When I was a youngster, I for a few years, I thought that I wanted to be a writer. I was never particularly gifted in math, science, or history but I really thrived in creative writing. Maybe it was just because there isn’t much objective criteria with which to differentiate a good piece from a bad one (aside from maybe grammar and punctuation.)

Whatever the reason was, I was fine with it. I thoroughly enjoyed writing poetry and short stories, and while other kids in my grade were popular because they were athletically inclined, humorous, or artistic, I garnered a bit of a reputation for being a skilled writer.

I was proud of it. Before I started playing music, literature was my niche. When I hit my teen years I put down the pen and picked up the guitar, but part of me wishes that I had stuck with writing. If I had the opportunity at the time to be mentored by a pro, I probably could have nurtured my skills to a greater level.

If you or someone you know has had a similar experience, whether you’re a high school student or an adult, it might be worth your time to look into the Beginning Writer Workshop with Angela Foster. She will be teaching a class on April 28th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on basic writing techniques that include in-class writing exercises, writing assignments, and sharing of work.

It’s for teens age 16 to adults. You can catch the workshop at the Great River Regional Library in Monticello and admission is absolutely free. Remember, it’s never too late to start. J.K. Rowling was 32 when she released the first “Harry Potter” book and didn’t finish the series until she was 42, and she seems to have done pretty well for herself.

 

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