So I wanted to give my students an opportunity that few have during middle school; the chance to learn the basics of fiction from someone who has penned a novel (or 2 in my case). I am far from an expert, but through my years of writing, editing, critiquing, reading novels, and reading about writing, I have gained valuable experience that will make their early start run more smoothly than mine did.

After six craft workshops, the students will have a writing period of a month and a half with check-in dates. Then we will come together and critique/workshop their pages and hopefully end with each one having a solid short story or first chapter of a novel.

It is extremely exciting to see kids engaged in creative writing and to provide them with guidance and advice that few middle school students have access to.

My recommendation: If you love writing, share your love with others. Join a critique group. Work with kids who also love writing and encourage their excitement. I am finding immense joy in sharing my passion of writing.