Writing Workshop

July 6 - July 10, 2020 and July 13 - July 17, 2020

Exploring Op-Ed (Must register for Week 1)

What young people have to say counts. Write about topics that matter to you for real audiences. Join the running conversation in local or national news, on trending blogs, or popular media.  The summer of 2020 will be filled with debate over health, climate change, the economy, race , and many more civic conversations. People have the ability to solve many problems, and sometimes we need to be convinced.

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This two-week workshop on Op-Ed includes reading, discussing, writing and publishing creative opinion pieces* in your choice of format

• podcasts 

• photo essays

• film clips

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Would you like to play a part in informing others about how people can begin to reverse global warming? We will view and read engaging op-ed pieces on solving the climate crisis. Also, discover what you think of the latest artificial intelligence applications. We’ll read text-sets and talk. In addition to exploring science writing, you may use op-ed formats to address social justice topics that interest you. Your words matter. 

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You will learn argument moves and sharpen your ability to hold a reader’s attention. As an op-ed writer, pod-caster, or film maker, you will aim for presenting a clear, engaging opinion for the general reader, using either your expertise [research] or your unique experience with a topic. Experiment with your voice and sense of humor. Learn how to revise to press your opinion home, how to effectively counter arguments and develop your journalistic writing style. 

Students are encouraged to bring an iOS device or laptop for research and production.  Paper notebooks will be provided for planning, notes, quick-writing, lists, etc.  

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Jedi Writing Academy

Want to become a Jedi Master of writing? Now you can with the help of Mr. W's Writing Workshop. You will learn strategies that will help you tap your inner creativity force and become a master of your hidden writing talents. 

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Yes, and! The “What Happens Next?” Writers’ Workshop

Writers will engage in creative and expressive writing in a discussion and feedback oriented workshop. With a facilitator with expertise in both theatre and typical literature, these writers will be exposed to improvisation, team- writing, and personal portfolio work. Students will leave this course with several short works and skills to be applied in an array of future endeavors. These skills include writing revision, expanded strengths in vocabulary, and communication (speaking, listening, and leading) skills.

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Have you ever had a voice inside your head that spoke of great adventures, amazing scenery, and relatable characters? Have you ever listened to music while in the car and created a magical world ruled by dragons, magic, and robots? Did you ever wonder what would happen if you wrote these stories down? Where would it lead you? How do the pages look like? This class will focus on creative story telling through your eyes and your imagination. Use the stories that are hidden inside your head, write them down, color them, and create a book that you can share and enjoy with those around you. Take the time to speak your truth and tell a modern day story and leads readers into the depths of your imagination.

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Say Yes to Your Ideas

Do you ever get stuck in the writing process? Have you not completed (or started) a written assignment because you were worried that you wouldn't do well? Famous author Anne Lamott said, "I don't think you have time to waste not writing because you are afraid you won't be good enough at it." This class will help you with brainstorming and creative techniques that will help you with any kind of writing that you need or want to do.