LAKEPORT, Calif. – Some Lake County children who love to write stand a good chance of getting published this fall.
Again this summer the Lake County Library will sponsor the popular Young Writers Workshop.
Open to Lake County children and teens from fifth grade through high school, this summer’s program has an exciting twist.
A culmination of the program will be the publication of an anthology of writings by the kids who participate in the sessions – a book to be made available to the public later in the year.
Published author and columnist Robin C. Harris will conduct the free weekly sessions to be held on Saturday mornings beginning June 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lakeport branch of the Lake County Library. The library is located at 1425 N. High St.
“In my work as a substitute teacher in eight schools this year, I saw many examples of a passion for writing on the part of students of all ages – an interest we hope to nurture, and a talent that needs an outlet such as we hope to provide. I want these kids to get their stuff in print,” said Harris.
Harris is a dynamic and inspiring teacher whose energies may exceed the noise level normally associated with libraries.
“That’s OK, though,” he said. “The stereotype of the old-fashioned librarian with her hair in a bun and her finger to her lips is no longer with us. We want this to be fun, and fun it will be. They’re not gonna throw us out.”
After all, Harris is the appointed member of the Lake County Library Advisory Board, representing District 5.
Much of the participants’ work will be in the area of fiction – specifically short stories, but non-fiction and poetry will be covered as well. Parents will be invited to sit in on the sessions as spectators in an effort to ensure continuity for their kids from one week to the next.
“This is not an English class,” Harris said. “Our work this summer will be to get stuff on paper in whatever from it turns out to be. Kids who have sat through language arts classes all year don’t need more of the same. The polishing can come later.”
All writings will be critiqued, and students will be helped over the rough spots in an effort to make their work ready for publication.
Lake County students entering grades five through 12 will be welcome in the program. The free eight-session workshop will begin June 4 and continue through Aug. 6, with a day off on July 2.
Preregistration is strongly encouraged, as this will be a popular activity, and will be limited to the first 20 applicants. Each applicant should bring a three-ring binder, some paper and a pen or pencil.
For information, students and parents may contact Amy Patton at the library 707-263-8817 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The Lake County Library is on the Internet at http://library.lakecountyca.gov and Facebook at www.facebook.com/LakeCountyLibrary .
Library hosts summer writing workshop for children, teens
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