This fall, Kent District Library is hosting a programming series for writers of all ages, skill levels and genres. The Write Michigan series is dedicated to nurturing and promoting local literary talent.
“We have so many talented writers in our area that have valuable gifts to share,” said Hennie Vaandrager, programming manager at KDL. “No matter your experience or genre, this series will help you take your writing hobby or career to the next level.”
All programs are free. Attendees are encouraged to submit a story to the Write Michigan Short Story Contest. Contest details can be found at writemichigan.org.
Program Schedule:
The Write Stuff
Cascade Branch, Tuesdays, September 6 – November 15, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Play fun writing games like mad-libs and story telephone. Learn story structure so you can write and edit your own short story and submit it to the Write Michigan contest. For school-age children (ages 5-10).
Write Michigan Short Story Workshop with Dr. Lisa McNeiley
Krause Memorial (Rockford) Branch, Saturday, October 1, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
East Grand Rapids Branch, Saturday, October 8, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Grandville Branch, Saturday, October 15, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Part of the Day of Learning)
Writing good stories is an art that requires creativity and an understanding of the craft of writing. This workshop will focus on developing strong characters and descriptions, using effective plot devices and a narrative arc, and the internal cohesiveness of the story. Lisa McNeilley is an educator, editor, and writer. She has served as an editor for Imagine This! An ArtPrize Anthology, The 3288 Review and The Lakeshore Review.
Cascade’s Write Michigan Series
Celebrate the art of writing and the Write Michigan Contest with us at the Cascade Twp. Branch as we host authors, illustrators and publishers.
Tuesdays at 6:30 PM
September 6 - Writing and Publishing in the 21st Century with Tom Dean
September 20 - Seven Strategies to Make Publishers Love You with Josh Mosey
September 27 - Drawing Children into Reading with Wendy Anderson Halperin
October 4 - Author Khyiana Tate
October 11 - Author Ruth McNally Barshaw
October 18 - Author Terri DeBoer
October 25 - Author Gary Schmidt
November 29 - Author and Illustrator Wendy Halperin Anderson
Write Michigan Day of Learning
Grandville Branch, Saturday, October 15
The Day of Learning includes three sessions; attend one, two or all three. No need to register.
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Short Story Workshop with Dr. Lisa McNeiley
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Writing good stories is an art that requires creativity and an understanding of the craft of writing. This workshop will focus on developing strong characters and descriptions, using effective plot devices and a narrative arc, and the internal cohesiveness of the story. -
The Art of Description . . . and Not Going Overboard with Janyre Tromp
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Good narrative description is one of the keys to excellent writing, but navigating the path between too much and too little detail isn’t always an easy task. In this workshop you'll walk alongside a veteran editor and author to explore keys to creating effective “Show Don’t Tell” description. -
Ready to Seek Publication? with Maryann Lesert
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
This session will briefly tour publishing options for book-length works — agents and traditional publishing, medium and small “indie” presses, hybrid publishers and self-publishing. Participants will leave with a list of sites and tools to help them prepare to submit book-length works.
Song Writing Workshop
Plainfield Twp. Branch, Saturday, October 29, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Max Lockwood, a local musician, songwriter and winner of the 2015 ArtPrize jurors award, will discuss the basic elements of songwriting, inspiration and creation. You will learn the differences between songwriting and poetry and enjoy a fun, interactive exercise. Ages 16 & up. Space is limited; first come, first served. Doors open 15 minutes before the program begins.
For more information about the program series, visit kdl.org/writers-workshops.
