The Craft of Writing Series: Middle Grade Fiction with Lora Hyler and Anika Fajardo
September 3rd, 10th and 17th, 2020 – 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, September 3: Author Conversation
Join authors Anika Fajardo and Lora Hyler for a conversation on the craft of writing fiction for middle-grade readers.
Thursday, September 10: Translating Your Passion for Reading Children’s Books into Writing for Children with Lora Hyler
Many children’s book authors are overheard to say, “I wish I had started sooner.” As artists we notoriously get in our own way. Yet, there’s a story only you can tell. There’s a child, undoubtedly many, who really need to read your story. In this workshop, I’ll share how I jumpstarted my children’s book author career. We’ll discuss how to take your passion for story to get started. We’ll also cover:
How writing in different formats: poetry, short stories, screenplays, full length novels or non-fiction books will benefit you
The power of research and when to begin writing
Finding the time to write
Gathering your support team: fellow writers unite!
Where to find inspiration: Writer organizations, nature, re-reading favorite books, fellow artists
Setting goals and holding yourself accountable
The power of social media and building a platform early
Thursday, September 17: Voice in Middle Grade Fiction with Anika Fajardo
Writing for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) is a joy and a responsibility. How do you tell a story that respects and reflects a child’s perspective but also reads like a novel? Through writing exercises, discussion, and reading excerpts from contemporary children’s book authors, we’ll examine how writers craft voice to capture a young audience.
The cost for this three-week program is $150.00. Write On members receive a 10% discount. To become a member, please click here. To register online for this program, please click here. For other registration options, please call 920-868-1457.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Anika Fajardo was born in Colombia and raised in Minnesota. She is the author of a book about that experience, Magical Realism for Non-Believers: A Memoir of Finding Family. Her novel, What If a Fish, is slated for publication from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in summer 2020. A writer, editor, and teacher, she lives with her family in the very literary city of Minneapolis. Her writing for adults and children has appeared in numerous publications including Brief Encounters: A Collection of Contemporary Nonfiction (Norton) and Sky Blue Waters: Great Stories for Young Readers (U of Minnesota Press). She has earned awards from the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Jerome Foundation, and the Loft Literary Center. Anika works with writers of all ages both one-on-one and in the classroom. She teaches in Augsburg University’s MFA program, where she works with creative nonfiction writers. She also creates and designs websites for writers, artists, and other creatives.
A former NPR journalist, Lora Hyler is the author of The Stupendous Adventures of Mighty Marty Hayes, which features multicultural superheroes, CRISPR gene editing technology, and spy gadgets. It is the first of a trilogy of middle-grade novels. Lora postponed the second installment to write Our Bodies Stay Home, Our Imaginations Run Free, a novel to help children and families deal with COVID-19 and social distancing practices. In addition to her middle grade fiction, she has written hundreds of articles, several screenplays, short stories, and a novel. She started Hyler Communications, a public relations and marketing company, in 2001.
