Writers Workshops Offered at Hessel School House
Monday, July 24 • 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Story & Craft Time with new U.P. author Julie Buchholtz
At Hessel School House – Avery Arts and Nature Learning Center, we believe that introducing children to an author can be a formative moment. It may be the spark that lights a passion for writing in a young person that could last a lifetime! That’s way we are hosting a Story and Craft Time with author Julie Buchholtz on Monday, July 24 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Hessel School House.
Families are welcome to help us celebrate the release of Julie’s first children’s the book “Who Am I?” published by Sleeping Bear Press. Children of all ages will enjoy a reading by the author followed by a Q&A session where children are free to ask Julie questions about being a writer. A craft time inspired by the book follows. Books will also be available for purchase and signing.
Thursday, August 24 • 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Reading and Reception with author Sue Harrison
Join us for a reading and reception with international bestselling author Sue Harrison. Sue will read excerpts from her breathtaking new trilogy The Midwife’s Touch followed by a Q&A session. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring writers and accomplished authors to ask about the writing process, inspirations, characters, and the challenges of writing a trilogy from the author herself. Light refreshments will be served. Sue’s books will be available for purchase and signing. Pre-registration is required. $20 per person.
September 13 & 14 • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
“Whodunnit” Isn’t the Only Question
The crime fiction genre is currently one of the most popular in the world. When it comes to good, successful crime fiction, it has to do more than solve an interesting mystery. It also needs to include interesting places, a convincing social situation, and most important, the characters in the book need to be true to life.
In this two-day workshop, praised crime fiction writer Beate Baum, will discuss the necessity and limits of plotting, the approach to the right setting and interesting topics. You will also learn how to develop characters which work and receive critical feedback upon your writing. Space is limited for this in-depth workshop. Workshop fee is $175 per person for this two-day event.
October 9 – 13 • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Development of a Novel from the Fearless Standpoint
During this workshop award-winning literary writer and educator Joseph D. Haske will cover a broad selection of topics including: Book Proposals, Origins of Originality, Plot Lines, Chapters vs. Stories, Sense of Place, Your Vision, Your System, Frame & Form, and The Benefits of Criticism, and Aphorism. The class concludes with a group reading.
We know that a five-day workshop is difficult to work into a person’s work schedule, but Joe Haske’s program is for the writer dedicated to creating a novel that meets the standards of reputable publishers. You won’t want to miss it. Here are a few of his reviews from previous students of Joe Haske’s writing workshops:
“Joe’s class helped empower me to cross the scary barrier of starting the novel I have been thinking about.” – Kristen Van Horster, 2022 Writer’s Workshop student
“I came looking for inspiration and motivation to re-establish my writing routine, and I left with a fresh dedication to writing.” – Jan Kellis – Author, Bookworms Anonymous
“Professor Haske proved to be an excellent workshop leader. Approachable, encouraging, insightful… Intense = this workshop! It proved to be worth every minute spent.”– Moira Wilson – Author, Revolutionary Fires
This workshop is $350 and includes materials and lunches on each class day. For lodging options, visit the Les Cheneaux Islands Chamber of Commerce website.
Additional information about each of these workshops and registration information is available on the calendar page at https://www.hesselschoolhouse.org/ or by contacting Hessel School House at 906-484-1333.
Support for these workshops has been provided in part by the Les Cheneaux Community Foundation, Michigan Arts & Culture Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Hessel School House, home of the Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, opened as a 501c(3) nonprofit organization in 2016 with the mission to enrich the community through educational programs, presentations, cultural events, art exhibits, writers workshops and more. We are excited to be part of the UPPAA family and look forward to providing quality learning opportunities for Upper Peninsula authors. To learn more about Hessel School House, visit our website at https://www.hesselschoolhouse.org/.
