LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Writers’ Program at UCLA Extension expands its programs with an inaugural symposium, The Young and the Reckless: Writing for Teens, on Saturday, August 24, 2019, from 1- 5 pm, at the Gayley Center, Westwood. The symposium brings together Southern California’s most accomplished authors and teachers to inspire professional writers in crafting young adult fiction. According to the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), publisher revenue for children’s and young adult fiction is estimated at $3.67 billion in the United States. Young adult books span many worlds— contemporary, dystopian, sci-fi, paranormal, fantasy and more —that explore many themes from coming-of-age, romance, drugs, sex, gender, illness, bullying, and more, making young adult fiction one of the most compelling and growing aspects of publishing today.

Nilah Magruder (Marvel Rising, M.F.K.) is scheduled to give the keynote presentation. Featured authors include: by Zac Hug (Shadowhunters TV Series); Hollie Overton (Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments); Jennifer Caloyeras (Strays); Maurene Goo (The Way You Make Me Feel, I Believe In A Thing Called Love); C.B. Lee (Not Your Sidekick, Ben 10); Alexa Donne (Brightly Burning); and Eve Porinchak (One Cut).

“Books for young adults are critically important in both shaping and reflecting the complex emotional and social landscapes teens inhabit,” said Charlie Jensen, program director, Writers’ Program at UCLA Extension. “The Writers’ Program hopes ‘The Young and the Reckless’ empowers more writers to craft books for these audiences.”

The symposium’s six breakout sessions — World Building, Developing Your Story and Characters, How to Talk About Your Books, Trends in YA, Writing a YA Book Series, and Adapting YA for the Screen — allow attendees to engage in interactive sessions with individual authors and participate in a multi-author Q&A panel. A pop-up bookstore and book signing are planned.

The Young and the Reckless: Writing for Teens symposium fee is $50 and includes materials and light refreshments. Register here or contact the Writers’ Program at 310-825-9415 for more information. The UCLA Extension Gayley Center is located at 1145 Gayley Avenue at Lindbrook in Westwood. WATCH A PREVIEW.

About the Writers’ Program at UCLA Extension

The Writers’ Program is one of the most prestigious creative writing and screenwriting continuing education programs in the nation. As part of UCLA Extension, the open admissions policy and supportive community ensure that all students are inspired and guided to do their best work. With 400 courses annually, both onsite and online, Writers’ Program classes are taught by a diverse corps of 200 published and produced professionals. Other offerings include: certificate programs, specializations, literary and screenplay competitions, scholarships, a Writers Studio, and one-on-one mentorships and consultations. Fall quarter courses begin September 23rd. Visit uclaextension.edu