CLICK TO HEAR JACK HALL’S INTERVIEW WITH REHEMA CLARKEN
The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA) is excited to announce 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 on Saturday, May 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Peter White Public Library.
“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 (Hancock, MI), 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
reakout 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 (Pickford, MI), author of the Alaska Trilogy
Michael Peach—Identifying the Main Problem: Conflict Builds Your Story (Afternoon session #1a)
An author from Escanaba, Michael 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)
Ann 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)
Rehema 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.
The Young Writers Storytelling Workshop is pleased to announce that ten scholarships are now available for aspiring young writers who would like to participate in this year’s workshop program. Designed to inspire creativity, strengthen storytelling abilities, and encourage self-expression, the workshop offers students an engaging opportunity to develop their writing skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.
The Young Writers Storytelling Workshop brings together students who are passionate about writing, imagination, and storytelling. Through guided exercises, interactive discussions, and creative activities, participants learn techniques for crafting compelling stories while gaining confidence in their own voices as writers. The program encourages students to explore fiction, personal narrative, poetry, and imaginative storytelling while connecting with fellow young creatives who share similar interests.
Organizers hope the scholarships will help make the workshop accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds who may otherwise be unable to participate. The scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. They are intended to support motivated young writers eager to expand their skills, creativity, and appreciation for literature and storytelling.
A complimentary Vango’s pizza lunch is provided during an “Authors Q&A” with special guests Sue Harrison (Pickford, MI), author of Rescuing Crash, The Good Dog and Sara Mauerer (Sault Ste Marie), author of A Good Animal.
Registration is open! Please visit www.storytellingworkshop.org
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