Writing Workshop Planned for February 20
The Monroe Arts Alliance invites all county residents to a creative writing workshop in preparation for the 2012 Writing Contest whose deadline is April 6, 2012. The workshop will be held at the Alderson Presbyterian Church, Alderson, WV, on Monday, February 20, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
To help get those creative juices flowing, author Belinda Anderson, a Monroe County native, will structure the workshop to fit the criteria of the MAA Writing Contest. Those new to the writing experience will learn how to develop ideas into short narratives, and those already writing will discover techniques for honing their skills. Participants will leave with material for possible contest entries.
Last year's workshop was the genesis of Brittney Cassity's "The Year We Loved the Pear Tree," a story that took Best of Show in the Arts Alliance's first Writing Contest. Other workshop participants also won prizes in the competition. Winners had their work published in "Monroe County Tales," a book published by the Arts Alliance and hand-crafted by many of the authors.
The workshop is open to all. Advance registration for the workshop is required. Registration forms are available at the local libraries, by calling 304-772-4568, or by download. There is a fee of $20.00 for the day-long session. Attendees are asked to bring notebooks and writing materials, and may bring their lunch or purchase a soup and sandwich lunch provided by the church for $5.00. Coffee, tea and water will be available compliments of the Monroe Arts Alliance.
Belinda Anderson is a successful author of short stories for young people and adults who draws on her Appalachian heritage for inspiration. She conducts writing and story-telling workshops throughout the state and is currently working on a book based on the oral history of Wolf Creek Mountain in Monroe County.
"We come from a fine oral story telling tradition," she comments, "and I've discovered in my workshops that this heritage translates wonderfully into print. Whether writers are Monroe Countians by birth or choice, they seem to have a feel for the land, and for people, and they write with a sincerity that is very engaging. I really believe that everyone has stories to tell, and that's why I enjoy the opportunity to offer direction and encouragement in the workshop environment."
Registration deadline is February 13, 2012. Register today for a rich and rewarding workshop experience. This program is supported in part by a grant from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.