CULLMAN, Ala. – In honor of “Encourage a Young Writer Day,” the main branch of the Cullman County Public Library System (CCPLS) will be home to an interesting new offering for young adults and teens. Local author Dorenda Doyle will host a Young Writers Workshop on Wednesday, April 10, at 3:30 p.m.
On a mission to increase literacy and expand children’s imaginations, Doyle travels to different communities, hosting seminars and young writer workshops, teaching and instructing budding authors about reading and writing. Her books, “The Kid” and “The Dog” series, are laced with fun alliterations, metaphors and other tips she has picked up along the way to help entice children into a love of reading.
The Alabama State Department of Education says literacy rates across the state are low, with 24% of Alabama’s third graders reading below grade level. Encouraging children to read and write does more than improve literacy; according to research performed by the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation, children who are avid writers and write daily tend to have increased communication, memory and comprehension skills. Reading and writing have a symbiotic relationship, one improving and strengthening the other.
“It’s kind of like the age-old dilemma of which comes first, the chicken or the egg? In this case, do you need to be a good reader to be a good writer, or vice versa? The best way to explain it is this: reading and writing are like one’s breath. Reading is the inhale, and writing is the exhale – you must have both to live successfully,” Doyle said. “I am on a mission to improve literacy, not only in Alabama but across the U.S. Doing local workshops like this is just one way I can try to make a difference. I guess, once a teacher, always a teacher.”
The workshop is free to attend and writers can expect to learn five main ideas from the hour-long class. Doyle will cover the main steps and procedures to becoming a published author, how to create a mind map and story outline, how to create a vivid picture with words, the ideas behind choosing a genre, arc and plot, as well as learning about word counts, character development, publishing opportunities and marketing development.
Participants will leave the workshop with a complimentary mind map and story outline, as well as sources for book layout templates, plot outlines and writing prompts. A writing workshop geared toward adults hosted by Doyle will be offered at the library’s main branch on Wednesday, May 1.
The main branch of the Cullman County Public Library is located at 200 Clark St. NE.
Copyright 2024 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
