Summer Writing and Gaming Course

This summer, I'm going to be teaching a special class as part of the Altamont School's Summer at Altamont program. "Creative Writing and Tabletop Role-Playing Games" is a brand new course, something I've never done before. For a long time now, I've been teaching writing to kids and adults all over the US, but over the last few years, I've found myself incorporating tips from role playing games into my teaching methods. For the first time, I'm officially combining the two in a class that will use writing instruction and game play to teach creative writing and storytelling development.

If you aren't familiar with them, role playing games are social, story-telling activities that are played by a group of people sitting around a table. They aren't computer games. All you need to play are pencils, dice, and imagination. Players don't play to win or beat the other participants. Instead, they play to come together and create exciting adventure narratives. You've probably at least heard of Dungeons & Dragons, but there are lots of role playing games for every genre of storytelling. For this course, we will be using the Fate Accelerated game developed by Evil Hat Productions. It's an easy-to-learn, quick-to-play "rules light" system that lends itself to classrooms and storytelling. Each class with begin with writing instruction and writing exercise, to be followed by daily game play. Every student will get a copy of the Fate Accelerated rules manual and a set of 4 dice. Note that I'm not affiliated with Evil Hat or the Fate line of games in any way. I just love their game and think it makes an excellent teaching tool. 

"Creative Writing and Tabletop Role-Playing Games" will run from June 19th to 30th, Monday through Friday, and is open for boys and girls grades 4th through 8th. Here is the course description:

Acclaimed children's book author and award-winning editor Lou Anders (author of the Thrones & Bones series of fantasy adventure books), teaches a two week creative writing course that utilizes discussions of popular film combined with imaginative tabletop role playing games to teach character creation, plotting, and story structure. Students will learn principles of creative writing gleaned from contemporary movies, while practicing these techniques in both creative writing exercises and fun pen and paper gaming. Every participant will received a rule book and a set of four dice.

Participation is limited to 25 students so if you or your child is interested, sign up now!

Sincerely, 

Lou Anders

Check out the Thrones & Bones series trailer!

Achievement Unlocked! With Skyborn, the Thrones & Bones trilogy is complete! 

"The pace is swift and there’s action on every front." Booklist

Nominated for
a Beehive Book Award,
a Golden Sower Award,
a Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award,
a Young Hoosier Book Award.

“Anders presents a captivating world.” —Kirkus Reviews