Tri-Lakes Young Authors Conference

REMINDER: For those who enjoy the Word of the Month and Theme of the Month poetry challenges, you still half a month to work on your poems.

Hi everyone,

Twenty years ago I was the guest author for a fledgling conference for student writers, TRI-LAKES YOUNG AUTHORS CONFERENCE. I was invited back this year to help celebrate the 22nd year of this fine event for young people. I’m glad to report that it has grown and prospered under the guidance of Dr. Danita Frazier, Associate Professor of Teacher Education at College of the Ozarks in Hollister, Missouri.
Roughly 300 boys and girls from a dozen and a half school districts were there, accompanied by parents and other family members, to enjoy their accomplishments and take part in breakout sessions on various aspects of writing. I spoke to 1st – 3rd graders in one group and followed with 4th – 6th grade authors. I had a great time, especially later at the signing table when proud kids and even prouder parents would come by to get a book signed or to show me the student books.
Danita has shared some pictures taken during the event so I’m sharing them with you. These are the people for whom we write. They are our audience. We have to get our work past a lot of adults in the process but in the end we’re trying to reach young people like these wherever they live and go to school.

If you would like to learn more about Tri-Lakes Young Authors Conference or ask for guidance in establishing a similar event in your area, you can contact Dr. Frazier at frazier@cofo.edu .