If you write or think you might, take a look at this free workshop sponsored by Pellissippi State Community College and set for Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at the college’s Strawberry Plains campus.

You are never too young (or too old) to become a published writer. Write about what you know. And if you’ve got a story forming inside you, let it bubble up and out. The featured speaker at this workshop says, “Let your mess become your message.”

Patricia A. Ireland, associate professor of English, is director of the YCW workshop. She says the day-long event is geared mainly to youngsters, middle school and older, but it’s open to the entire community.

Twelve reasons to attend:
  • It’s free and close by, just off I-40 at Strawberry Plains.
  • The keynote speaker/featured workshop leader is best-selling Harper-Collins writer, Angela Jackson Brown, author of multiple novels, including Homeward, When Stars Rain Down and The Light Always Breaks.
  • Free food – morning coffee, pastries/fruit and lunch will be provided along with a “goody bag” for each attendee.
  • Door prizes will be given during lunch.
  • Music by Kelle Jolly, an incredibly talented “Afrilachian-Georgia-lina-Peach” embracing a rich blend of cultural influences.
  • Workshops include fiction, spoken-word poetry, playwriting and publication.
  • Poetry workshop by Joseph Woods, aka “Black Atticus,” hailed as “one of the most intelligent and heartfelt voices of the new southern hip hop movement” and the current Poet Laureate of Knoxville.
  • Writer’s Room segment where attendees may interact one-on-one with workshop leaders and other professional writers from the community.
  • Appalachian Arts space will feature artisans, craftspeople and interpreters who will offer a glimpse of the rich culture of our area.
  • Generative workshop from Highlander Center’s Ashby Combahee on ways historical investigation shapes historical fiction narratives.
  • “Afrilachian Journeys” and Music/History Trivia Stations where you can learn about prominent Afrilachians from our area and win prizes.
  • End-of-day Showcase where attendees may read/perform original works before an audience of peers, instructors and family members.

To register, use this link: www.pstcc.edu/events/ycww

Patricia Ireland of Pellissippi State provided information for this report. Photo and link from city of Knoxville website.