Taking writing classes in the summer might be the last thing that any kid would want to do. But the creative writing courses in the Young Writer’s Program at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis are no ordinary classes—they involve everything from rewriting a fairytale to studying popular literature to finding new ways to write a great romance.
“The Loft is kind of like taking an English class, but you talk about fun books—and everyone’s excited about them, not just bored and waiting for the bell to ring,” says Carrie Mesrobian, a teaching artist at the Loft.
This summer the Young Writer’s Program will include over 90 classes for children age six to 17, all taught by teaching artists from different backgrounds who dedicate their time to encouraging the next generation of writers.
“The Loft is focused mainly on creating an enriching environment for aspiring writers to expand their creativity,” says Jennifer Dodgson, manager of the program. “There is no grading involved because the teachers are not concerned with proper grammar or spelling.”
The teaching artists feel very strongly about allowing children to expand their imaginations without worrying about academics. “With most of the creative activities being cut at schools, I think that these classes are very important to the community,” says teacher Peter Blau.
The Loft, a nonprofit that operates through funds and grants from businesses and foundations, also provides scholarship money for students who may not be able to afford a class. “I never want to turn away a kid because they don’t have the money for it,” says Dodgson.
Class list
So what kinds of classes might one expect to see?
“We offer a whole smorgasbord of opportunities with poetry, journaling, short stories, and any writing that requires creativity,” says Blau.
One class to be offered this summer is Linda Back McKay’s “Fractured Fairytales.” For the first time, the Loft will be working with the non-profit In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater, which uses everyday items such as water and flour to make puppets. McKay explains that her students will rewrite or create a fairytale, then fashion their own puppet performance and perform it for their parents.
For the older groups, children and teens can choose from a wide variety of interests. Carrie Mesrobian will be teaching classes on elements in popular literature such as Harry Potter, Twilight, and the Hunger Games as well as on creating fictional worlds and learning what makes a good romance. “We talk about the elements of fiction in popular literature and how they are manipulated to create fictional worlds that are so compelling and enjoyable [that people will want] to escape into them over and over again.”
Several more “serious” classes will be offered as well. Dawn Frederick, a literary agent and teaching artist, teaches classes for young writers who are interested in getting their work published.
“Today’s teens are tapped into social media and have grown up in a time when children’s books have increased in readership,” Frederick says. “They are much more active when it comes to writing and even more likely to try new mediums. What a great opportunity to help them learn the intricacies now, as they are the next individuals to work and contribute to the publishing industry.”
Other students might be interested in getting published in magazines and newspapers. Holly Day offers several beginner journalism classes as well as classes on travel writing and creative fantastical writing. Day never knows what her group of students will be interested in, whether it is entertainment journalism or sports writing.
“I really try to tailor my classes to each new group,” Day says. “I go in with a syllabus and a basic template for the class, and then I ask the kids on the first day specifically what they want to learn during their time with me.
“I love the optimism and fearlessness of kids who are contemplating becoming professional writers,” Day continues. “I love seeing kids who are perhaps not recognized for their talents in school, particularly high school, blossom into confident young people at the Loft.”
Kate St. Vincent Vogl offers a class on how to write a good college essay for those students who are already thinking about the next step in their education. “At the end of the class,” Vogl says, “we share the essays and decide who will get in and who won’t so that we can develop those essays before they count for real.”
Social gathering
“One of the most important aspects of the classes is the social aspect, in my opinion,” says Blau. “It can be intimidating at first but by the end of the class most of them are good friends and love sharing their work with each other. The kids are always respectful when giving feedback to a fellow writer.”
“I love it when they start talking to each other, because that’s one of the best features of the Loft Young Writers program, really—kids meeting other kids that like the same stuff, whether that’s poetry or the same fandom,” says Mesrobian. “Writing’s a pretty solitary act, so it’s important to have friends who share that same interest.”
The teachers at the Loft are very dedicated to the classes and the kids they teach. Many of them have return students or hear from students who are out in the world using their skills. As writers themselves, these teachers understand the need for encouragement and appreciation.
“I’ve always thought that if I’d had a mentor when I was a young writer, someone who could show me how to edit, and get published, and hone my craft, things might have been a little less rocky when I’d started out,” Day says.
And that’s just what the teachers at the Loft do: allow kids to show their true potential and work on expanding their horizons both in their minds and in their work. The teachers see it happen in their students.
“I love seeing how, through a writing exercise or an in-class experience, a story can open up for a student,” Vogl says. “I love the way kids leave the class energized with new ideas and ways to continue to develop their stories.”
“They really want to be there!” says Mesrobian. “Everyone is into the topic and you don’t have to feel shy or silly because you love writing or books. That’s one thing I love to hear from kids and I hear it over and over.”
“Kids are just waiting to go because their imagination is exploding,” Blau adds. “They just need the right environment and the time to be given to them.”
Leah Smith is a senior journalism student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus.
Resources
Camps run from June 17 to August 16 at The Loft Literary Center on Washington Ave. in Minneapolis. For more information, call 612-215-2579 or visit loft.org.
