Imagine. Explore. Create
Ready to level up your writing game? Explore our thirteen dynamic workshops at Young Writers Con. They are fun, creative, and run by talented Klein ISD teachers who know how to make creative writing fun. It’s your chance to glow up your imagination and take your storytelling to the next level. Which workshops will you choose?
Pacing, Plotting and Problems
Want to keep your readers hooked from start to finish? This workshop dives into the art of pacing your story just right, crafting plots that captivate, and adding conflicts that keep things exciting. You’ll learn how to build tension, create momentum, and develop twists that surprise and satisfy your audience. Taught by Angela Willingham, a seasoned educator who teaches DC English IV and serves as an adjunct professor at Lone Star College, this session offers expert guidance to help you craft stories your readers won’t want to put down! Ms. Willingham will teach a session for beginners and another session for advanced creative writers.
Where Will You Take Your Reader - World Building
Ready to bring your fantasy writing to life? This workshop will teach you how to create vivid, immersive worlds that captivate your readers and set the stage for epic adventures. Led by Joshua Pickard, you’ll explore the creative depths of your imagination to uncover hidden worlds waiting to be discovered. Through interactive exercises, you’ll gain the tools to turn your ideas into unforgettable landscapes. Whether it’s magical realms, futuristic landscapes, or anything in between, this session will help you shape the perfect backdrop for your story. Don’t just tell your readers a story—transport them to a whole new world!
Why the First 10 Pages Are Critical
If your first ten pages don’t slay, readers might not stick around. In this workshop, Kionna Walker LeMalle will show you how to craft an opening that grabs attention and keeps it. You’ll learn how to hook readers, introduce characters like a pro, and avoid the cringe-worthy mistakes beginner writers make. Plus, you’ll get insider tips on what publishers are really looking for in those critical first pages. It’s all about setting the stage for a story no one can put down. Come ready to reimagine your opening and make it unforgettable! Her award-winning novel, Behind the Waterline comes out in March. Take a look.
Writing Dynamic Characters with Emotional Truth
Great characters make unforgettable stories. In this workshop, Vanessa Riley, a seasoned DC English teacher, will help you bring your characters to life with emotional depth and dynamic traits. You’ll learn how to flesh out personalities, craft compelling backstories, and create characters that drive your story forward. Discover how to make readers fall in love, connect deeply, or even passionately despise your characters. Through practical exercises and expert guidance, you’ll master the art of character development that hooks readers and keeps them invested in every twist and turn. Get ready to make your characters unforgettable!
Penning Poetry - A Beginners Workshop
This workshop is perfect for beginners. Dive into the world of poetry and discover the art of expressing yourself through verse! In this interactive workshop, Claire Solak will guide you through the fundamentals of writing poetry that resonates with readers. Learn how to use vivid imagery, craft a powerful tone, and convey emotions that speak to the soul. With hands-on exercises and expert tips, you’ll explore creative techniques to transform your thoughts and feelings into compelling poetry. Whether you’re new to writing or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will help you find your poetic voice.
How To Tell A Story Out Loud
What makes a story unforgettable when it’s told out loud? In this workshop, Jennifer Siger will teach you how to craft and deliver a gripping story in just five minutes. Drawing from her own experiences performing at The Moth , Jennifer will share insider tips on engaging your audience, creating a narrative arc, and making every word count. Learn how to capture attention from the very first sentence and leave a lasting impact with your performance. Don’t miss this chance to hear Jennifer’s own storytelling magic and gain the skills to wow any crowd.
Journaling - The Path To Discovering New Ideas
Think journaling is just for venting about your day? Think again. Joshua Pickard will show you how journaling can spark killer ideas and take your creativity to the next level. Learn how to turn random thoughts into story gold and discover techniques to keep the ideas flowing. Whether you’re stuck staring at a blank page or just looking for inspiration, this workshop will help you level up your writing game. That random doodle or note in your journal might just be the start of your next masterpiece. Come find out how journaling can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary!
Feedback On Your First Chapter
Got a novel brewing and want to make your opening unforgettable? Kionna Walker LaMalle is offering an exclusive opportunity for up to 10 students to receive detailed feedback on the first chapter of their original novel. Students must submit their opening ahead of time when registering for the conference to secure their spot. Those selected will get written feedback and a one-on-one session with Kionna during the event to refine their work. And here’s the kicker—the student with the strongest opening will win a free autographed copy of her award winning book, Behind the Waterline! Don’t miss your chance to jumpstart your novel and make your first chapter shine. Your chapter must be submitted by April 19, 2025, so she has plenty of time for her to write feedback.
Games To Inspire Writing
Think games are just for fun? Think again. In this workshop, Vanessa Riley will show you how games can ignite your imagination and take your writing to the next level. From quirky prompts to creative challenges, you’ll discover how to use play to fuel your ideas and spark fresh inspiration. Stuck on a blank page? These games will help you break through and keep the ideas flowing. Plus, you’ll leave with tools to keep the creativity alive long after the workshop ends. Come ready to play, write, and surprise yourself with what you create!
Penning Poetry - Advanced
Ready to elevate your poetry? Join Andrew Mitin, a published poet celebrated for his powerful verse, as he guides advanced writers through the art of refining their craft. In this workshop, you’ll learn techniques to deepen your imagery, strengthen your voice, and create poems that resonate on a profound level. Discover how to push your boundaries, experiment with form, and infuse your work with new layers of meaning. Whether you’re preparing for publication or just striving to perfect your style, this session will help you take your poetry to the next level. Come ready to challenge yourself and let your words soar!
Video Game Writing
Think writing is just for poetry and novels? Think again! In this workshop, Allie Drain will show you how to craft immersive and interactive stories for video games. Learn the unique techniques that make game narratives unforgettable, from branching storylines to creating compelling characters players will root for. Whether you dream of building epic worlds or crafting dialogue that players will remember, this session will help you level up your storytelling skills. Step into the world of game writing and discover how to turn your creative ideas into gameplay magic!
The Art And Craft Of Revising
Writing the first draft is just the beginning—the real magic happens in the revision process. In this workshop, Becky Wallace, an award winning author and editor, will guide you through the techniques that turn rough drafts into polished masterpieces. Learn how to evaluate your work with a critical eye, strengthen your prose, and refine your story’s structure and pacing. Becky will share expert tips to help you tackle revisions with confidence and purpose. Whether you’re revising a novel, short story, or personal essay, this session will give you the tools to elevate your writing to its fullest potential.
