Author & Student Videos

Allie Larkin James Johnson Peter Tarkulich Sonja Livingston Sonja Livingston & students

Student Comments “They gave me amazing advice…they made

me want to start writing a story right now. I am very glad I came!”

“I feel like the authors really appealed to the group of kids. They were really interesting and great influences to continue writing.”

“I really liked this seminar it has really inspired me to continue my book Listening to all the authors really helped me better understand the writing process.”

Teacher Comments “I thought it was especially wonderful that the writers represented a

variety of different genres and mediums to appeal to our students varied interests. I am excited for the possibility of this event taking place again sometime in the future!” Mrs. Hill

“ When the seminar began in the library I watched as students anticipated what writers they were going to hear, speak, and discuss writing with. The amount of excitement in the room was great!  During our first break out session students were all listening eagerly to the writer, they were hanging on every word she spoke. They participated in the writing activity and seemed eager to share with one another.  It was a great experience as a teacher because it not only allowed me to take part in something I love, writing and teaching, but it also provided me with some writing strategies to use in the classroom that proved to be engaging.” Ms. Fay

Allie Larkin Local Fiction WriterJames Johnson Sports Writer D&C

“I was so impressed by how engaged and interested the students I worked with were.  They asked good questions and were active members. Hilton's seminar was a well-oiled machine!   It was exciting to be a part of such a well-run and inspired program.” Allie Larkin

 "I was pleasantly surprised about how attentive and curious the students were, not because of any pre-conceived notion, but due to the fact that I'm not a smooth public speaker. "The students were patient and very willing to make the visit a two-way discussion, which was my goal.'‘ James Johnson

  

Sarah FrelighLocal Poet

As a teaching artist, I have conducted many workshops for high school students with mixed results. I wasn't sure what to expect from the Hilton experience. It was scheduled, after all, during after-school hours and-- as bad luck would have it--on the first truly nice day of the year following a long upstate New York winter.  Surely, no one would be in attendance!

So I was pleased and amazed when nearly 30 "students"--including a couple of faculty members--showed up for my workshop/talk. And not only showed up, but dove into the free write I gave them without so much as a generic disclaimer ("I can't write with other people in the room“ "You expect me to do what in 12 minutes," etc.) They then sat rapt and attentive as I talked about the writer's life and at the end of our time together, I had more volunteers who wanted to share their writing than time available. What I heard was damn good, too, as good as many of the adult writers I've taught over the years.

When I hear people say, "Kids don't like to write," I know they're wrong. I know at least two dozen who seem to love it. They deserve the chance to love it often and well.

Instructional Framework

Attitudes and perceptions Having students learn

about different opportunities in writing

Applying Knowledge Knowledge of different

genres of writing

SurveysEntrance and Exit Total attendance at this first time event was

63 students from both the High School and Merton Williams

77% of attendees stated that their interest in the writing profession has risen as a result of the seminar.

As a result of the author’s presentations, 56% of the survey respondents indicated that they knew a lot more about careers that are available in writing.

Additional outcomes Submitting a piece of writing

to The Silver Nickel or Cadet Newspaper

78% of students said they would be more likely to submit a written piece for publishing after attending the Spring Writer’s Seminar

I understand the writing/editing process better. Survey says: 98%

Fun Facts

3 additional local authors asked to be included next year

Approximately 45 % of the attendees were from the middle school

All of this year’s authors look forward to returning next year

The High School book club is reading Stay by Allie Larkin (one of our presenters)