Questions/Concerns? Please contact: Rehema Clarken, 906-275-9002, storytelling@uppaa.org
Young Writers Storytelling Workshop to be held May 18 in Marquette
Hosted by UP Publishers and Authors Association
The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA) will host its first-ever full-day workshop for young writers on May 18 in conjunction with the 2024 UPPAA Conference.
The Young Writers Storytelling Workshop is open to U.P. fifth through twelfth graders who want to improve their writing craft and learn from established authors. The workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Peter White Library, 217 N. Front St. in Marquette.
“The workshop will run in parallel to UPPAA’s main conference, but the sessions will be aimed at a youthful audience who are beginning their writing journeys,” said Rehema Clarken (Hancock, MI), who is the workshop chair. “We are proud to grow our network of UP writers by starting this track for a new generation of authors.”
During the workshop, four award-winning U.P. authors will work with the young writers on skills such as building conflict, creating cool characters and establishing a setting.
Young Writers Storytelling Workshop Schedule
9:45-10:45 – Morning Session #1
Cyndi Perkins—Why do you write? Getting to know you.
A journalist and professional editor who lives in the Keweenaw, Cyndi will lead warm-up activities to get participants comfortable and enthusiastic about writing. She is associate director of communications at Michigan Tech.
11:00 – 12:00 – Morning Session #2
John Hagen—What’s the problem? Conflict builds stories.
An author from St. Ignace, John will guide participants through an investigation of conflict—the essential element of story—to encourage them to create a compelling plot that makes a page-turner.
12:00 – 1:30– Lunch is provided
If you have special dietary needs, such as gluten-free, you are advised to bring your own. Togo’s Classic Subs will be provided. Each of the 4 options includes Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle, Onion, Oil, Salt & Pepper
- Turkey and Provolone (cheese)
- Ham, Salami, and American Cheese
- Egg Salad and American Cheese
- Vegetarian option: American + Provolone, lettuce, tomato
1:45 – 2:45 Afternoon Session #1
Nikki Mitchell—Who is this about? Creating cool characters.
A middle-grade writer from Iron River, Nikki will focus on how to create vibrant characters that jump off the page into the reader’s imagination.
3:00 – 4:00 Afternoon Session #2
Ann Dallman—Where are they? Setting for success.
Ann is a journalist turned middle-grade author from Menominee. She will cover how to create a suitable setting that encourages the right atmosphere and mood while complementing other story elements and adding to comprehension.
About the UPPAA: The UPPAA was founded in 1998 to support and encourage networking and idea exchange among Upper Peninsula and surrounding area publishers and authors, and to promote books published and/or written by UPPAA members. If you have a love for the U.P. or U.P. literature, you are invited to join UPPAA, regardless of where you live and your age.
