The series kicks off with a bitesize masterclass from Dave Rudden. Author of Knights of the Borrowed Dark series, Dave shows us how to create a compelling main character.

In the second edition of NovelTeens, author Dave Rudden talks about how to create a compelling antagonist for your story. What is it that makes a villain really stand out? And how do they put pressure on your story’s heroes?

In this episode, Deirdre Sullivan, author of the upcoming Savage Her Reply — a retelling of The Children of Lir — gives us the nuts and bolts of retelling tales, and explains how words can’t be fixed if they aren’t there.

Try rewriting your story from scratch, says Darren Shan, as he guides us through the editing process.

In Deirdre Sullivan’s second NovelTeens masterclass, she guides us through building a sustainable writing practice, divulging hints and tips that we can use to kickstart a daily routine. She highlights the importance of reading other writers, as well as setting small, achievable goals and sharing your work with your peers.

In this #NovelTeens mini masterclass, Anna Carey explains that humour doesn’t mean you’re not taking a subject seriously: it can actually be a way of exploring solemn subjects in your writing!

Writer Anna Carey tells us how dialogue can help bring a story to life and gives us some key tips for creating realistic characters in her NovelTeens mini masterclass. How do you write believable dialogue?

‘Ná bí ag ceapadh go bhfuil ach guth amháin agat. Tá na céadta agat!’ Ceistíonn an scríbhneoir dátheangach Éilís Ní Dhuibhne cé atá ag insint an scéal agus cén dearcadh a bhfuil acu sa ceachtín speisialta #NovelTeens seo. Cén dearcadh faoi leith a bhfuil ag do charachtar ar an saol?