April Middle Grade and Young Adult Opportunities

Welcome to the MG/YA Opportunities post! In 2022, the MG/YA Opportunities post has taken on a new structure but don’t worry, you’ll still be able to find all of the monthly opportunities on the MG/YA support page! All opportunities listed are available to anyone with an internet connection.

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REFLECTION ON MARCH
Lexi’s APRIL GAME PLAN
LOOKING AHEAD

Does your local writing organization, SCBWI region, etc. host virtual events that are available to anyone with an internet connection? Would you like them listed here?  Please share the info in the comments, or use our Contact Form.

To see all the monthly opportunities, what’s available all year long, and what’s coming up the rest of this year, visit the MG/YA SUPPORT resource page.

Alright, writers,

The days marched on relentlessly this month (pun intended). Even if you haven’t joined me yet this year, feel confident to join in now! I invite you to:

1. Pick one resource or opportunity. Think about what you’re working on right now and pick something that will help you make progress with that work!
2. Share your experiences with resources over the last month and what opportunities you want to pursue in the next month in the comments!

Will you join me on this journey?

REFLECTIONS ON MARCH

In March, I participated in #50PreciousWords. A moment in my classroom reminded me that kids are kind and brave and they lift each other up every day and I am so thankful to have captured that moment in my submission. I am thrilled to be named an honorable mention in the results!

What did you accomplish this month? Don’t forget to share in the comments!

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Lexi’s APRIL GAME PLAN

This month plants will bloom and insects will buzz inspiration into new writing… so I definitely have to participate in the Spring Fling Writing Contest! Maybe I’ll even draft some ideas outside.

I have my eye on a ReVISIONweek’s tune-up day as I prepare to rework a MG novel. Even though this month is busy, I know summer holds more writing time, so I’ll definitely be sure to submit to the #WriteMentor Summer Programme just in case I find myself in the right place at the right time and land a summer mentorship!

And what better way than close the month than with Storyteller Academy’s free event that includes Plotting Your MG Novel with Editor Katherine Jacobs April 25th-30th?

• Spring Fling Writing Contest (free)
  Challenge for writers, find a springtime-themed gif and write 150 words. April 1-3, 2022! Hosted by Ciara O’Neal and Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez. Check out Fall Writing Frenzy, too.

• ReVISIONweek Tune-Up Day Wednesday, April 6th, 2022. (see September listing)

• #WriteMentor Summer Programme (free)
  Mentee Applications are open April 15-17th for UK-based program pairing professionals in children’s literature with pre-agented writers for online summer mentorship.
• Storyteller Academy’s Children’s Book Challenge Week  a full week of free live sessions, running Monday, April 25th – Saturday, April 30th; 10:00 AM PT each day. Some of the sessions include Plotting Your MG Novel with Editor Katherine Jacobs and How to Publish your Children’s Book (The Basics) with Arree Chung & Myrna Foster April 25-30, 2022

What opportunities will you sign up for this month? Let’s celebrate each other in the comments!

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 REGISTER IN APRIL, HAPPENING LATER:

None for me this month! What about you?

Keep an eye on some MAY opportunities you might want to register for early:

HIGHLIGHTS FOUNDATION COURSES($)

• Plotting & Structuring Your Verse Novel (May/June 2022) join Cordelia Jensen to analyze plot structures (non-“traditional,” “traditional,” and everything in between), and then outline your project in this five-week, highly engaging plotting intensive specifically designed for verse novelists
• Intro to Writing Short Fiction: A Two-Night Mini for MG & YA Authors  A Two-Night Mini Online Course Join authors Nora Shalaway Carpenter and Rob Costello to learn about the form, opportunity, and style of writing short fiction for kids and teens.

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Alright! Now it’s your turn. Share your reflections on March and game plan for April below in the comments!

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Does your local writing organization, SCBWI region, etc. host virtual events that are available to anyone with an internet connection? Would you like them listed here?  Please share the info in the comments, or use our Contact Form.

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Months of a Year Banner Illustrations by Lexi Donahue
Featured Image Line Art by Valenty, Can Stock Photos