2010 WORKSHOP DETAILS
(provided by presenters)
Writing Workshop with Meg Tilly:
(for campers 15 yrs and older - Monday & Tuesday only)
This workshop will address the idea of using life experiences in your writing - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Meg will discuss and read several short pieces, then the class will write, and break into small groups to read to each other. Time permitting, the group can choose someone (brave!) to share their writing with the whole class.
Guerrilla Poetry with Dr. Lyle Weis:
Dr. Weis will lead his group of dedicated and independent-minded writers as they create personal poetry about truth and courage. In a world filled with superficial realities and outright lies, people need the power of poetry. Come to his workshop armed with pens, paper and a love of language. We will write often and well in this session, beginning with a journal entry and building poems upon that foundation. Armor up, folks: this is serious business!
World of Wonder with kc dyer:
Join author kc dyer and create a WORLD OF WONDER -- experience world-building through gameplay. Love World of Warcraft? Have fun with Fable? Dying for Dungeons & Dragons? Play along with kc and create your own world of wonder, while learning all about adventure-based story-telling along the way!
Writing Intensive with James McCann:
This class will focus on refining your skills through in depth examination of character, plot, setting and voice. Workshop will include feedback on previous work (bring a few pages to share), and writing activities that help explore your story. We’ll end each session by reading out loud to each other.
How to be a Hero with Lee Edward Fodi:
The art of crafting valiant victors for adventure stories
In this workshop, Mr. Wiz delivers a presentation featuring famous and beloved heroes from literature and film, discussing the common elements that make us root for their success. Mr. Wiz will explain how he draws on these archetypes to create his own protagonists, and inspire students to show (rather than tell about) their character's heroic personality. Each student will draw a picture of his or her hero, and think about important elements such as costumes, sidekicks, and gadgets. Students will also consider their hero's reaction to different scenarios. This workshop serves as a great springboard for young writers who want to begin crafting an adventure or fantasy story—or want to improve an existing story. A significant portion of the workshop will be devoted to discussing students writing and giving them specific feedback.
So You Think You're a Villain with Lee Edward Fodi:
The art of crafting characters that are dreadful and dastardly
In this workshop, Mr. Wiz delivers a presentation featuring some of the best known and most classic villains, discussing the common elements in literature and film that make us feel that icy chill down our spines. Mr. Wiz will explain how he draws on these archetypes to create his own villains, and inspire students to show (rather than tell about) their character's evil personality. Each student will draw a picture of his or her villain, and think about important elements such as secret lairs, henchmen, and diabolical gadgets. Students will also consider their villain's reaction to different scenarios. This workshop serves as a great springboard for young writers who want to begin crafting an adventure or fantasy story—or want to improve an existing story. A significant portion of the workshop will be devoted to discussing students’ writing and giving them specific feedback.
Goodbye to Dreary Hellos! With Kallie George:
“Ahoy! Where be the class?”
“Are you sure you’re supposed to be here? You look like a pirate.”
“Aye, that me be. Me and me hearties have given up swashbucklin’. We be writers now.”
“Um… okay. But no parrot. Birds aren’t allowed in class, you know.”
“Squawk – me want – squawk – to write – squawk – too.”
Writing realistic dialogue is a vital way to bring your characters and their relationships to life. Dialogue is also one of the best ways to enliven your story, by “showing” rather than “telling.” In this class, you will look at different aspects of writing dialogue, including dialogue tags and lingo. You will then have a chance to work on your stories incorporating characters’ conversations and follow up with work shopping and feedback. There will also be a chance to discuss the publishing business and what publishers are looking for from youth writers and artists. Publishers are always seeking work from young authors and illustrators and Kallie will provide some tips for getting your work into the hands of publishers.