By Christopher Ward
The second-annual Writing for Young Readers Workshop began Monday, July 16, and will continue through Friday, July 20.
'The main idea is the spirit of writing for young adults - the essence of it,' said John Bennion, associate professor and workshop director.
'It is an intensive workshop geared toward people who are interested in writing books for young readers,' said Suzanne Overstreet, program administrator.
Bennion said the workshop attracts about a hundred students, teachers, parents, librarians and adults.
Overstreet said participants learn and write in small writing groups under the direction of an award-wining author.
'It is real working time,' he said.
Overstreet said writers have time to write and share their work for evaluation and comments.
Workshop presenters are picture book authors Rick Walton and Helen Ketteman, chapter book author Claudia Mills, middle-grade novel author Carol Lunch Williams, young adult novel writer Louise Plummer, publishing director of Doubleday Francoise Bui, senior editor of Knopt Books for Young Readers Tracy Gates, and an agent from Sheldon Fogelman Agency Marcia Webernick.
The keynote speaker is Jack Weyland, author of LDS young adult novels. Weyland will address the workshop on Friday, July 19, to close the event.
The workshop directors, Chris Crowe, Carol Lynch Williams and John Bennion, gathered the presenters together to address the different children''s book literary levels and categories.
The presentations will include how to get started in publishing, how to write certain genres, an overview of the editing process, and a visit by a Utah publishers panel.
'We want to help people who have an interest in writing for young readers to get the skills and the contacts necessary to get their work in print,' Crowe said.
Bennion said after the success of the workshop last year, the directors wanted it be an annual event.
Directors are also considering an illustrator''s workshop.
Students who attend may receive credit in English, elementary education, and secondary education classes.