Redbird NEWS FLASH - 7-12-07

from Katie Lance

 

AHH... SUMMER AT REDBIRD...

 

Next week people around the studio will be smiling, saying, "The kids are back." They'll watch as kids pass by, backpacks slung over shoulders, pencils and notebooks in hand -- ready to write. And write they will. A story may surface after passing the worn-out gravestones in the back cemetery. Or perhaps a few lines of a poem will come to them while walking under the grape arbor, or skipping rocks out on the shore of Lake Michigan. We never know what they'll come up with, but we are usually pretty amazed by the end of the week, as are they. "I'm twice the writer I was before," was one young author's comment. 

 

I'm not sure if it's due to the teachers, the kids or the pencils we give them, but whatever it is, summer after summer for 14 years now, the kids and the teachers keep coming back. Sometimes, the kids come back as teachers.

 

I'm one of the kids who came back as a teacher. When I was here the first time, I was eight years old. I sat on the beach and wrote a story about a rock, Tritania. I came back another summer to tell the story of Genevieve Lindel, a name I'd read on a gravestone. In high school I wrote a murder mystery -- who knows what sparked that one. Now, I'm a teacher and assistant to the director (who just happens to be my Aunt Judy). Some may think she makes me come back year after year, but the truth is, I choose to. I love working with the kids, learning from them and the other teachers. I always look forward to my summers at Redbird and being a part of the magic of the Young Author program.

 

For Kids Who Like To Write

Monday-Friday, 9-2:30, $325

Classes are open to students entering:

July 16-20, Grades 7-8 (filled)

July 23-27, Grades 4-5 (space available)

July 30-Aug 3, Grade 6 (space available)

Aug 6-10, Grades 9-12 (filled)

 

Registration required. Call 414-481-3195 or see

www.redbirdstudio.com/YoungAuthors.

See the DVD on the YoungAuthor site.

 

For Young Authors...

Imagine spending a week with other young writers; learning from professional writers and teachers; writing outdoors and in the studio called "home" by many published authors.

Redbird is a writer's place – part studio and part education center. We offer summer sessions to give young authors the time, space and support they need to nurture their passion for writing.

Students spend time in the studio and outdoors. The private grounds and lake front setting make it an especially inspiring place for writers of all ages. They may walk on the beach, hike a wooded trail or visit a cemetery, gathering inspiration and learning practical skills. 

Sessions are led by accomplished writing teachers who tailor activities specifically to the age and interests of each group. Each day includes some lighthearted activities, age-appropriate lessons on the craft of writing and, best of all, time to write.

On Friday, young authors stage a studio reading of their favorite writings. Participation in the reading is optional. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.