http://www.rightreading.com/publishing/publishing-glossary.htm
Is this the same workshop that took place in Walnut Creek earlier in February or is this different? Fatima
Thanks for asking this, Fatima. This is a completely different workshop. We are going to focus on different aspects of writing fiction. We hope to have some “old” faces and some new ones too! You can help us by spreading the news to your friends and teachers. Thanks! Liz
Writers Workshop An Interactive Writing Afternoon
Who: Ages 12 – 18 When: Wednesday, July 29, 2009
3:00 – 5:00
Cost: FREE!
Where: Clayton Public Library 6125 Clayton Rd, Clayton
925-673-0659
Secret Writing Tips from Published Authors!
How to make a good story better.
Create suspenseful stories with fabulous characters in settings that make your readers feel like they’re really there . . . Discover writing secrets from two professional children’s authors who love writing. You’ll get a chance to ask questions about the publishing world, write, meet other writers, “talk books,” and be inspired to write and publish your own works of prose. Seating is limited so sign up soon!
Led by children’s authors Sarah Wilson and Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff
Visit them at www.sarahwilsonbooks.com and www.lizbooks.com.
Bring pen and paper and get ready to WRITE!
Reserve your space now.
E-mail [email protected] with Writing Workshop in the subject line. For reservation, include your name, age, address and phone number.
I’m revising a story right now. One of the questions I get asked when I talk to community groups and schools is how writers can best rewrite their work. Here are a few suggestions that have helped me.
1. Put your writing away for awhile. If you’re too close to it . . . you may love your words too much . . . so you will struggle. Time is your friend! Later you’ll see where you can strengthen your story.
2. Where are you TELLING instead of SHOWING?
Does it sound like ANY character is reacting to the situation? Instead, how would THIS SPECIFIC character react? Give THIS character a unique personality.
3. Active verbs will let your story move along instead of zzzzzz…….draaaagging.
4. If you have a few people read your story and they all give you the same suggestion, give it a try. What do you have to lose?
5. Read your piece out loud. My dog is used to me now . . . When SHE yawns, I know I’m in trouble.
6. Having trouble getting motivated? Read good writing to WRITE good writing.
BEST JUVENILE
The Postcard by Tony Abbott (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
BEST YOUNG ADULT
Paper Towns by John Green
Penguin Young Readers Group – Dutton Children’s Books)
I haven’t read either of these books yet, but good news. Our Contra Costa Public Library System has them BOTH! I just put in requests. (Do you know about his cool service they have? When they come in, they notify you.) http://ccclib.org/
The format is not the best for the dimensions of this space so apologies to those who are trying to read the school list.
Last year I sent in the honorable list to the Contra Costa Times but they only printed the main winners due to space constraints. This year we even have more honorables. Good for you!
As one of the sixth grade short story judges, I can say we were most amazed at the quality in this category. Wow! You kids know how to write! Usually sixth grade students aren’t aware that stories have a distinct beginning, middle and an end. But this stack of manuscripts were so compelling and well-written we nearly dropped off of our chairs as we read them!
I hear other judges were also impressed with their manuscripts.
As in other adult contests, we don’t give specific comments or critiques. But if you come to one of our free workshops we will help you discover ways to make your good stories, poems and essays better and better.
Congratulations honorables, winners and everyone who entered! Keep writing!
Liz
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