Calling all creative writers! You can learn about fiction, poetry, songwriting, screenwriting and publishing at a free workshop at Pellissippi State Community College.
The 8th annual Young Creative Writer’s Workshop will be held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, on the college’s Strawberry Plains Campus, 7201 Strawberry Plains Pike, Knoxville. Lunch will be provided.
While the free workshop is aimed at area middle school, high school and college students, the event is open to all persons interested in creative writing, regardless of age. At the end of the workshop, students will have the opportunity to perform or recite their original works for family members, friends and teachers they invite to attend the showcase.
“Our goal is to inspire and encourage those with writing talent so that they may go on to pursue their craft and share their gifts with the world,” said Patty Ireland, associate professor of English at Pellissippi State and director of the Young Creative Writer’s Workshop. “This is a wonderful opportunity for creative writers to experience a sense of camaraderie with others who share the same passion.”
Acclaimed Appalachian author Charles Dodd White, an associate professor of English at Pellissippi State, will give this year’s keynote address. White is the recipient of the Thomas and Lillie D. Chaffin Award for excellence in Appalachian Literature, the Appalachian Book of the Year award in fiction and a member of the East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame for fiction.
Individual workshops offered this year include
- Fiction writing
- Poetry writing
- Publication
- Genre-specific/craft-focused writing
- Songwriting
Workshops are taught by professional writers and Pellissippi State faculty, assisted by college students in the Strawberry Plains Campus Creative Writing Club. Those who attend will have the opportunity to tour the Strawberry Plains Campus and interact with Pellissippi State faculty, staff and students.
“This year’s theme, Coming Home to Community, focuses on our Appalachian roots and will feature, in addition to our workshops, Appalachian dancing, music and ‘stations’ in our new Appalachian Heritage Project space, where attendees may be part of our Myths, Monsters, Superstitions and Sayings video compilation, experience living history and become part of a ‘quilting bee,’” Ireland added.
All those who attend the workshop should bring paper and a pen or pencil. Fiction and poetry writers are encouraged to bring an original short story or poem, and songwriters may bring an original song lyric sheet, sheet music, chart or guitar. A piano will be provided.
Those who do not yet have original work to share are still welcome!
To view the complete schedule and fill out a registration form for this free event, visit our Young Creative Writer’s Workshop webpage at www.pstcc.edu/ycww.
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