Breakout Session Descriptions
Registration will open within the next week. When registering, select three breakout sessions that you would like to attend.
Registration will open within the next week. When registering, select three breakout sessions that you would like to attend.
Workshops:
Writing Through: Storytelling toward Social Justice (presented by Carlos Andrés Gómez)
This writing workshop will challenge participants to use personal experience as a means of grappling with social inequity and exclusion: whether it be as a means of identifying and bearing witness to examples of discrimination (interpersonal or systemic) or providing an opportunity to examine instances of being complicit with or responsible for prejudice and discrimination. This session will be generative and allow participants the opportunity to voluntarily share their work, with facilitated support and guidance throughout.
Architecture and World Building (presented by Ryan Gebhart)
The Fantasy genre is a rich and symbolic genre that has endless avenues to express a story. One of those avenues is the very physical world the story takes place in. This workshop will focus on implementing architecture, maps, urban planning, and history into the writing process.
Drawing a simple map and giving names to places is never enough. Those places need to be there. How are they involved in the world you’ve created? Better yet, should they belong? Every castle/city/kingdom deserves a personality of its own. Writing that a castle has crenelations and stone battalions is no different than any other castle. What makes that castle in that city unique? Join Ryan as he shares his joint passions: Writing and Architecture.
Between the Lines and Behind the Scenes: Loving Books through Literary Analysis (presented by C.H. Williams)
Join fantasy author C.H. Williams as they guide readers and authors alike into the nooks and crannies of favorite books. During the overview of literary symbols and themes, they'll talk about ways authors draw on symbols to paint an immersive picture, and how readers can track those ideas to gain clues about the world and characters therein. They'll talk about the creative process, and what happens when symbols take on a life beyond what the author originally intended; and beyond that, how readers can step even deeper into worlds they love by following the bread-crumbs left behind by the author.
Hip-Hop or Shakespeare? (presented by Saliym Cooper)
Ever wondered what Drake, Lauryn Hill, and Tupac have in common with Shakespeare? Come to this Family Feud style workshop to find out. This session will not only enlighten attendees of the history of Hip-hop, but deepen societal understanding of Hip-Hop as a poetic and creative art form...one that is vastly similar to that of Shakespeare. Its primary purpose is to bring into question why certain forms of creativity are discounted when their creative foundations mimic and complicate each other.
Fake News and Misinformation: Guiding Students to the Scholarly Sources using UDLib/SEARCH (adults only) (presented by Grace Adeneye and Kaitlyn Tanis)
Trying to guide students through a research project can be extremely challenging when the internet seemingly holds all the answers. How can we get students to think critically about the sources they are using for research? How can we get students to know and look for signs that a source may not be trustworthy or credible? That provides access to over 50 databases to K-12 students, preparing them for the collegiate level today.
Flare it to a Hundred (presented by Shailen Mishra)
Fiction comes in all sorts of flavors. Sometimes that flavor is meant to last too short, like chocolate truffle. One swallow and it’s gone! Call it microfiction or by any other name. In this workshop, participants will write a microfiction (and tell a complete story) in less than 100 words. The emphasis will be to do more with less, and make each word count to the nines.
Speed Bumps on the Road to Publication (presented by Viet Dinh)
Though one hopes that the path from completed manuscript to published book is smooth, there are several intermediate steps that can often trip up writers. This session gives a brief overview of the publishing process and what obstacles writers can expect to overcome.
World War Tree (recommended for adults) (presented by Harry Brake and the students from RIFF)
In a world of disconnect, how can your publication reach people of differing views? All attendees will be involved in building a symbolic piece of art that allows individuals with all opinions to come together. Attendees will leave with a “trunk-full” of ideas and strategies that can be applied to their work. The session will be podcasted, recognizing the contributions of all involved.
What is Your Story? (presented by Emily Davis and UD Students)
Consider oral storytelling. Is it a thing of the past or does it have a place in modern day culture? Can oral storytelling help you become a writer? In this interactive workshop, you will both tell a story and listen to one. See how your story impacts another person. Then, discuss the experience with others. (You do not have to write a story prior to coming. Just be prepared to participate.)
Let Celia Guide Your Zine
Zines are one of the newest forms of print communication. Writers take their passion and their creativity to create a magazine filled with both words and drawings. Using The First Rule of Punk by Celia C Perez as a springboard, participants will discuss how Perez created her zine format. Then, Sara Thomas will guide you through the creation of your own zine. Think about your passions and get ready to be creative!
Book Discussions:
New Kid, New School: Exploring Race, Bullying...and Superheroes
(Book Discussion: New Kid)
Jordan Banks enters a new school and doesn't feel very welcome. Is it the way he looks or where he lives? In this engaging discussion, we will talk about racial tensions, bullying at school, and how to create a welcoming space. Using the supplied materials, we will imagine and create our own superheroes that stand-up to bullies and make our communities more welcoming for all!
In Her Shoes (Book Discussion: Someone Like Me)
After reading this timely memoir, join others in discussing Julissa Arce’s memoir “Someone Like Me”. Compare your own story with the author’s. How would you have felt in the same position? Participants will also discuss the various themes in the book: immigration, hope, family, despair, coming of age, etc. Which theme stood out the most to you? You will be amazed at how different people view the same book.
One of Us is Lying...or Are We? (Book Discussion)
How far can social influence take you? Delve into Bayview High School-- you’ll be dying to learn what it would feel like to be a part of “One of Us Is Lying.” Expose secrets, experience stereotypes, and entertain your mind with this book discussion workshop. Don’t forget to bring your phones, as they will be used as part of your “detention” experience. (This workshop has the potential of being podcasted.)
Writing Through: Storytelling toward Social Justice (presented by Carlos Andrés Gómez)
This writing workshop will challenge participants to use personal experience as a means of grappling with social inequity and exclusion: whether it be as a means of identifying and bearing witness to examples of discrimination (interpersonal or systemic) or providing an opportunity to examine instances of being complicit with or responsible for prejudice and discrimination. This session will be generative and allow participants the opportunity to voluntarily share their work, with facilitated support and guidance throughout.
Architecture and World Building (presented by Ryan Gebhart)
The Fantasy genre is a rich and symbolic genre that has endless avenues to express a story. One of those avenues is the very physical world the story takes place in. This workshop will focus on implementing architecture, maps, urban planning, and history into the writing process.
Drawing a simple map and giving names to places is never enough. Those places need to be there. How are they involved in the world you’ve created? Better yet, should they belong? Every castle/city/kingdom deserves a personality of its own. Writing that a castle has crenelations and stone battalions is no different than any other castle. What makes that castle in that city unique? Join Ryan as he shares his joint passions: Writing and Architecture.
Between the Lines and Behind the Scenes: Loving Books through Literary Analysis (presented by C.H. Williams)
Join fantasy author C.H. Williams as they guide readers and authors alike into the nooks and crannies of favorite books. During the overview of literary symbols and themes, they'll talk about ways authors draw on symbols to paint an immersive picture, and how readers can track those ideas to gain clues about the world and characters therein. They'll talk about the creative process, and what happens when symbols take on a life beyond what the author originally intended; and beyond that, how readers can step even deeper into worlds they love by following the bread-crumbs left behind by the author.
Hip-Hop or Shakespeare? (presented by Saliym Cooper)
Ever wondered what Drake, Lauryn Hill, and Tupac have in common with Shakespeare? Come to this Family Feud style workshop to find out. This session will not only enlighten attendees of the history of Hip-hop, but deepen societal understanding of Hip-Hop as a poetic and creative art form...one that is vastly similar to that of Shakespeare. Its primary purpose is to bring into question why certain forms of creativity are discounted when their creative foundations mimic and complicate each other.
Fake News and Misinformation: Guiding Students to the Scholarly Sources using UDLib/SEARCH (adults only) (presented by Grace Adeneye and Kaitlyn Tanis)
Trying to guide students through a research project can be extremely challenging when the internet seemingly holds all the answers. How can we get students to think critically about the sources they are using for research? How can we get students to know and look for signs that a source may not be trustworthy or credible? That provides access to over 50 databases to K-12 students, preparing them for the collegiate level today.
Flare it to a Hundred (presented by Shailen Mishra)
Fiction comes in all sorts of flavors. Sometimes that flavor is meant to last too short, like chocolate truffle. One swallow and it’s gone! Call it microfiction or by any other name. In this workshop, participants will write a microfiction (and tell a complete story) in less than 100 words. The emphasis will be to do more with less, and make each word count to the nines.
Speed Bumps on the Road to Publication (presented by Viet Dinh)
Though one hopes that the path from completed manuscript to published book is smooth, there are several intermediate steps that can often trip up writers. This session gives a brief overview of the publishing process and what obstacles writers can expect to overcome.
World War Tree (recommended for adults) (presented by Harry Brake and the students from RIFF)
In a world of disconnect, how can your publication reach people of differing views? All attendees will be involved in building a symbolic piece of art that allows individuals with all opinions to come together. Attendees will leave with a “trunk-full” of ideas and strategies that can be applied to their work. The session will be podcasted, recognizing the contributions of all involved.
What is Your Story? (presented by Emily Davis and UD Students)
Consider oral storytelling. Is it a thing of the past or does it have a place in modern day culture? Can oral storytelling help you become a writer? In this interactive workshop, you will both tell a story and listen to one. See how your story impacts another person. Then, discuss the experience with others. (You do not have to write a story prior to coming. Just be prepared to participate.)
Let Celia Guide Your Zine
Zines are one of the newest forms of print communication. Writers take their passion and their creativity to create a magazine filled with both words and drawings. Using The First Rule of Punk by Celia C Perez as a springboard, participants will discuss how Perez created her zine format. Then, Sara Thomas will guide you through the creation of your own zine. Think about your passions and get ready to be creative!
Book Discussions:
New Kid, New School: Exploring Race, Bullying...and Superheroes
(Book Discussion: New Kid)
Jordan Banks enters a new school and doesn't feel very welcome. Is it the way he looks or where he lives? In this engaging discussion, we will talk about racial tensions, bullying at school, and how to create a welcoming space. Using the supplied materials, we will imagine and create our own superheroes that stand-up to bullies and make our communities more welcoming for all!
In Her Shoes (Book Discussion: Someone Like Me)
After reading this timely memoir, join others in discussing Julissa Arce’s memoir “Someone Like Me”. Compare your own story with the author’s. How would you have felt in the same position? Participants will also discuss the various themes in the book: immigration, hope, family, despair, coming of age, etc. Which theme stood out the most to you? You will be amazed at how different people view the same book.
One of Us is Lying...or Are We? (Book Discussion)
How far can social influence take you? Delve into Bayview High School-- you’ll be dying to learn what it would feel like to be a part of “One of Us Is Lying.” Expose secrets, experience stereotypes, and entertain your mind with this book discussion workshop. Don’t forget to bring your phones, as they will be used as part of your “detention” experience. (This workshop has the potential of being podcasted.)
