Writers and aspiring writers, join us for a series of creative writing events at the Litchfield and Dassel libraries! In November and December, The Loft Literary Center will hold three seminars at the Litchfield Library for adults and one at the Dassel Library for children. Registration is required for the children’s program Make a Picture Book, but no sign-up is needed for the adult sessions. All are free to attend, with funding from Minnesota’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Workshop details:

The ABCs of Children’s Books. Thursday, November 12, 5-6:30 p.m. Litchfield Library meeting room. For adults & older teens. No registration needed. Learn the basic formats of children’s books and how children’s books get made, from ABC books to teen fiction.

Make a Picture Book. Saturday, November 14, 10-11:30 a.m. Dassel Library, held in the city hall meeting room behind the library. For ages 6-12. Registration required: call the Dassel Library at 320-275-3756 or stop at the Dassel Library to sign up.  Children will read picture books and discuss how the authors created the characters and plot. Then they’ll write and illustrate their own picture books to take home. Children younger than 8 must have an adult or teen caregiver with them to assist.

Beginner’s Guide to Starting Your Novel. Monday, November 23, 5-6:30 p.m. Litchfield Library, held in the meeting room. For adults and older teens. No registration needed. Bring a notebook and pen for a writing exercise. Learn how to use essential craft elements such as character, setting, plot, and structure to discover your story, establish a starting point, and get the right words on the page.

Narrative Healing. Monday, December 14, 5-6:30 p.m. Litchfield Library, held in the meeting room. For adults and older teens. No registration needed. This workshop is an opportunity to explore writing as a healing art. The instructor will teach about writing for healing, remembering, and connecting.