Second Saturday Series Archives

Spring 2022

January 8: Poetry with Donna

Calling all writers (aka poets).  Poetry, the frequently neglected form of writing, will aid your writing skills by increasing your power of self expression.  Poets will exercise their creativity in several different poems during this session.

February 12: Food Writing with Star Friend, Author of Fishing for a Friend

Ever tried a new food or restaurant so great you wanted to tell everyone you knew? Maybe you’ve already posted photos of great dishes or reviews of your favorite restaurants online. From blogging about your own recipe creations to writing reviews, there are many ways to share your best epicurean experiences. In this workshop, we’ll explore ideas for writing about one of the world’s most universal topics: What we eat.

March 12: Historical Fiction with journalist & documentary producer Marianne

Students will learn some of the important elements to writing historical fiction, read and discuss some examples of adolescent historical fiction, discuss some research sources, and utilizing the research begin to write from the perspective of a character,  either real or imagined,  during an important moment of history.

April 9: Science Fiction with Chris

Do you have a thirst for thrilling futuristic science? This is where that thirst will be quenched with your creative juices. Let’s face it, there’s no question about the tremendous entertainment value of Science Fiction. Now you can practice writing science fiction stories!  

Fall 2021

September 11: Journaling with Star Friend, Author of Fishing for a Friend

Participants will learn techniques for using writing and artwork to process experiences, promote personal growth, and develop creativity. Workshop activities will be based on concepts developed by writers, artists, and life coaches to understand and derive meaning from our own lives. Whether you want to develop a daily writing habit to organize your thoughts and set your intentions or use journaling for reflection, this workshop is all about personal goals. Some activities will focus on drawing and doodling; colored pencils and crayons are optional supplies you may want to bring and use.

October 9: Creating your World with Libbie Schaffner Albright, Author of Tales from Evergreen Hollow and The Last Transwalker

In this workshop, young writers will learn techniques to create vivid worlds to root their stories. Through Visual Thinking Strategy, writers will learn observational techniques for gaining inspiration from their daily environments. Through instructor-led group discussions, writers will learn how to leverage traditions and trends throughout history to give their worlds a sense of reality weathered by time. Writers will also explore through visualization and the art of possibility, how to make their worlds uniquely their own. At the end of the workshop, young writers will walk away with understanding the impact the world has on shaping characters and storylines. Some activities and prompts will allow for writers to sketch; blank paper, pencils and colored pencils are optional but helpful. 

November 13: Letter Writing with Donna

Memos, textings, and tweets…Oh My! Letter writing is an endangered species.  Participants  will  revive the art of letter writing.  Friendly letters and business letters will be practiced.  Whether you want to send a letter to a fictitious future employer or your sweet little granny; this is the workshop for you!

December 11: Creating animal characters with Bridget Greene, Author of The Secrets of Santa’s Trackers

In this session, you’ll learn to create an animal character based on your own pet or favorite creature using the “show, don’t tell” writing technique. We will start the session with a brief “show and tell” where participants can show off their favorite pet. Then, you’ll learn to “show” readers who your pet or favorite animal is without “telling” them. You’ll leave this session with a well-developed animal character who can serve as the hero or heroine of a future story.