Class

From Memoir to Myth (for Ages 12 to 14)

This full-day summer writing experience invites young writers to spend four creative days building skills, confidence, and imagination at the Loft. Mornings focus on practical writing tools students can use in school, afternoons open up space for creativity and collaboration, and a midday lunch break offers time to recharge with fun enrichment activities. Together, the day balances structure and play—helping writers strengthen their voices, try new ideas, and discover the power of words in a supportive community.

SESSION 1: Build and Play Your Own Fantasy Character (for Ages 12 to 14) with Kelsey Daly

Come create your very own fantasy character alongside fellow fantasy and sci-fi writing peers!

You’ll do writing exercise that make your character pop off the page and into your reader’s heart. What are their motivations, surprising backstories, dreams, worries, and noteworthy fashion choices? When given difficult choices, what do they do?

Next, you’ll craft a terribly devious villain for your protagonist to battle. We'll talk about what makes a villain compelling and how to mold a villain that will perfectly challenge your character.

Through a combination of writing exercises and games, you'll see your character spring to life. We’ll also study strong character examples from your favorite shows, films, and books.

LUNCH AND 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: Solarpunk! Building Sustainable Worlds through Science Fiction (for ages 12 to 14) with Amy Sailer

In this workshop, students will learn about Solarpunk, a utopian genre that imagines the ecological, aesthetic, and social possibilities of a world transformed by renewable energy.

We will discuss examples of Solarpunk stories from diverse writers and artists, including Becky Chambers and Hayao Miyazaki, and then students will collaborate to research technological innovations and aesthetic inspiration for their own Solarpunk worlds. Students will then have time to begin their own short stories that take place in the collaborative world.

Along the way, we will experiment with worldbuilding techniques, including social relationships, setting, and figurative language. Taking a page out of the utopian stories we discuss, the class will endeavor to use creative writing to build stronger communities in and out of the classroom.

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