Programs for local writers

Originally published in the Ketchikan Daily News, January 2018; written by Michelle Lampton.

There’s something ‘novel’ we’re excited to ‘pen’ down about 2018: We’re kicking off a year-round writing program!

A celebration of writing in many of its varied forms, think of our new program a bit like a brain (or a walnut, if you’re hungry), because it’s got two halves, each with its own separate function: (italics)Actual(end italics) writing, and “Actually, I just want to enjoy someone (italics)else’s(end italics) writing, thank you very much,” for those not interested in falling down the Alice In Wonderland-like inkwell themselves.

For the readers, watchers and listeners, we have a big-bang universe of themes and events to enjoy. From doing groovy things for National Poetry Month in April, hosting live music along with presentations on songwriting in June during National “Libraries Rock” Month, to end-of-summer forays into the awesome, no-rules world of “fan fiction,” there’ll be something for everybody.

Including… wait for it…

Ever wanted to attend ComiCon? In October, gearing up for everyone’s Halloween activities, we’re putting on “MiCon” (a Mini Comic Convention) to celebrate your favorite movie and t.v. script writers, comic book artists, graphic novelists, and general Geekdom. (Bring your best costume and a strong sense of coolness!)

And for the writers— We few, we happy few, we band of writers prepared to bleed ink from our souls upon the battlefield that is the blank page— there’s The Fellowship of the Pen. Fiction and non-fiction authors, poets, graphic novelists, and bloggers all welcome!

Geared towards adults, but open to teens as well, we’ll have the programming and structure to help move you from planning to publishing by year’s end. Regardless of whether you’ve never written, already have a few words under your belt, you’re a seasoned amateur, or even a published author, our aim is to grow a small community that supports each other’s progress.

And to quote Julia Child, “Don’t be afraid!” The program is intentionally designed with a rhythm of extended breaks and downtime so your busy schedules, family obligations, school calendars, differing writing paces, and good-old, occasional lack of motivation won’t make getting your book written insurmountable.

We’ll put on developmental presentations, open our doors for drop-in write sessions similar to those we ran for National Novel Writing Month in November, and we’ll host workshops for group sharing and feedback.

The program begins with a set of three developmental presentations, the first one this week.

Thursday, January 18 at 5pm will be “Developing a Writer’s Toolkit.” We’ll look at organizational strategies for digital junkies and longhand-writers alike.

Thursday, January 25 at 5pm will be a part-presentation, part-interactive discussion on “The Anatomy of a Story,” where we’ll walk through structure, plot and sub-plotting, point-of-view, characters, conflict, and more.

Finally, Thursday, February 1 at 5pm we’ll enjoy a few munchies as we listen and dialog with special guest Charlotte Glover, owner of Parnassus Bookstore, to discuss too-common (and sometimes surprising!) mistakes authors make, and how to avoid costing yourself time, agony— and quite possibly money— down the road.