get them writing: hosting a writing workshop for teens
TRANSCRIPT
Get Them Writing:Hosting a Writing Workshop for Teens
93% of teens writefor their own pleasure
“Writing, Technology and Teens”by Amanda Lenhart, Sousan Arafeh,Aaron Smith & Alexandra MacGill
Pew Research Center, April 24, 2008www.pewinternet.org/2008/04/24/writing-technology-and-teens/
Why a writing workshop?
Before contacting authors• organize a committee, if necessary• decide location for workshop• select a date and time for workshop• determine format of workshop• set a budget
Finding speakers• think local, but cast a wide net• don’t forget newspaper reporters, bloggers, etc.• make sure your speakers are comfortable around teens
Our chosen writers• Mary Lindsey, “Green Eyed Monsters & Hot Pink Boots”
photo by Brittany Hammond
Our chosen writers• Trakena Prevost, “How To Write a Killer Fight Scene”
Our chosen writers• Russ McAfee, “How Writers Use Their Skills in the Job
Market”
Our chosen writers• Donna Maloy, “Major Plotting Models”
Our chosen writers• Haley Gompertz, “If I Can Do It, So Can You”
Spreading the word• signs, bookmarks and word-of-mouth• newspaper press releases• email blasts• schools
Organizing for The Day• contact speakers for presentation details & bios• send driving directions to speakers• set up registration site• make sure coffee and refreshments are available• prepare door prizes• signs for the library• staff volunteers• gather thank-you gifts for speakers
Handouts for participants• brochure• writing resources• upcoming writing-related events• evaluation form• door prize ticket
Promoting the library• writing books• online resources
The Day• driving authors• what went right• what went wrong• out to supper
Comments from teens• “great, loved writer’s opinions”• “Major Plotting Models. I never thought of those ways to
do it”• “They were both equally useful b/c they soon filled in
each other & tied into each other”• “How To Write a Killer Fight Scene was the most
interesting because it made me realize that I need use more details in my writing.”
• “I like the killer fight sign because that’s what I’m interested in.”
all comments are as written by the teens
Biggest complaints• “Ability to see all sessions”• “I would have loved to attend all five of the sessions.”
all comments are as written by the teens
Ideas for the future• writing ideas• character development• advice about agents, publishing, etc.• drawing• book clubs• reading workshops
Thank you for coming!
Sara K Joinerchildren’s coordinatorBrazoria County Library [email protected]
sarakjoiner.comOctober 2015
published by Holiday House