Class

Dark Hauntings: Bending Boundaries in Writing (for ages 12 to 14)

This full-day summer writing experience invites young writers to spend four days reading, writing, and sharpening their storytelling skills in a supportive community. Mornings focus on the craft of short fiction, with time to read great stories, experiment with structure, and draft and revise original work. After a midday lunch and enrichment break to recharge, afternoons turn toward imaginative genre writing, as students explore spooky settings, memorable monsters, and high-stakes storytelling. Together, the day balances close reading, creative play, and focused writing time—helping writers grow in confidence and craft.

SESSION 1: Short Story Writing (for Ages 12 to 14) with Kat Shepherd

Reading a collection of short stories is like having a taste of every dish at a banquet. Whether it's funny, frightening, or heartbreaking, a good short story is a compelling peek into a deeper world.

In this class, we'll read short works by Jack Gantos, Pam Muñoz Ryan, David Levithan and others to unlock the secrets of short story structure. Then we'll use a variety of games and activities to help writers brainstorm, outline, and write short stories of our own.

While each class will begin with reading and discussing a work of literature, the majority of class time will be spent writing, conferencing, and revising. Every writer will have the opportunity to complete at least one short story, and students will work together to critique and revise their work.

LUNCH & ENRICHMENT:
We'll break for lunch with more activities that will inspire us to express ourselves while having fun! We may explore Gold Medal Park to seek creativity outside the classroom! Please bring a packed lunch.

SESSION 2: Fearsome Imaginations: Building Spooky Worlds (for Ages 12 to 14) with Kat Shepherd

Why do terrifying tales give us those spine-tingling thrills and chills? In this class, we’ll use games and activities to explore the building blocks of horror: atmospheric settings, compelling monsters and villains, high stakes, and flawed protagonists that drive the story forward. Writers will use these building blocks to craft their own haunting tales and share their scariest scenes in a horror story slam.

Aspiring writers, grab your notebooks and pens, and let’s write at the Loft!