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Could you be the next J.K Rowling or J.R.R. Tolkien? Are you interested in learning about the world of writing children’s books? During Sarah Hammond’s three-day intensive workshop, we will explore this story craft from picture books, to middle grade, and to young adult fiction. We will also investigate different aspects of crafting stories, including finding memorable characters, discovering setting, creating delicious monsters and baddies, and learning how to stir up trouble and conflict. In each session, we will discuss story principles and read extracts of published work. We will also carry out writing exercises and, in the spirit of the audience we are writing for, have fun. Participants will take away work-in-progress and story ideas to develop after the program. All are welcome: we all have a story to tell.
Class size 9
Level Beginner and above
Student Supply List
Please bring journals or notebooks and pens or pencils only in the workshop sessions. Creativity is enhanced by paper and pen activity; brain scans show that as your hand makes letters, it activates a larger part of your brain than typing does, including areas that support thinking, language, and “working memory.” You are welcome to use your technology outside of the session gatherings.
Tuition $305
This workshop is part of the Writing Retreat: Mining the Story and includes optional Craft Talks, Readings and Open Mics.
Sarah Hammond is an international author for young people and has published for both teens and younger readers. For almost a decade she worked as a lawyer in London. Her first teen book, The Night Sky in My Head was published by OUP and was shortlisted for the Calderdale Children’s Book of the Year Award, the Leeds Book Award (14-16 category), the James Reckitt Hull Children’s Book Award and the Angus Book Award. Her first picture book, Mine!, was published by Paragon. Sarah runs workshops and competitions, mentors students, and presents at conferences and universities.
Workshops
Your Inner Child: an Exercise in Narrative Distance – Writing Retreat
Class Confirmation
You will receive a registration confirmation via email. If you do not have an email address, you will receive a snail-mail confirmation.
Please read your class confirmation carefully as it may include a supply list and other important details.
Materials Fees
Many classes have materials fees in addition to the tuition. These are identified in the class listing and are usually paid with the tuition payment, however in some cases materials fees are paid directly to the instructor at class time (check the class listing).
Cancellation Policy
While we recognize that life intrudes and plans change, in consideration of the time and energy instructors invest in preparing for classes, we must adhere to the following cancellation policies:
Student cancellations
> Cancellations made 31 days before the published registration deadline date for any given workshop are eligible for a full refund less 25% of the workshop fee OR a gift certificate in the full amount of the workshop fee. The gift certificate can be applied to workshops or lodging through Dec. 31 of the following year and is transferable.
> Cancellations made 30 days or less than the published registration deadline date for any given workshop are not eligible for refunds. We encourage all students to purchase trip insurance.
> Cancellation requests must be made by calling our office at (608) 987-3292.
> If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with your class, please refer to our lodging page for the lodging cancellation policy.
Cancellations by Shake Rag Alley
> If Shake Rag Alley must cancel a class you will be notified immediately via email or phone and will receive a full refund.
> If a class does not meet a minimum number of students, it may be cancelled. A decision to cancel a class due to under enrollment will be made on the day following the published registration deadline.
> If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with a class cancelled by Shake Rag Alley, you may receive a full refund on lodging should you wish to cancel the lodging. Please call the office at (608) 987-3292.
Waiting Lists
If a workshop you are interested in is sold out, please fill out this waiting list form. We will contact you if a spot becomes available. The class code requested on the form is the Workshop ID shown at left, beneath the Add to Cart button.
18 Shake Rag St.
Mineral Point, WI 53565
(608) 987-3292
