Fall 2026 Children’s Novel Workshop

A new school year is starting. Are you ready to start YOUR new book? Work one-to-one with a developmental editor in the self-paced Children’s Novel Workshop.

The Children’s Novel Workshop is a two semester workshop. First semester = first draft / second semester = second draft

Here’s the math: Each semester has EIGHT 60-minute mentor meeting calls @ $99 each = $791 (USD) {$791 x 2 semesters = $1582}

NB: 60-minute critique calls outside the workshop = $199 (USD) each {8 x $199 = $1582 without any lessons}

This is a plotter / pantser workshop. A plotter studies and makes a plan. A pantser sits down and writes whatever comes to mind.

In the first draft semester, write the first draft of your chapter book, middle grade, or YA novel without revising it and study comps. After you complete your first draft, make a story map (and revise it) so you can make sure you have the landmarks that readers expect to see in books like yours.

In our first 60-minute mentor meeting, we will use the questions in this First Draft Mentor Meeting Worksheet as a guide to discuss the goals for your book — and this workshop.

See more here.

Copyright © 2026 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.

Publication Pointers Workshop

You’re invited to the Publication Pointers Workshop on Thursday, November 29 from 6:30-8pm at the Aptos Library.

After you write the first draft of your book during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), it’s time to begin the second draft! Join fellow writers to share revision tips, discuss the many paths to publication, and learn about new SCPL digital tools for authors with developmental editor Anastasia Suen.

Bring a notebook or a laptop for a write-in session after we discuss how to set up the midpoint of your book for your next draft.

Anastasia Suen is the author (and ghostwriter) of 300+ books for children, teens, and adults. She develops books, novelties, kits, and curriculum for the education market (schools and libraries), the mass market (retail and mail-order), and the trade market (bookstores).

Copyright © 2018 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.