Learn. Create. Write. Share.

• Join us for a morning of writing, learning, and sharing
• Create new work in generative writing sessions
• Join two separate breakout writing groups led by published writers
• Share your stories during a supportive open mic
• Meet fellow young writers and take home new pieces

Scholarships available – and you can sponsor a student, too! Contact karen@larksongwritersplace.org for details. 

Schedule: 

 9:00-9:30 am - Welcome and orientation. Choose your workshops. (Each session includes all three workshops, only the writers change.)
9:30 - 10:15 - First Breakout Session.
10:30 - 11:15 - Second Breakout Session
11:30 - Noon - Open mic/sharing time

Workshop Selections: 

Bring Your Characters to Life! 
led by Rachel Hruza

“Would you like to create characters that seem to get up and walk off the page? This workshop will help you do that. We'll start off by talking about characters we like and why we like them. We’ll talk about how detail and description can help us create the kind of characters we love to read about. We'll dive into writing by creating detailed character profiles and short scenes of dialogue that can actually get our characters talking. Then we will work with some “choose your own adventure” type prompts and you can find out what happens when your characters are placed in new situations with new conflicts. How will your characters react? They just might surprise you! Let’s find out!” 
 

Tell Your Own Story
led by Wendy Weitzel

Everyone’s got a story to tell—what’s yours? In this creative writing class for teens, you’ll dive into personal storytelling and learn how to turn your real-life experiences into powerful narratives. We’ll use fun prompts, do some quick writing, and talk about how to find your voice, then make it come to life on the page. No pressure, no grades—just a chance to write and reflect.  

Speculative Fiction Fun
led by Nick Salestrom

Love stories with magic, monsters, or far-off futures? In this workshop, you’ll explore the worlds of fantasy, science fiction, and beyond. We’ll talk about what makes speculative fiction work, write original stories, and build new worlds together. Get ready to stretch your imagination and bring bold new ideas to life on the page.

Meet the Instructors: 

Rachel Hruza is the author of Dear Isaac Newton You’re Ruining My Life. She teaches writing in higher education, encouraging others to realize the joys of the written word. 

Wendy Weitzel is the author of "Sharq Driving School for Women" in Inscape Journal and "The Price of Stillness" in Segullah. She teaches English at Southeast Community College. 

 

Nick Salestrom leads Speculative Writing Workshops at Larksong and teaches writing at Southeast Community College in Beatrice.