Young Writers Program
Lighthouse's Youth Writing Workshops are designed to foster creativity, self-expression and excitement about writing. There are no grades or wrong answers--there is just the story.
Workshops are limited to ten students, which allows for plenty of individual attention and helps members feel comfortable exploring their own writing. Our hope is that students leave the workshop with more trust in their voice, confidence in their language, and happy anticipation about the stories they have yet to write.
For a complete listing of upcoming youth workshops, visit our Young Writers Schedule.
Exercises to spark the imagination: Members will create the character, place, and action of a story through thought-provoking brainstorming and writing activities. We'll use masterful short stories as examples and inspiration.
Learning the fundamentals: There will be lots of talk (and practice!) about developing characters, setting, dialogue and voice--about elements of craft that make a story move.
Group collaboration: Reading and critiquing each other's writing gives everyone a fresh perspective, new ideas, and the chance to learn lessons about our own work. It can make our stories better.
Building the scaffolding: We'll put it all together. Exercises and discussion will be geared toward helping each member kick-off a new short story.
One-on-one support: During the month following the workshop, members may submit their story to the workshop facilitator for a complete critique.