Writing Workshop with Niki Gjoni (Ages 11-18)

Dive into creative writing with this workshop led by Author Niki Gjoni. All materials provided while supplies last. For grades 6-12.
May: "Say That Again?"
Nothing can ruin a good story faster than bad dialogue. Whether too saccharine, too dramatic, or too flat...dialogue that doesn't feel believable can undermine the characters' intents and do a disservice to the story at large. In this workshop, we're going to look at some examples of strong dialogue from published works and discuss why we think they work well. Then we'll use character descriptions to develop our own characters and scenes of dialogue between them. For those who want to participate, expect to swap drafts and critique each other's work.
June: "Music to My Ears"
We can find inspiration anywhere and everywhere, and often, other art forms inspire us to feel a certain way. If you're lucky, it might even make you think of a story (or a character)! In this workshop, we're going to have music play throughout the writing portion of the session. You'll use the music as inspiration--or guidance--to developing a scene within a story. What does the story make you think of or feel? What emotion does it trigger and what kind of character might exist within the scene? Anyone who wants to participate can share at the end of the session.
July: "The Secret Light Switch"
There’s a light switch in your home but nobody knows what it’s for. One day, you discover the secret. What does it light up? In this workshop, we're going to think outside the box and talk about how we come up with new ideas that are uniquely ours. Anyone who wants to participate can share at the end of the session.
August: "Each Story Our Own - No Sense in Wishing"
Inspired Prompt for the 2026 One Maryland One Book: No Sense in Wishing. In this workshop, we're going to discuss the importance of identity and how that influences what we write. How do we bring our full selves to our stories? What personal story, memory, or achievement has influenced the way we think about ourselves or the world? We will write a creative essay where we center ourselves as the main character. Anyone who wants to participate can share at the end of the session.
Image Description: Graphics of a fountain pen, rainbow colored brain, and a typewriter sprouting wildflowers.