Thursday, June 25, 2015

The Joys of Volunteering

This summer I decided to volunteer my time and started a writing workshop for teens and adults. We've had quite the turn out with students ranging in age from fourteen to forty. I've enjoyed working with the budding writers and encouraging their creative spirit as they venture on the journey of writing a novel.

Last week, middle grade fantasy author, Lou Anders, came out and gave his very informative Scrip Tips lectures. The writers were little sponges, soaking up all the knowledge Lou had to offer. We are also lucky to have middle grade author and poet, Irene Latham, come visit us at the end of the month to talk about finding your writing voice. And for the last class of the workshop, young adult author, Stephen Duncan, will talk about how to get an agent and write a query. The writing community is so amazing and generous with their time.

It has been a privilege to work with the writers in the workshop. And I've learned so much week from week as I prepare lectures, come up with in class writing exercises, and critique work. It has been a wonderful experience, but unfortunately it has meant radio silence on Anita's Edge as of late.

Hope everyone is having a lovely summer! Happy Writing!