Writing workshop being held at Forster’s Book Garden

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

Reading and writing is a difficult topic to encourage youth to engage in. But, initiatives such as the ‘Write It Workshops' are dedicated to changing that. 

Forster's Book Garden is hosting a number of Write It Workshops, organized by the Ripple Foundation, beginning on Feb 8. 

Young aspiring writers from Grade four to eight are encouraged to sign up for these free hour-long workshops that will take place at Forster's Book Garden.

The Ripple Foundation will have volunteers to come in and sit down with the young authors where they will learn a variety of different aspects of writing within five workshops.

• Brainstorm Bonanza, which will teach participants on how to brain storm ideas

• Mixed Bag Mayhem, teaching the importance of character development

• Plotline Play-By-Play, teaching participants about plot structure

• Details Details, teaching youth how use descriptive details to engage readers

• Stay on Track, to teach how to keep the main plot of the story effective from beginning to end

The Write It Workshops will be followed by a writing contest for participants to enter where the winning prize is getting their story public in physical and online format. 

“These kids can do this workshop, and since it's in February, if they want to expand their stories, enter it in March and just might end up winning,” explained Donna Forster. 

Donna and her husband Paul Forster have been in business for over 20 years. They were in two previous locations, but have settled in their cozy shop in Bolton, filled with books of all genres for the past seven years. From leaving their previous occupations, they turned their love of literature into their own personal heaven that they share with the Bolton Community.

I say personal heaven, because to be honest, it's my personal heaven too. Did I mention that they have a beautiful 11-month old Bernese Mountain dog who helps around the store too? Like I said. Heaven. 

“Parents are interested and they know their kids are interested in writing. We currently have five participants so far,” said Forster.

The workshops and contest are run by Ripple Foundation which is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to working with youth to improve their reading and writing skills and developing creativity. They do this by running workshops and programs to allow youth from different communities to engage in the power of words and giving them the opportunity to let their creativity shine. 

The workshops will be held at the Forsters Book Garden at 266 Queen St S, Bolton on Feb 8, 22 and 29 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

For more information about the workshops and Forsters Book Garden, please visit forstersbookgarden.ca.