with Audrey Smith July 9-19 1:00-4:00 Grades 3-12 UNCG School of Education
Do you have a story to tell that doesn’t fit on the page? Through podcasting, we are able to tell stories using the power of our own voices, and then publish these stories for a wide audience. During our two weeks together, we will read widely, write creatively, and listen actively as we explore the connection between story and voice. We will become practiced in the art of active listening as we immerse ourselves in the ways podcasters use their voices to communicate to their audiences, and we will explore the influence of sound and voice on our own personal narratives. You will end the course with two finished podcasts and knowledge about how to publish your work for others to hear. Through this course, you will learn to engage with, reflect upon, and manipulate sound, developing proficiency in technologies for podcast production as well as confidence in your unique storytelling voice.
Teacher bio: Audrey Smith is a writer and teacher based in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa, where she received a BA in English and Creative Writing, and of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she completed her Master’s degree in Education. Audrey's creative nonfiction has appeared in DASH Literary Journal,Hippocampus Magazine, and Nat. Brut.
Spoken Word Poetry Course
with Josephus July 8-19 1:00-4:00 Grades 3-12 UNCG School of Education Spoken word poetry is a catalyst for young voices and the building of self esteem. Students will learn to create work that describe who they are and the things that make them unique. In addition to writing, students will also learn to present and memorize their work. Teacher bio: As a teacher and lecturer he founded, The Poetry Project, where he works in both the educational and corporate setting focusing on “Education through Correlation”, where he uses poetry as a catalysts for literacy, leadership and service. The Host of 90.1FM’s The Poetry Café his voice is heard weekly over the airwaves as he showcases talented artists from all over the world in the genres of poetry, hip-hop, and R&B to name a few. He has performed for Oprah, opened for Kanye West and Floetry, shared stages with The Last Poets, traveled to Australia, London, Seoul, and South Africa as well as back and forth across the United States sharing his gift.
Fiction Course
with Rose Howse July 8-19 1:00-4:00 Grades 7-12 UNCG School of Education
How do stories draw us in and make us want to keep reading? In this class we’ll discuss the things writers do to create a compelling story—like set up a potent conflict, develop complicated characters, and show us vivid details. Then we’ll learn how to bring these narrative elements to the page.
The class will take you through the major steps of writing fiction: finding story ideas, drafting, revising, and editing. In the first week, we’ll do a range of fun activities and exercises to generate ideas. Then you’ll move on to drafting a story or novel chapter in any genre of fiction you like (realistic, fantasy, historical, science fiction, etc.).
In the second week, you’ll finish your draft and practice revising and editing. You’ll have the opportunity to share your work in a friendly, supportive environment and to help your fellow writers take their work to the next stage. By the end of camp, you’ll have a polished work to publish on our website. And you’ll go home with some tools you can use to write your next great work of fiction.
Teacher Bio: Rose Himber Howse is a current MFA candidate in fiction at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she is the fiction editor of The Greensboro Review. Her work as appeared on Dead Darlings and Writers' Headquarters, and received an honorable mention in The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2018. She is currently at work on a collection of stories inspired by folktales of the Southern Appalachian region of the United States. Before pursuing her MFA, she taught high school English and adult literacy.
Creative Nonfiction
with Deonna Kelli Sayed July 8-19 1:00-4:00 Grades 6-12 UNCG School of Education
Personal stories are the most powerful stories of all. In this class, you’ll learn the craft of creative nonfiction. You’ll explore how to write compelling personal essays about events from your own life. The class will also highlight how to tell other people’s stories, from interviewing techniques to how to write feature articles, and the difference between reported (journalistic) essays and personal essays.
The first week of class will review different essay styles and research/interview techniques. The second week will detail editing and revision practices. Be prepared to “workshop” writing with other participants in a supportive, judgment-free environment. You’ll leave the class with stronger writing and communication skills, and ready to conquer the world as a budding journalist or essayist.
Teacher Bio: Deonna is an internationally published author, TEDx speaker, and podcast producer. She is the author of Paranormal Obsession: America’s Fascination with Ghosts & Hauntings, Spooks & Spirits. Her essays and short stories have appeared in various anthologies, including Everywhere Stories: Short Fiction From a Small Planet. Deonna has received state and national multimedia awards for her podcast production. Her work has appeared in Yes!Weekly and in lifestyle magazines in the Kingdom of Bahrain. She is the Membership Coordinator for the North Carolina Writers’ Network, and the Festival Coordinator for Greensboro Bound: A Literary Festival.
Registration & Payment
All classes are $260 before April 1. April 1 and after, the cost increases to $285. For payment information and to register, go here.