How does where you come from enrich your writing? Find out when you join award-winning author Stephanie Hemphill of Chicago for Young Writers’ Workshop.
Throughout the week, students will participate in icebreaker activities, explore the museum's collection vault and exhibits, engage in daily writing exercises, learn historical research and inclusive storytelling tips, verbally share writing, give and receive feedback, as well as write, edit, rewrite and present their final historical fiction story. Students will discover the story behind an artifact in the Iowa History 101 exhibition and weave the object and its story into a historical fiction short story. The week is capped off by the students giving a public performance of the stories and celebrating during a reception with family and friends. While most of the week will be spent in the classroom, a few out of the classroom excursions are planned.
The workshop meets from 9 am to 4 pm each day at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, Des Moines. The workshop is open to children in grades 7-12 (must have completed 6th grade or be 12 years old or older) and is limited to 12 participants. Each student should bring a laptop or tablet (accommodations can be made).
Scholarships may be available.
See the event website for details.
