FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 23, 2024
CONTACT: Kristy Beyer, Program Director
Hessel School House
906-484-1333 office
231-330-4389 cell
Writers Symposium at Hessel School House Inspires and Educates Local Literary Community
(Hessel, MI) This past Saturday, June 22, the Hessel School House was abuzz with creativity and enthusiasm as the first-ever Upper Peninsula Writers Symposium brought together writers of all levels and genres for a day of inspiration, education, and connection. The sold-out event featured a keynote address by New York Times #1 bestselling author Angeline Boulley, as well as a range of informative breakout sessions designed to help writers improve their craft and navigate the ever-changing publishing landscape.
Boulley’s keynote address, which kicked off the day’s festivities, was a highlight of the event. Her inspiring words and personal anecdotes left attendees feeling motivated and energized, with many taking to social media to express their gratitude and admiration for the acclaimed author.
The breakout sessions, which ran concurrently throughout the day, covered a range of topics that were carefully curated to meet the diverse needs and interests of the attendees. “Getting Started with Audiobooks” by Brandy Thomas provided a comprehensive introduction to the world of audio publishing, while “Self-Publishing 101” by Victor Volkman offered practical advice and insights for writers looking to take control of their own publishing journey. “Marketing Your Poetry” with author Kathy Johnson explored the unique challenges and opportunities of promoting poetry, while “Advanced Writing Tools” presented by author John Hagen delved into the latest software and technology available to help writers streamline their workflow and improve their productivity. Nikki Mitchell lead a session on “Character Development” which offered tips and techniques for crafting believable, relatable characters with mental health, ADHD, and neurodivergence while Terri Martin offered advice on using humor in your writing. Led by experienced writers and industry professionals, each session was designed to provide attendees with actionable advice and takeaways that they could apply to their own writing projects.Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to network with fellow writers, ask questions, and share their own experiences and insights. The event’s sold-out status was a testament to the growing demand for writing events and resources in the region. Event coordinator and program director for Hessel School House, Kristy Beyer stated “The Writers Symposium as an amazing event and really fills a need in the community. We are already starting to plan next year’s symposium.”
“While a majority of the attendees were from the U.P., a handful came from as far away as Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids to attend the Symposium.”
As one attendee summed up, “The Writers Symposium at Hessel School House was an incredible experience. I left feeling inspired, motivated, and equipped with the tools and knowledge I need to take my writing to the next level. Can’t wait to come back next year!”
For information on upcoming events at the Hessel School House, visit www.hesselschoolhouse.net
