Are you a high school student with a passion for storytelling? Join us for an immersive week-long Young Writers Workshop dedicated to the art of crafting compelling fiction. Throughout this dynamic program, you’ll explore essential elements of fiction writing and hone your storytelling skills.

Workshop Highlights:
Deep Dives into Craft Elements: Delve into the fundamental building blocks of fiction writing as we explore elements including plot development, character creation, narrative voice, setting, and theme. Through engaging discussions, interactive exercises, and hands-on activities, you’ll learn how to bring your stories to life with depth and resonance.

Interactive Writing Sessions: Put your newfound knowledge into practice through a series of interactive writing sessions designed to ignite your imagination and spark creativity. Whether you’re crafting a gripping plot twist, developing multi-dimensional characters, or experimenting with narrative techniques, you’ll have the opportunity to explore diverse genres and styles while receiving personalized feedback.

Publication Strategies: Learn about the publishing process and gain insights into strategies for submitting your work to literary magazines, journals, and online platforms. Discover the importance of crafting a compelling author bio, writing a cover letter, and navigating the submission process with confidence.
Drafting a Short Story: Throughout the workshop, you’ll work on drafting a short story from start to finish, applying the techniques and principles covered in class to your own creative project. Whether you’re drawn to speculative fiction, mystery, romance, or realism, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your unique voice and style while receiving guidance and support from your instructor and peers.

Community and Collaboration: Immerse yourself in a supportive and inclusive community of fellow young writers who share your passion for storytelling. Connect with like-minded peers, participate in group discussions, and engage in collaborative activities designed to inspire creativity and foster a sense of camaraderie.
Celebration and Reflection: Conclude the workshop with a celebration of your achievements as you share excerpts from your completed short stories with your classmates. Reflect on your growth as a writer, celebrate your creative accomplishments, and leave feeling inspired and empowered to continue your writing journey beyond the workshop.

Share Your Work with the World: Sharpen your presentation skills and share your creative voice with confidence! Learn effective public reading techniques and receive tips for engaging an audience. Then, showcase your literary talents at a special Thought Fox open mic or Young Writers Workshop-exclusive reading event (format TBD).

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Lara Ehrlich is the author of the novel Bind Me Tighter Still (Red Hen Press, 2025) and Animal Wife , which won Red Hen Press’s Fiction Award judged by NYT-bestselling author Ann Hood and was published by the press in 2020.

In addition to being the founder & director of Thought Fox Writers Den, Lara teaches writing at the University of Connecticut and the Yale Young Writers Workshop. She has also led workshops at Bread Loaf Writers Workshop, the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing at Arizona State University, AWP, and Story Studio Chicago, among others.

Lara is the host of Writer Mother Monster , a conversation series devoted to dismantling the myth of “having it all” and offering writer-moms solidarity, support, and advice

Learn the basics of bookbinding while you sew your own pamphlet stitched books! Students will learn a brief history of bookbinding, and will receive guided instruction on how to create their own pamphlet stitch bindings. Select your cover paper, endsheets, and thread color, to create books that are uniquely you!
This is a “make and take” class – students will create up to three handcrafted books to take home!
Students can direct any/all questions about this class to the instructor, Dana, via email: shuttlepressbindery@gmail.com
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All students who attend Shuttle Press & Bindery workshops will be required to sign a liability waiver in order to participate. Letterpress and bindery tools can be dangerous, and can cause significant injury or harm. The class instructor reserves the right to deny instruction to anyone in attendance who displays impairment or an inability to use tools safely and properly.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, students who are feeling unwell should NOT attend in-person workshops. Masks are optional, unless otherwise mandated by state or local officials. If you begin to feel unwell shortly before your workshop, reach out to discuss credit options. Thank you for your cooperation!
Should there be inclement weather, Shuttle Press & Bindery will reach out to ticket-holders and reschedule the class. Safety first!
Tickets to Shuttle Press & Bindery events are non-refundable. Should you be unable to attend the event for any reason, please reach out to Dana at shuttlepressbindery@gmail.com to discuss credit/rescheduling options. Credits will be issued on a case-by-case basis. Participants who do not make contact in advance, and do not show up at the event, forefit their ticket/credit in-full.
Shuttle Press & Bindery is committed to teaching people of all identities and abilities. The studio is a safe, inclusive, and creative space for all. Should finances or ability be a barrier to learning, please reach out to Dana directly at shuttlepressbindery@gmail.com to discuss options and assistance.
The studio is located within the historic Velvet Mill building in Stonington, CT – studio #77 in The Atrium (near Beer’d and Whitecrest Eatery). To learn more about Shuttle Press & Bindery, visit shuttlepressbindery.com