Students at James H. Boyd Intermediate school participated in a creative writing workshop led by award-winning children’s author Brian Heinz from Oct. 21 to Oct. 23. To kick-off the writing workshop, students gathered in the auditorium for a presentation by Mr. Heinz. With the use of a 'road map' style mural board and dozens of visual aids, students learned how a book becomes reality from raw ideas to a finished product, and the many steps and people involved in the process.

Over the next two days, Mr. Heinz conducted mini writing workshops with each of the third through fifth-grade classes, focusing on descriptive writing skills and techniques. Through examples, readings, discussion and interactive exercises, students learned to artfully reveal the critical elements of a story (characters, setting or strong sense of place and the problem), captivating the reader’s attention from the opening page.

“I visit schools trying to inspire kids that reading and writing is fun,” Mr. Heinz said. “After participating in the workshop, I hope students will start reading books like writers.”