ASTAL -- Writing for Young People: ASTAL Summer Institute

Join us for the 6th Annual ASTAL Institute for the opportunity to work with our outstanding, award-winning faculty of Kelly Easton, Mark Peter Hughes, Peter Johnson, and Liza Ketchum. Our faculty is not only highly regarded as authors, but each is an experienced teacher of writing for young people and a highly regarded mentor for developing writers. Here are some comments from last year's participants:

"Life changing! As advertised."

"I love the Institute! It allows me time to focus on my writing and learn from peer and author comments and guidance. It is a joy taking one week for a writer's self. It is inspirational and motivating. It made all the difference having authors with us that we've all read and look up to. They are all fantastic role models for those even who aren't planning on writing for a living."

"I didn't think it was possible but this year's institute was even better than last year's. I think it was the addition of Peter Johnson. He added a new dynamic that was very effective. Of course Mark, Liza, and Kelly were incredible as always.

"One of my best weeks of summer ever."

"The panel discussions were wonderful. I really enjoyed how the authors added to each other's comments and experiences. The workshops and writing prompts were very useful as well. The length of the day was just right- any longer would've been too long to be effective for me. The two pot luck lunches added familiarity and camaraderie for the participants."

As we have done for the past three years, participants will have the opportunity to submit 10 pages of a manuscript to our editor-in-residence and have a one-on-one conference. The editor will also provide you with written comments for you to keep. Students have found this experience with an editor to be informative as well as encouraging.

New this Year
In the feedback we receive each year, students regularly ask for more writing time. So we are building that into this year's schedule. We are also modifying the schedule so that you will be doing more of the writing/mentor work earlier in the day.

We are adding an Advanced Workshop this year for more experienced writers. Liza Ketchum will work with this group this year. Enrollment will be limited and interested writers may be asked to a sample of their writing. Admission by permission only.