JACKSON, Wyo. — For all kids ages 9 to 14 who aspire to learn what it takes to become an author, Jackson Hole Writers is hosting the Almost Authors Kids-Only Writing Conference on Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 15. The two-day free event will be held at the Teton County Library Ordway Auditorium.
“The conference will be a celebratory and informative space for young writers to explore the world of writing,” Jackson Hole Writers Executive Director Matt Daly said in the announcement.
According to Jackson Hole Writers, all aspects of the writing and publishing process will be covered in the conference. The focus will be on advancing skills for writing in fiction, nonfiction and poetry through hands-on craft classes, individual writing time, group writing games and challenges, professional one-on-one critiques and work exchanges with their peers.
During the conference, young writers will learn from three experienced teaching authors with a wide range of publishing credits. The faculty team will include Jackson Hole Writers’ own Executive Director, Matt Daly. Daly is a published poet and has also worked with writers of all ages for more than two decades.
Rebecca Balcárcel, who is bi-lingual in both Spanish and English, will also share her expertise with the students. Balcárcel, a Guatemalan-Anglo American, is the award-winning author of Shine On, Luz Véliz! and The Other Half of Happy, as well as a contributor to Highlights magazine and a member of the Texas Institute of Letters.
Also teaching, Nanci Turner Steveson is the author of four middle grade novels published by HarperCollins/Quill Tree which have achieved starred reviews, state awards, foreign translations and have been on several Best Children’s Book lists.
“Being a writer can be a thrilling, yet lonely occupation,” Steveson said in a statement. “Through Almost Authors we are dedicated to helping our youngest writers not only hone their craft by learning from the authors whose books they read, but we also understand the importance of establishing a vibrant writing community for and with them.”
Conference Schedule:
- Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Kids will be sent home with a writing challenge for the next day
- Sunday, Sept. 15 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. — This day will include one-on-one critiques of the kids’ work if they would like to get feedback, plus a festive end-of-Almost Authors year celebration!
Snacks and lunch will be provided on Saturday, and snacks will be available on Sunday. While this is a free event, registration is required.
