In honor of this year’s Encourage a Young Writer Day – take advantage of all the local resources South Jersey has to offer budding novelists, playwrights, and poets.
Appel Farms Art Camp
This arts camp offers a “major” in creative writing, allowing students to explore any writing style they want. Some of the disciplines to choose from include poetry, creative non-fiction, and short-story writing. “Minors” range from fashion and journalism to spoken word, memoir writing, and more. Kids can also create and publish content for summer issues of the Appel Core newsletter. The camp is a non-profit, offering merit-based and financial scholarships that could cover a percentage or the entire cost of tuition.
Poetry Publishing Workshop – Cherry Hill Library
Did you know that April is National Poetry Month? On Monday, April 15, celebrate by learning how to get your poetry published from the experts. The workshop will discuss the basic elements of creating a poetry chapbook, featuring tips from experienced local publishing professionals. The event starts at 7 pm and high school students are welcome to join.
Nick Virgilio Writers House
The Nick Virgilio Writers House serves as a community space, open to writers of all ages. The center provides educational programs that support literacy, creative writing, and self-expression through the writing of haiku and other verse forms. Suffering from writer’s block? Stop by for a free meditation session led by a local yoga instructor – or get some inspiration from worldly poets as they express themselves on open mic night.
Rutgers, Cooper Street Writers House
Cooper Street Writing Workshops have so much to offer. The High School Writers Conference on May 3 will feature in-depth sessions on various writing styles. Or get advice from published writers on April 18 and learn how to make a living by freelancing and working on your own material. The Writers House regularly hosts workshops and events, visit the calendar to learn more.
Writing in the Pines
There’s nothing like writing in the heart of the Pinelands to get those creative juices flowing. Part of Stockton University’s Murphy Writing Series, Writing in the Pines is a getaway designed to remove you from the distractions of every-day life and encourage serious writing breakthroughs. During the 6-hour retreat, you will participate in writing prompts and inspirational discussions. Registration is $90, that fee includes snacks.
