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Released in 2008, our unique high school English and Creative Writing curriculum has been used by more than 10,000 families, co-ops, and groups! Buy with confidence!

Review on HomeschoolReviews.com

Incredible course! Worth the money!

If you have a high schooler who is creative and is filled with great stories, but just cannot seem to finish a writing project, you have GOT to get this curriculum! Daniel Schwabauer is a great teacher and has lots of practical and helpful tips to make writing more meaningful and more interesting. Writing a novel is not so daunting with Mr. Schwabauer walking your student through the process step-by-step.

I got this class for my daughter, a gal who loves to read, has great story ideas, but never got past chapter one in any book she began.

If you would ask her the greatest things she learned from the class she would say that she now knows how to start a novel and that she can efficiently organize her thoughts into a workable format.

I think the most amazing part for me was what happened in my daughter’s CONFIDENCE as a writer and as a critical READER, believe it or not.

When her class was nearly completed, she was asked to provide input for a novel her friend was writing. I’ll never forget the conversation we had as she was formulating her response e-mail to her friend. I asked how his novel was—if she enjoyed it. She said it had a great premise, and that it had a lot of potential, but that it really needed more conflict. Of course, I was confused. Conflict isn’t a pleasant thing for most people. Then she began to explain to me how conflict affects a piece of writing and how necessary it is in order to bring about the emotional participation of the readers. She said it would make the difference between a classic and a book that was happy and fluffy and sits in a file cabinet with the “other things I wrote in high school.”

Needless to say, I felt like I had gotten my money’s worth when I realized I had a child who could not only complete a novel, but could offer constructive criticism and helpful analysis of others’ ideas as well.

This class did more for her than give her a credit for her high school transcript. It gave her TOOLS to be able to use her gifts to tell her stories. It taught her what to look for in quality literature (she says she’s a book snob now, like tasting fine foods… once you read a great book, it’s hard to be satisfied with a plain, ordinary one).

And I’m blown away by the fact that with this curriculum (and the curriculum license number you get) my daughter can STILL get online and dialogue with Mr. Schwabauer about her ideas and get his input, even though she took this class a year ago! She has met some of the most wonderful young writers world-wide through the One Year Adventure Novel Student Forum. These are also high school students who have a lot in common beginning with an interest in writing, so the students seem to really enjoy discussions on the forum. They are able to share their ideas and receive help on their novels! It really is impressive!

I highly recommend the One Year Adventure Novel curriculum—I think it’s worth the money! Daniel Schwabauer keeps it interesting, does all the teaching, and is available to help the student online… There’s not a better deal out there for creative writing or novel writing that compares with what One Year Adventure Novel offers!

Formerly published on HomeschoolReviews.com (website no longer available)

Review by Joy Miller of FiveJs.com

We found a creative writing curriculum that has inspired our kids.

Last year Jaden and Jerah both took a writing class from another homeschool mom…. At the time, Jerah already enjoyed writing, but Jaden changed from hating writing to developing a real love for it as a direct result of the class. I was so excited to see both of them so eager to write!

So this school year I looked for a curriculum that would help them develop their writing skills—and I found one that has more than exceeded my expectations.

Read Joy’s full review on FiveJs.com »

Read her daughter’s corresponding review »

Review by an English Teacher

Wow! This series is completely amazing, and the kids are learning so much!  This morning, one student said, “Mrs. Hill, you have just ruined all movies for me. I can’t watch anything anymore without analyzing everything the characters are doing and why they’re suffering and the story goal and the author’s intent!” Then a bunch of others were all like, “Yeah! Me too!”

I just smiled and thought, “They’re learning!”

Later I graded their workbooks that have their novels so far—plot lines and plans. They sound great—way better than you would expect from 10th graders, probably because there is such specific instruction about how to develop each character, how to build suspense, etc. Even students who struggle to write couldn’t wait to get them back with my comments about their story. In fact, [one student] said he comes home every day, and it’s the first thing he wants to work on!

I’m very impressed with the One Year Adventure Novel curriculum.

– Tyler Hill, English teacher

Review on Eclectic Homeschool Online by Jean Hall

Mr. Schwabauer knows his subject, and what’s more, he communicates his passion for writing in a contagious manner. He connects with his students in a meaningful way, but serious work is going on. He is a competent teacher, an engaging lecturer, a thoughtful guide. He’ll lead your student through the steps of character development, voice, setting, plot, conflict, dialogue, resolution—just to toss out a few of the terms.

…only your student won’t just be learning these terms while analyzing others’ works, but writing an original work!

One Year Adventure Novel can be used to supplement any high school English course, but it can also stand on its own as a complete English course for one year of high school credit. It’s my opinion, having gone through the materials, that your student will have not only an original, well-thought-out, carefully crafted novel to show for the effort, but also a deeper understanding of how literature is put together, and a deeper appreciation of classic literature, after finishing this course.

I give this course high marks.

Read Jean Hall’s full review on Eclectic Homeschool Online »

Review by Cathy Duffy of Cathy Duffy Reviews

When I first heard about One Year Adventure Novel, I have to admit that I was skeptical about it. However, I have heard from many parents who have used it very successfully and were very pleased with it. After reviewing it for myself, I can see why.

The One Year Adventure Novel provides surprisingly comprehensive instruction with loads of examples of excellent storytelling in both written and video formats. While it is written for teens, adults who have always wanted to write their own adventure novel should also find it valuable.

Read Cathy Duffy’s full review on CathyDuffyReviews.com »

Review by a Mom

I am glad I got the One Year Adventure Novel for my 17 yr. old daughter. She decided to start this summer, and is thoroughly enjoying every aspect that the curriculum offers.

She is not only learning how to write better, but  gets personal input from the author and others who take this course. She has opportunity for additional writing adventures on the side as well as meeting peers with the same interests.

This program has challenged, and excited her like no others have in the past. She is writing like crazy and enjoying every minute of it! She has already made good friends along this journey, and wants to attend the One Year Adventure Novel‘s Summer Workshop—camp—next year.

My daughter’s only regret is not having started this program sooner. This fall she will start her senior year of high school and she is already wondering if she could possibly fit in their Other Worlds second module while attending college!

– Suzy S.

Review by a Student

My favorite home schooling experience had to be the day my One Year Adventure Novel curriculum arrived in the mail. Through “OYAN,” I achieved my dream of becoming a better writer, and I met other writers who are now my best friends. I can’t express just how life-changing OYAN has been, and I’ll be forever grateful for it.

– Jessie, in Tennessee

Review by a Mom of a Reluctant Writer

I just wanted to let you know that my 14-year-old son, who has been allergic to any kind of writing for YEARS, loves the One Year Adventure Novel. He loves the DVD portion and the specific questions in the workbook. He is very excited to write his first adventure novel, and has been writing in great detail in his workbook. I am astounded! I just sit back and let him drive on.

I will tell you that we have tried 6 writing curriculums and have dropped all six in the past 4 years. No curriculum ever made it past the second month. I knew my son was very creative, but he never was able to organize his thoughts and get them down on paper without being totally overwhelmed.  He would become bored quickly and he never seemed to be able to finish what he started.

So far not only has he not become bored, he actually looks forward to writing and is anxious to finish the novel. Again, I am amazed and I am thanking God for this answer to prayer!!
Singing your praises,

– J.B., in Illinois

All I can say is...WOW! Never have I seen a more in-depth, engaging, challenging and altogether FUN writing curriculum than this one.
- Denise in Washington

Fantastic...I wish my high school teacher had used the One Year Adventure Novel.
- Heather in Oklahoma

Engages the student in a way that I have not ever seen in any other writing program.
- Jennifer in California

Amazing, exciting, creative, enriching, well-organized, inspiring, wonderful.
- Regina in Ohio

I highly recommend the One-Year-Adventure-Novel. It is so enjoyable that my daughter would do this course only--and not her other school subjects--if I let her. Not only is OYAN fun for my students, but it is also easy for me as the home school teacher to keep up with and grade. ... Great Course!
- Karen D.

I am glad I got the One Year Adventure novel for my 17 yr. old daughter. This program has challenged and excited her like no others have in the past. She is writing like crazy and enjoying every minute of it! My dd's only regret is not having started this program sooner.
- Suzy

This is the most creative and unique writing curriculum I have seen in my 15 years of homeschooling. Using the One Year Adventure Novel, my kids were able to get their ideas out of their heads and onto paper--something that was always a challenge for them. Love the program!
- Lynda A.

We are truly enjoying the One Year Adventure Novel. What a great way to engage students! Our 14-year-old is writing very interesting and creative scenes, as he learns the elements of a quality novel. The DVD presentations are top-notch. We recommend it to all budding writers, as well as reluctant writers.
- Karen S.

This truly is an AMAZING program. My oldest was a reluctant writer, but she became so excited about writing after receiving the curriculum two years ago that she zipped through it in three months without any mention of doing writing from me. She has since written multiple novels and is constantly on the prowl for ideas. I have recommended this program to my friends and of all the kids that I know who have gone through the program, I have never heard a single negative word from the kids or their parents about the curriculum.
- Amy Y.

In the words of my daughter and two sons who are using OYAN for the current school year, this is the best English curriculum ever! Though all three were formerly reluctant writers, my teens are now joyfully engrossed in creating their first novels while independently honing their writing skills; amazed, I am enjoying the ride. Equally amazing is the depth of understanding OYAN has brought to my family's appreciation and understanding of English literature. Dinner table discussions will never again be the same at our house.
- Susan M.

OMGosh! "This is the most awesome course ever!" so says my teenage son. He is really turned on and engaged with this course. I had my doubts as to whether he would actually do the program. Now he asks to do it and he's writing!!!! This is a superior product. The DVD lessons are short (about 15 minutes each) and entertaining. The textbook reinforces the lesson from the video and the workbook has the student put into practice what they just learned. What the student writes in the workbook will be used later to create their novel. I definitely recommend the One Year Adventure Novel for your teen.
- April E.

I love that my son is excited about his story and fully engaged. No more dreadfully boring writing times. The instructional videos are informative, fun, and attractive. I even stop what I'm doing at my desk to watch. I enjoy Daniel Schwabauer's skillfully wrought lessons and I would say this curriculum is about as good as it gets. The workbook assignments are to the point and fit exactly with the video presentation. The lessons are short and doable each day. I have home-schooled for 20 years and haven't used curriculum this good since I can't remember when! I can't imagine why any homeschool parent or student wouldn't love the One Year Adventure Novel curriculum.
- Lynn

I thought you’d be encouraged to hear about the way I found out about your resources! I worked with a pair of siblings who were incredibly insightful and capable readers/writers for their age of 14 & 15. I was compelled to ask their mother what strategies/resources she’d used in the past to develop these strengths in her children. She immediately started raving about Cover Story and One Year Adventure Novel!
- Sarah L. in British Columbia

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I was a young discouraged writer until Daniel Schwabauer showed me in easy steps how to write a novel. He is the perfect teacher for a young writer. He uses layman language, helpful advice and a can do mindset to teach his method to anybody who dreams of putting the pen to paper. His teaching style is refreshingly positive in today's world of cynicism. It is my privilege and pleasure to be one of his students.
- Alan K. in Oklahoma

If you have questions at any time about One Year Adventure Novel reviews,
or want to send us your own review, please get in touch!
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