Table Rock Writers Workshop
Aug
26
to Aug 30

Table Rock Writers Workshop

  • Wildacres Retreat Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This is my absolute favorite writing retreat that I do every year! I lead a week-long intensive on WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS in the mountains of North Carolina. Such a beautiful and inspiring setting. If you’re interested in writing for young people, you have to join us! You’ll love having your creative well filled as we take a deep dive into crafting stories that captivate the imaginations of children and teens. You’ll make leaps and bounds with your manuscript and get a better understanding of the industry. Most of all, you’ll be with your people - a whole bunch of generous and supportive fellow writers.

For more information or to register, visit: Table Rock Writers Workshop.

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Saturday Workshop: Narrative Voice
Mar
23
10:30 AM10:30

Saturday Workshop: Narrative Voice

Editors and agents always say they’re looking for writers with a unique voice. Let’s develop your distinctive storytelling voice. It begins with point of view and tense, but there’s SO much more, especially by bringing in your personality and passions.

This one-day workshop will help you explore writing in different narrative voices to find what works for you and your story. Through exercises that will stretch the imagination and deepen your craft, you’ll leave with a better approach to captivating readers.

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Saturday Workshop: Writing for Kids and Teens
Mar
16
10:00 AM10:00

Saturday Workshop: Writing for Kids and Teens

Do you have an idea for a picture book or a novel for kids or teens? Do you dream of getting it published?

In this one-day workshop, you’ll learn all about the art and business of children’s book writing. What appeals to young readers? What are publishers looking for? How do you submit to agents and editors? The publishing world can often be confusing. John will break it all down for you and set you on the right path.

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Glade Creek Author Residency
Feb
4
to Mar 8

Glade Creek Author Residency

Through a generous grant from the NC Arts Council, I will be leading a writing residency for 13 days at Glade Creek School. A big thanks to the Alleghany Writers and their Writing Across the Curriculum program for helping to bring this wonderful opportunity to the young writers in their community. It’s going to be amazing!

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Nov
24
10:00 AM10:00

Local Author Book Fair

Shop small town local and join in a literary extravaganza. I’ll be with lots of Hillsborough authors including Lee Smith, Allan Gurganus, Jaki Shelton Green, among tons of others for this all-day program with readings, signings, and a reception at 5 pm where you can chat with all your favorite Hboro authors.

For more info, visit Hillsborough Local Author Book Fair.

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Fall 2018 Writing Classes for Kids and Teens
Sep
4
to Dec 5

Fall 2018 Writing Classes for Kids and Teens

Spark your young writer’s imagination! Author John Claude Bemis will be teaching writing classes this fall 2018 for kids and teens.

KIDS WRITING CLASS: Weekly class for ages 9 – 13 on Tuesdays from 4:30 – 5:45 pm, Sept. 4-Nov 13. The eleven-week session is $150. Young writers will engage in fun activities to turn ideas of the imagination into stories on paper. They’ll learn how to come up with wildly creative characters, settings, and plots and deepen their understanding of the storytelling process. Students will share writing, as well as discuss stories and books. No homework or out of class assignments. The class is lots of fun with a supportive, friendly environment.

TEEN WRITING CLASS: Twice monthly class for homeschool teens from 10 am – noon on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, Sept. 5-Dec. 5. The seven-week session is $140. The class is structured around independent student writing—either short pieces or a longer, evolving novel. Students will share their writing and get constructive, supportive feedback. Lessons will be built around needs assessed from the student writing primarily with a focus on character development, plot structure, narrative point of view, and handling backstory, exposition, and “showing rather than telling.”

All classes will be held in Hillsborough. Space is limited.

John Claude Bemis is a former classroom teacher turned author with his M.Ed. in Literacy. He was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award from UNC-Chapel Hill for his work with young writers. John was chosen as the Piedmont Laureate for Children’s Literature. He is the author of seven books for young readers. For more information, visit his website at johnclaudebemis.com.

To register or find out more information, please contact John at johnclaudebemis@gmail.com

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Table Rock Writers Workshop
Aug
27
to Aug 31

Table Rock Writers Workshop

  • Wildacres Retreat Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This is my favorite writing retreat every single year. I lead a weeklong intensive on WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS up in the inspiring and gorgeous mountains of western North Carolina. If you're serious about writing for young people, you have to join us! You'll love having your creative well filled as we take a deep dive into crafting stories that captive the imaginations of children and teen, make leaps and bounds with your manuscript, and get a better understanding of how the YA and children's book publishing world works.

For more information or to register visit: Table Rock Writers Workshop.

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Camp New Hope Visiting Artist
Jul
30
to Aug 3

Camp New Hope Visiting Artist

If your young writer is looking for a summer camp, I'll be a visiting artist for one week at Camp New Hope, leading writing sessions for campers of all ages. Of course, lots of other activities going on all week in a beautiful woodsy setting. And lots of other exciting artists presenting other weeks throughout the summer.

To register or for more information, visit Camp New Hope.

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Whirlikids Book Festival
Feb
3
3:00 PM15:00

Whirlikids Book Festival

McIntyre's Books in Fearrington Village (outside Chapel Hill) is putting on their first annual children's book festival. So many amazing authors and illustrators will be there. I'll be joining Angela Dominguez, Karina Yan Glaser, and Stuart Gibbs for a fun program. Book signing and chatting with the authors to follow. Bring the whole family!

Whirlikids Book Festival

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Table Rock Writers Workshop
Aug
28
to Sep 1

Table Rock Writers Workshop

  • Wildacres Retreat Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join me for an inspiring writing retreat in the mountains of North Carolina where I'll be leading a weeklong intensive on WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS. Whether you're writing picture books or novels for tweens or teens, you'll love having your creative well filled as we take a deep dive into crafting stories that captive the imaginations of young readers.

For more information or to register visit: Table Rock Writers Workshop.

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Lord of Monsters unleashed!
Jun
6
12:00 AM00:00

Lord of Monsters unleashed!

The wait is over! The second book in the Out of Abaton series, LORD OF MONSTERS, officially comes out today in great bookstores everywhere!

Pinocchio's and Lazuli's adventures continue, this time in the fantastical realm of Abaton where more dangers, more mayhem, and a ridiculous number of monsters are waiting for them.

Pre-order your copy today!

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