MARQUETTE –The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Author’s Association has announced that the Young Writers Storytelling Workshop will be back for a second year and has grown since its debut in 2024.

This year, the workshop will have additional break-out sessions for the students to choose from. It will run in parallel to the main conference from 9:30 a.m-4 p.m. May 17 at the Peter White Public Library.

“The workshop will run in parallel to UPPAA’s main conference, but the sessions will be aimed at a youthful audience who are beginning their writing journeys,” said Rehema Clarken of Hancock, who is the workshop chair.

Last year, four award-winning authors taught the basics of storytelling, but this year, participants will have more to choose from with breakout sessions in the afternoon.

The additional sessions are designed especially for returning participants to help them further develop their writing skills. These sessions, led by published authors and industry professionals, will cover topics such as creating vivid characters, dynamic plots and engaging settings, as well as writing for journalism and editing to publish.

Like the UPPAA spring conference, participants in the Young Writers Storytelling Workshop will sign up for the tracks they wish to participate in, have additional writing time in each breakout, and a Q&A session with a panel of authors during the lunch break.

Enrollment for workshop will open on March 17.The workshop fee is $25 per student for the general public. Children of UPPAA members with family membership packages can attend for free. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available, please contact storytelling@uppaa.org for details.

Young Writers Storytelling Workshop Schedule

≤ 9:45-10:45 a.m.-Morning Session #1

Cyndi Perkins–Getting to know you–why do you write?

A journalist and professional editor who lives in the Keweenaw, Cyndi will lead warm-up activities to get participants comfortable and enthusiastic about writing and sharing their ideas.

≤ 11-noon – Morning Session #2

John Hagen–Identifying the main problem–conflict builds stories

An author from St. Ignace, John will guide participants through an investigation of conflict–the essential element of story–to encourage them to create a compelling plot that makes a page turner. Additional time for writing will also be provided during this time.

≤ Noon-1:45p.m.–Lunch and Q&A session with authors

Assorted pizzas and salad from Vango’s will be provided.

≤ 1:45-2:45–Afternoon Breakout Session #1a

Nikki Mitchell–Crafting vibrant characters–the importance of a strong hero

A middle-grade writer from Ishpeming, Nikki will lead a fast-paced character-building activity where participants will create vibrant heroes, villains, and sidekicks that will jump off the page, followed by individual writing time to create their own characters.

≤ 1:45-2:45–Afternoon Breakout Session #1b

Ann Dallman–Writing for the real world–the art of non-fiction writing

Ann is a journalist and middle-grade author from Menominee. She will share how to craft compelling narratives as well as how to write with clarity and impact. Participants will review essential writing techniques, including strong voice, vivid imagery, and effective organization. An emphasis will be given on the real-world applications of non-fiction writing skills.

≤ 3-4 p.m. –Afternoon Breakout Session #2a

Rehema Clarken–Using the five senses–the art of descriptive writing

Rehema is a Young Adult author who grew up in Marquette and now lives in the Keweenaw. Her session will explore how to write descriptive characters and settings using the five senses of touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound.

≤ 3-4 p.m.–Afternoon Breakout Session #2b

Brandy Thomas–Editing to publish–the importance of a polished manuscript

Brandy, an editor and author from Marquette will guide students through one of the most important and misunderstood steps of writing. During the session, she will talk about the editing process, introduce helpful tools, and show that editing involves more than just correcting punctuation and grammar.