionary new program is for storytellers who have written their book, and now want nothing more than to connect it with readers! You’ll join a small “connection crew” of writers your own age who will work with you to promote and connect your book with readers - so you don’t have to “sell” all alone. They’ll help you create your book trailer, flyers, and marketing materials. The centerpiece of The Story Exchange will be your very own book launch - a live virtual event to celebrate and discuss your book and creative process. Promoting as a team is so much better than going it alone: just as you work to help them, they’ll work to connect your book with the readers you’ve dreamed of reaching. It’s the final step of your journey: making meaningful connections with readers through your story.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$1,299
This is it. It's your year to write YOUR book.
Written Out Loud is proud to present The Novelist’s Program, for fiction AND nonfiction writers like you who have something unique and powerful to say - but need a mentor, structure, and team to get it down, at long last, on paper. You will work with a small class of similarly motivated Storytellers and your dedicated Story Director. You will collaborate to give and receive inspiration and feedback as you complete a draft of your very own novel. You will receive a copy of your published book in your hands before the year is out, either in the mail, or better yet, in person, on the campus of Yale University, at Written Out Loud StoryCon 2024. The program includes 14 classes, 21 hours total, and a copy of your published book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$1,149
This revolutionary new program is for storytellers who have written their book, and now want nothing more than to connect it with readers! You’ll join a small “connection crew” of writers your own age who will work with you to promote and connect your book with readers - so you don’t have to “sell” all alone. They’ll help you create your book trailer, flyers, and marketing materials. The centerpiece of The Story Exchange will be your very own book launch - a live virtual event to celebrate and discuss your book and creative process. Promoting as a team is so much better than going it alone: just as you work to help them, they’ll work to connect your book with the readers you’ve dreamed of reaching. It’s the final step of your journey: making meaningful connections with readers through your story.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$599
This program is designed for storytellers in grades 6-8. Are you a lover of all things comedy? Are you a class clown who believes a well-placed fart noise is as beautiful and inspiring as Mozart's 41st Symphony? Do you have an overly-pronounced funny bone that doctors describe as "Potentially a problem in your mid-fifties?" Are you a Zlorgoff from dimension x45-7, but are all out of cregons to quraxl? Then join up for this class that celebrates the ridiculous, the absurd, and the perpectually vexed. If you've ever wondered why certain things are funny to you and why others aren't, or how to construct a scene from the very start that will certainly lead to humor, this class is for you. You will learn the essential elements of jokes, the sixty-seven different flavors of humor, and the Ultimate Meaning of the Universe (it rhymes with "Orange"). Together we'll investigate what makes us laugh, why, what, where, when, how, who, with whom, for whom, by whom, and why humans need comedy so very, very much.
This program includes: 2 hr classes, 4 days a week for 2 weeks; 16 hrs total + WOL Studio Access. Editing, layout, an invitation to StoryCon, and publishing for a co-authored book.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
$599
This program is designed for storytellers in grades 7+. Are you obsessed with movies? Do you daydream in 70mm, spliced with images and soundtracks that you know will capture an audience right from the opening credits?
This summer, Written Out Loud is bringing back our Screenwriting course! Delve deep into the world of cinema by breaking down scripts and scenes from movies we all adore, and be prepared to watch movies…I mean, a LOT of movies.
Understand what it takes to craft a story destined for the silver screen in this summer’s Screenwriting class! This program includes: 2 hr classes, 4 days a week for 2 weeks; 16 hrs total, and an invitation to StoryCon.
Note: All class times are Eastern Standard Time.
$699
This program is designed for storytellers in grades 7-10. Unlock the magic of storytelling through audio with our two-week summer camp, where young writers craft their own audiobooks from start to finish! We will start by writing captivating short stories, followed by recording and editing our creations. Storytellers will harness the power of equalization, pitch, fading, normalization, mastering, and sound effects to bring their tales to life. This class is all about exploring our voices, understanding the power of the audio medium, and finding the confidence needed to tell stories out loud. At the end of our class, each audiobook will be published on Spotify and Apple Podcasts as an album/collection of short stories. The cover art for the album will either be designed by the members of the class, or by our fabulous Written Out Loud designer, Naomi Giddings! Storytellers will determine how many short audio productions they produce, as well as how long each story lasts.
This program includes: 2 hr classes, 4 days a week for 2 weeks; 16 hrs total, and an invitation to StoryCon.
Note: All class times are Eastern Standard Time.
$1,149
This program is designed for storytellers in grades 6-10. This revolutionary new program is for storytellers who have written their book, and now want nothing more than to connect it with readers! You’ll join a small “connection crew” of writers your own age who will work with you to promote and connect your book with readers - so you don’t have to “sell” all alone. They’ll help you create your book trailer, flyers, and marketing materials. The centerpiece of The Story Exchange will be your very own book launch - a live virtual event to celebrate and discuss your book and creative process. Promoting as a team is so much better than going it alone: just as you work to help them, they’ll work to connect your book with the readers you’ve dreamed of reaching. It’s the final step of your journey: making meaningful connections with readers through your story.
Note: All class times are East Standard Time.
Testimonials
What Kids and Parents are Saying
"At Written Out Loud, I feel more like myself than anywhere I've ever been."
Faith, age 14
WRITTEN OUT LOUD STORYTELLER
"A lightness has come upon Hannah. She is more confident. She is truly happy. My cup overflows with gratitude for Written Out Loud."
Carolynne
WRITTEN OUT LOUD MOM
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Will my child learn writing, or just storytelling?
At Written Out Loud, we believe that forcing a child to write is the quickest way to get them to dislike it. We begin by inspiring a child to speak...to tell stories out loud, starting with the ones they know by heart (think Harry Potter, Marvel, even video games). The child's spoken voice acts as a scaffolding: a platform upon which an organic desire to write can be built.
We see it time and time again: our practice of small-group, out-loud storytelling inspires the best kind of writing: the kind your child can fall in love with. You can find more about our approach here.
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What types of programs does Written Out Loud offer?
We provide virtual group storytelling programs for children ages 7-17. During the school year, our after-school programs are usually scheduled on weekday afternoons or evenings. We also offer Summer classes. You can find up-to-date details of our current offerings here.
The best way to discover which program is the right fit for a new Storyteller is to schedule a free evaluation on our website, here. Please feel free to email us at support@writtenoutloud.org if you have other questions.
Those looking to understand our options for partnering with schools can find details here.
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Are classes open to kids and families in my time zone?
Yes! Every one of our classes is open to children in EVERY U.S. and Canada time zone. Most of our classes contain kids from across the country, meeting together in the shared playspace of their imagination.
NOTE: PROGRAM TIMINGS ARE LISTED IN EASTERN TIME. But they are open to families in ALL U.S. and Canada time zones. A class scheduled to meet Mondays at 4:30pm ET, it also meets at 3:30pm CT, 2:30pm MT, 1:30pm PT, etc. PLEASE MAKE ALL NECESSARY TIME ZONE CALCULATIONS BEFORE PURCHASING.
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Can my kid be in a group with their friends?
Yes! You can register for the same class time and note the friend's name in the "crew preferences" section or you can gather a group of 4 to 6 and we can try to create your own class and timing. Reach out to us via support@writtenoutloud.org for details.
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Is a Story Director the same thing as a "Teacher?"
In short, yes, kind of. Our story directors are chosen for their passion, knowledge of writing and storytelling and for their ability to engage with and excite our storytellers. They will lead your child’s sessions and guide your child’s collaboration process. We don’t call our directors “teachers,” because our program is not a school; we don’t call our storytellers “students,” and we don’t consider our daily story missions to be “homework.” Our program is way more fun than school. We think your child will agree.
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My child loves stories, but they're a little shy. Is this program for them?
Yes. Our story directors have two traits in abundance: a passion for storytelling, and a keen antennae for a child’s needs. Every storytelling studio is filled with kids of all kinds: big talkers, loud laughers, and plenty of quieter kids, who love stories with a passion but don’t necessarily love talking quite as much. Our program is designed to put every storyteller in a position to create with confidence and joy. And our directors are trained to maintain the Balance of the Force inside every session: ensuring that the louder storytellers don’t dominate the environment, and making sure that the quieter storytellers find a path and process to find and develop their voice.
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How much writing will my child do outside of the Zoom sessions?
One of the core values of Written Out Loud is introducing writing to young people as a joyful activity. When they start in the place of their inspirations - their favorite books, TV shows, and movies - kids WANT to write. The amount of actual writing time your child will do outside of the sessions will vary, but the good news - maybe the BEST news - is that they’ll WANT to write. It won’t feel like homework at all. Written Out Loud “Story Missions” feel like joyful play.
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When will my child receive the book?
Your child should receive the print copy about 2-3 months after the final WOL session except for those Young Novelists who opt to receive their first copy at StoryCon instead. Once the book is published, our book publishing team will provide the link to purchase extra copies on lulu.com.
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What about AI?
At Written Out Loud, we believe strongly that A.I. will belong to the storytellers. Not too long ago, many feared that a new technology called a “search engine” would turn us all lazy, and destroy our initiative to conduct research. Instead, the opposite happened: storytellers used the search engine tool to research more powerfully than ever before. Remember, a story’s purpose is to connect human beings meaningfully with each other. That desire to connect with other humans meaningfully will not be blunted or even dimmed by the advent of A.I. The more deeply we learn the craft of storytelling, the better we’ll become at crafting the kinds of meaningful connections we all need.
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How does publishing work?
Written Out Loud makes no claim of ownership of the characters, ideas, or other intellectual properties created by storytellers in either the team storytelling or novel-writing classes.
Every author receives one complimentary paper copy of their work, either in the mail or at StoryCon. Additional copies are available for sale on lulu.com. For books co-authored in our team storytelling classes, lulu.com is the only platform currently available for additional purchasing. For books written in our Young and Adult Novelist programs, Written Out Loud will publish your book on Amazon, as well as other online booksellers for an administrative fee between $100 and $150. This is achieved through Lulu’s “Global Distribution” process. Important details about this process can be found here.If you wish to publish, distribute electronically, or republish your WOL novel through other platforms yourself, WOL can provide a digital copy of your work to allow you to do this for $100.
courageous STEPS TOWARDS HEROIC confidence
Your Book Writing Journey
Meet
Your New Team
To begin your journey, click on our provided Zoom link... and find yourself face-to-face with your new team of Storytellers, and your amazing Story Director! Share what you love about your favorite stories, and feel the unbreakable bonds of fellowship start to form...
Unlock
Storytelling Secrets
Your Story Director teaches you the craft of skillful storytelling, revealing coveted secrets with each lesson. Practice honing these techniques with your teammates, and feel your courage and ability to captivate an audience grow stronger with each session...
Complete
Storytelling Missions
Between sessions, put your ideas into your own original stories and chapters. Share your writing during sessions and get helpful feedback from teammates!
Your ultimate mission? Write a book. You won't believe how fun this will be when accomplished with your team!
Become
A Published Author
With your final mission complete, your Story Director will send your story off to be published. Within two months your published, co-authored book will arrive on your doorstep!
We will be eagerly waiting to welcome you back for your next journey!
The Call To Adventure is never far...
Are you ready to help your child find their voice?
