MARQUETTE — The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association has announced that the Young Writers Storytelling Workshop will be back for a third year and has grown in scope and mission since its debut in 2024.

This year, the workshop will have additional breakout sessions for the students to choose from. It will be adjacent to and share amenities with the conference for adult writers from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.

“The workshop will run in parallel to UPPAA’s main conference, but the sessions will be aimed at a youthful audience, in grades 6 to 12, who are beginning their writing journeys,” said Rehema Clarken of Hancock, who is the workshop chair.

In previous years, our award-winning author instructors taught the basics of storytelling, but this year, participants will have more to choose from with breakout sessions in the afternoon. 

The additional sessions are designed especially for returning participants to help them further develop their writing skills.

These sessions, led by published authors and industry professionals, will cover topics such as creating vivid characters, compelling use of point-of-view, and dynamic plots that both captivate and engage readers’ imaginations. Specialized breakouts offer opportunities to explore the fun of poetry and demystify the publishing experience.

Like the UPPAA’s Spring Conference, participants in the Young Writers Storytelling Workshop will sign up for the tracks they wish to participate in, have additional writing time in each breakout, and a Q&A session with a panel of authors during the lunch break.
 
Enrollment for the workshop for children in grades 6 to 12 is now open at www.storytellingworkshop.org! The workshop fee is $30 per student for the general public. Children of UPPAA members with family membership packages can attend for free. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. Please contact storytelling@uppaa.org for details.
 
Young Writers Storytelling Workshop Schedule

Cyndi Perkins–Getting to know you–why do you write? (Morning session #1)

Drawing on her experience as a novelist and award-winning journalist, editor, and higher education communications director, Cyndi–who is based on the Keweenaw Peninsula–will lead relaxed warm-up activities to help participants ease into writing and feel excited about sharing their ideas.

John Hagen–Crafting Captivating Characters (Morning session #2a)

An award-winning author of short fiction from St. Ignace, John will reveal why compelling characters are essential to successful storytelling–and how to build them. Participants will use key tools and techniques to craft their own characters.

Marty Achatz–Poetry Possibilities Workshop (Morning session #2b)

Marty lives in Ishpeming with his family and in his spare time chases comets and Bigfoot. This workshop will play in poetry. Participants will enjoy the experience of writing poetry with the guidance of a UP Poet Laureate.

From 12:15-1:15 p.m., a complimentary pizza lunch is provided and Q&A with Authors with special guest Sue Harrison, of Pickford, author of the “Alaska Trilogy.” Michael Peach, “Identifying the Main Problem: Conflict Builds Your Story (Afternoon session #1a)

An author from Escanaba, Peach 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.

Ann Dallman, “Point of View: A Writer’s Not-so-Hidden Power!” (Afternoon session #1b)

Dallman is an award-winning author who has lifelong roots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She started out as a newspaper reporter and photographer and later taught English, reading, and journalism. She will share how point-of-view moves the reader through the story. It determines how the story is told based on what details are shared by the narrator or through the experiences of the main characters.

Rehema Clarken, Publishing 101 (Afternoon session)

Clarken is a young adult fantasy novelist and a nonfiction essayist who grew up in Marquette and now lives in the Keweenaw. Her session will explore how young adults can publish short pieces like stories and articles, as well as longer works such as novels.

Registration is open. Visit www.storytellingworkshop.org