Tucked in Cleveland State University's Mather Mansion, teenage writers absorb the wisdom of local, established authors, learning from their older peers as they look toward a future in writing.
The event, hosted by Lake Erie Ink, aims to provide young writers of all skill levels with workshops, panel discussions and community-building discussions. Known as the Teen Writers' Symposium, the gathering takes place May 6.
“We're always trying to find ways to make writing fun and accessible for young people,” says Amy Rosenbluth, co-founder of Lake Erie Ink. “We want to break down the barriers that can prevent kids from feeling confident in their writing skills."
A variety of local writers and industry professionals, including music journalist and author Annie Zaleski, will be featured at the symposium, which opens to students grades 6-12. Zaleski's presentation revolves around storytelling.
"I'm most excited about seeing what the students come up with and just hanging out with other writers," says Zaleski. "I always learn from what younger people are doing because they have fresh perspectives and great ideas."
Zaleski is eager to share her expertise with young writers during her presentation on storytelling and interviewing skills. Zaleski’s next book on pop star Pink is set to release this summer, with another book, This Is Christmas, Song by Song: The Stories Behind 100 Holiday Hits, due in October.
Other guest writers at the symposium include local legends Quartez Harris, Helen Maynard, Philip Metres, DM Pulley, Marie Vibbert and Laura Maylene Walker. Attendees will have the chance to participate in workshops and panels led by the authors and Lake Erie Ink staff.
Lake Erie Ink, established in 2011 by writers and English teachers Amy Rosenbluth and Cynthia Larsen, aims to provide young people in the Cleveland area with resources and opportunities for creative writing. The nonprofit organization offers after-school writing clubs, in-school residencies, summer camps and other programs to help students develop their writing skills and express themselves.
"We serve about 3,000 kids,” says Rosenbluth, “and that's both through our in-school workshops and our core programs where kids come to us.”
In addition to writing clubs, Lake Erie Ink offers Dungeons and Dragons groups, which have been a huge hit. "The kids discuss character development, building setting and conflict, and the narrative arc,” Rosenbluth says. “It's a really powerful thing to watch."
Find more information about Lake Erie Ink and the upcoming Teen Writers’ Symposium at the organizations website.
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