Writing Workshops
with Kathleen A. Erickson
Stories don't begin on the page.
They begin in the imagination.
Youth Writers
Ages 8-12
What if the character you just invented became the hero of an entire book?
Kathleen's youth workshops introduce young writers to storytelling in a way that feels much more like an adventure than a lesson.
Using imagination, humor, group participation, and creative writing exercises, children discover how writers take a tiny idea and begin building an entire world around it.
Creating a Character
Who is your character? What does your character want? What are they afraid of? What makes them funny, unusual, brave—or completely unforgettable?
The BIG Problem
Every great story needs something to happen. Participants learn how giving their character a problem, challenge, mystery, or quest creates the beginning of a story.
Building a World
A mysterious kingdom? A school where something isn't quite right? An underwater city? Another planet? Or their own neighborhood with one extraordinary secret? Young writers discover how setting helps bring a story to life.
What Happens Next?
Kathleen introduces the idea of beginning, middle, and ending without turning storytelling into a formula. Children learn to ask one of a writer's most powerful questions: “And then what happened?”
Writing Their Story
Participants put their ideas onto paper and begin creating their own story, scene, or character adventure.
There is no pressure to be the “best writer” in the room.
Spelling doesn't have to be perfect. Handwriting doesn't have to be beautiful. And nobody has to know exactly where their story is going when they begin.
The goal is much bigger:
Help children discover that their imaginations are worth putting on paper.
Great for:
Aspiring Writers & More!
Libraries & Writing Groups
Homeschool & Children Programs
55+ Communities
Clubs & Organizations
Adult Writers
Because there is no age limit on becoming a writer.
Some people have wanted to write since childhood.
Others discover at 40, 60, 75—or 90—that there is a story they don't want to leave untold.
Kathleen's adult writing workshops are designed for any adult who wants to explore writing, from complete beginners to people who already have a manuscript underway.
Participants don't need writing degrees or publishing experience, they simply need something they want to say.
Finding the Story You Want to Tell
Sometimes the hardest part of writing isn't writing the first sentence. It's deciding what the story is really about.
Creating People Readers Care About
Whether writing fiction, memoir, family history, or narrative nonfiction, participants explore what makes the people on the page feel real.
Getting Unstuck
What happens when you don't know what happens next? Kathleen shares practical ways to move beyond the blank page and start writing again.
Could This Become a Book?
For participants interested in going beyond the workshop, Kathleen introduces how an idea or collection of writing might be developed into a complete manuscript.
From Idea to Book
Participants learn how a broad idea can become a focused concept—and how that concept can begin taking shape as chapters, scenes, or sections.
Finding Your Voice
Good writing doesn't have to sound “literary.” It needs to sound authentic. Kathleen helps writers recognize the natural voice that makes their storytelling uniquely theirs.
Writing From Your Own Life
Our lives contain extraordinary amounts of material. Participants learn how memories, experiences, relationships, careers, family stories, challenges, travels, and even ordinary moments can become meaningful stories.
Workshops Can Be Customized
Not every group needs the same workshop.
A library writing group may want to explore
how to begin writing a book.
A 55+ community might prefer
Writing the Stories of Your Life, helping participants capture memories and experiences for themselves, their families, or future generations.
A community organization may want a workshop centered on storytelling.
A group of aspiring authors might want From Idea to Manuscript or an introduction to independent publishing.
Kathleen can work with the host organization to create a workshop appropriate for its audience, available time, and goals.
In Person
Live On Zoom
Both youth and adult workshops may be presented in person or virtually through Zoom, making programs available to groups regardless of location.
Workshops can be designed as a single special event or developed into a multi-session writing series.
Because ultimately, Kathleen believes writing isn't reserved for people who already call themselves writers.
Sometimes all it takes is someone asking the right question, offering a little direction, and saying:
“Tell me your story.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Kathleen A. Erickson’s Writing Workshops
Who are Kathleen A. Erickson’s writing workshops for?
Workshops are available for children ages 8–12 as well as adults, including beginners and people already working on a manuscript.
Are the workshops available online?
Yes. Workshops may be offered in person or live through Zoom.
Can libraries and schools host a writing workshop?
Yes. Programs can be developed for libraries, schools, homeschool groups, children’s programs, writing groups and community organizations.
Does someone need writing experience to participate?
No. Adult workshops are suitable for complete beginners as well as more experienced writers. Youth programs focus on imagination and storytelling rather than writing perfection.
Can Kathleen customize a workshop for our organization?
Yes. Workshop topics and activities can be adapted based on the audience, available time and goals of the organization.
Can workshops focus on memoir or life stories?
Yes. Adult workshops can include writing from personal experience, family history, memories and programs such as Writing the Stories of Your Life.
Does Kathleen offer workshops for aspiring authors?
Yes. Workshop topics can include moving from an idea to a manuscript and introductory discussions around independent publishing.
