Free Children’s Workshops at Gaithersburg Book Festival Inspire Creativity in Writing and Book Design
Gaithersburg, Md. – April 9, 2015 – Whether your kids are interested in creating pop-up or tunnel books, writing fiction or poetry, designing comic books, or learning how to write a college essay that will have impact, the Gaithersburg Book Festival has the perfect workshop. Offered for free and led by writing and design professionals from around the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, the children’s writing workshops will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the grounds of City Hall (31 S. Summit Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877).
“We’re really excited about this year’s programming,” said Kathy Crutcher, chair of children’s workshops for the Gaithersburg Book Festival and founder of Shout Mouse Press. “Aspiring young writers can learn from best-selling authors, professional artists and inspiring educators from the Washington, D.C., area’s most innovative writing programs.”
The workshops include:
Tunnel Books for Children (Ages 6-12) – 10 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
Presented by Heidi Bishop, an artist specializing in printmaking and children’s book arts
Children will be provided a short introduction to the concept of book arts. They then will create their own books in a “Tunnel Book” format, which will challenge them to use a 3-D format, as well as integrate their story with the shape of the book. For younger children, pre-cut and assembled templates will be available.
Making Comics (Ages 12-18) – 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Presented by Jason Rodriguez, comic book writer and editor
For more than a century, artists and storytellers have been taking stories that existed in their heads and placing them into a series of panels to make comic strips and books. In this workshop, children will learn how to craft their own comic books, starting with an idea and characters that exist in some continuous space and moving them into a series of moments that tell an exciting and engaging story. The workshop will cover the process of making a comic book – from an idea to a story and even to the printing, folding and stapling – in order to encourage them to make their own whenever they have a story to tell.
Characters & Dramatic Action (Ages 9+) – 12:30 p.m.-1:20 p.m.
Presented by John Morogiello, Playwright-in Residence at the Maryland State Arts Council
During this workshop, students will examine character traits and how to present them through dialogue. They also will explore the basics of dramatic structure and write a full scene with a partner.
Create Your Own Stories!: Fiction Writing (Ages 6+) – 1:30 p.m.-2:20 p.m.
Presented by Adi Desai, Program Coordinator and Instructor at Writopia Lab
Do you like writing fantasy or realistic fiction? Or maybe dystopian worlds are more your style? In this workshop, writers will be encouraged to create a piece of fiction through original Writopia Lab creative writing games while getting stellar feedback from published authors. At the end of the workshop, writers are encouraged to read their work and receive constructive feedback from fellow writers and instructors.
Popping Up with Robert Sabuda (Ages 7-97) – 2:30 p.m.-3:20 p.m.
Presented by Robert Sabuda, #1 New York Times best-selling children’s book creator
Make your very own pop-ups! Join Robert Sabuda for a special workshop as everyone gets busy making their own pop-ups. Robert will teach a variety of simple techniques that can be used for making cards, invitations and, with a little practice and imagination, your very own book!
Fly Language: Poetry Raises Up! (Ages 8+) – 3:30 p.m.-4:20 p.m.
Presented by Split this Rock’s DC Youth Slam Team
Spoken word poetry has inspired many generations to step up to the blank page and express themselves, then take the mic on stage to perform that poetic expression. Students from the DC Youth Poetry Slam Team will lead this writing workshop with help from their coach, hoping to engage and inspire participants with creative writing that rises up from the page. Participants will write and share poetry based on prompts and activities developed by teenage poets. No experience necessary, but having fun is mandatory.
College Admissions Essay Writing: Writing Your Way Into College (Teens) – 4:30 p.m.-5:20 p.m.
Presented by Jocquelyn Downs, Branch Manager, Writopia Lab
In this workshop, Writopia instructors will help college-bound high schoolers identify unique and meaningful personal stories and tell them in their authentic voices. Instructors will provide guidance on structure and editing and help students explore themes, expand on ideas and create drafts.
No pre-registration is required for these free workshops; participants should just plan to show up at the time their preferred workshop is scheduled to start. Workshops are generally limited to 20 participants, but individual presenters can expand the workshop at their discretion.
For more information about the workshops, the presenters and the schedule, including additional workshops geared for adult writers, please visit the Workshop page of the GBF website.
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About the Gaithersburg Book Festival
The Gaithersburg Book Festival is an annual all-day celebration of books, writers and literary excellence. Now in its sixth year, the Festival has become one of the premier literary events in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The 2015 Festival will be on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the grounds of Gaithersburg City Hall, in Olde Towne Gaithersburg, Md. Other activities include author appearances, discussions and book signings; writing workshops; a Children’s Village; onsite sales of new and used books; literary exhibitors and food, drink, ice cream and more. Admission and shuttle service from Shady Grove Metro and Lakeforest Mall are FREE. For more information please visit www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org.