Writing Workshops
|
Megan Lynch
Hometown Gothic In this craft session, teen writers will consider how the unique elements of their hometowns can be translated into an atmospheric setting of a YA novel. Participants will be asked to question the history, culture, and expectations before getting tangible techniques to turn these insights into story elements that tie characters to a strong sense of place. We will think through hoe the location's history affects how character are formed, what scares them, and how far they're willing to go to get what they want. We will also explore (briefly) a history of the American Gothic genre in YA.
About Lynch
Megan Lynch grew up in New Cumberland, West Virginia, and is the author of several novels for kids, teens, and adults. Her upcoming book, Hymn for the Forsaken, is set in West Virginia and has won the T.A. Barron prize for fiction with progressive themes. She earned her MFA in 2022 and has spoken at Awesome Con in Washington, DC, as well as Carnegie Mellon University, Hamline University, and her alma mater, Bethany College. |
|
Vic Sizemore
Writing Appalachian Stories with Universal Appeal As Appalachian writers, we often find ourselves labeled "only regional" and ignored by those outside our region. This generative workshop will show writers a method to move through the levels of concern in their stories--from the personal, through the social and cultural, to the universally human level. It will equip them to focus on characters and conflicts in a way that, although still deeply rooted in Appalachia, will resonate with readers from anywhere in the world. The method works for writers of fiction and creative nonfiction both.
About Sizemore
Vic Sizemore's literary sci-fi novel THE UNBORN SIMONE GORDON is forthcoming from Regal House Publishing's imprint House of Kel. His novel GOD OF RIVER MUD (West Virginia University Press) won the 2025 Tennessee Book Award. He is the author of the essay collection GOODBYE, MY TRIBE: AN EVANGELICAL EXODUS and the short story collection I LOVE YOU I'M LEAVING. Sizemore's fiction and creative nonfiction are published in Story Quarterly, North American Review, Southern Humanities Review, and many other journals. |
Presentations
|
Millie Hiatt
The Porch - A One Person Monologue Step onto The Porch, a captivating one-woman show where stories and poetry intertwine to paint a vivid picture of growing up in a rural community (Calhoun County, Chloe, WV). Immerse yourself in the warmth and nostalgia of small-town life as one woman shares heartfelt tales of pain, growth, laughter, love, and life’s simple pleasures. Experience the charm and authenticity of rural America through the eyes of a storyteller whose words will linger long afterwards. Join us on The Porch for an unforgettable journey through the eyes of local poet and storyteller, Millie Hiatt.
About Hiatt
Millie Hiatt is a poet, author, professional storyteller, and educator who has lived in Mount Airy, North Carolina, for over 30 years. Raised in rural West Virginia, her love of language was shaped early by time spent in her grandparents’ small general store in the underserved community of Chloe, WV, where she absorbed a wide range of stories and voices that continue to inform her empathetic approach to storytelling. Millie is the creator and performer of the acclaimed one-woman show Does a Dress Have a Life?, later adapted into her debut book. She is also the author of The Porch, scheduled for release in summer 2026. Committed to fostering literary community, she founded The Spoken Word Society in 2014 and the Spoken Word Society Writing Club in 2020 in Surry County, North Carolina, offering inclusive spaces for poets, writers, and storytellers to share their work. In May 2025, Millie presented her workshop, “Speed Dating Your Muse,” at the Artists Thrive Summit in Kansas City, Missouri. |
|
J. C. Moore
Emotional Stakes Over Shock Value In this presentation I will talk about beginning my writing career later in life after years spent working warehouse floors, in IT, and touring in a rock band. Those years taught me more about audience connection and persistence than any craft book ever could. Drawing from the guerrilla marketing mindset I learned in my music days, I would share how I built an audience one reader at a time and why moving people emotionally matters far more than simply shocking them. In this session, I explore how character, consequence, and emotional truth create stories readers return to, and how focusing on stakes that feel real builds loyalty in a way spectacle never can.
About Moore
Best-selling author J.C. Moore writes suspense-driven crime and thriller novels focused on character, consequence, and the cost of buried secrets. His stories are set in small towns and close communities, where ordinary lives are shaped by pressure, loyalty, and hard decisions, and where violence leaves lasting marks long after the moment has passed. He is the author of the Shadow Bay thriller series and the Frank Mallory novels. Moore spent his childhood in Morgantown, West Virginia, and now lives in upstate New York. Long roads, dense woods, and the quiet weight of rural places continue to inform the stories he tells. |
Word Play
|
D. H. Anderson
It all started in my BARN Using original watercolor painting, Anderson Present her first book, a story of the arrival and subsequent birth of a filly in her barn. She relays the emotions of excitement anticipation, and wonder through her passionate reading style and connection with her audience with intermittent participation. This is followed by an educational craft with continued "horse" conversation.
About Anderson
D. H. Anderson became involved with horses through her daughter's love for riding, leading her to passionately embrace the equestrian community. Witnessing the birth of and interacting with Lady Thistle has greatly influence Donna's career as an award winning equestrian writer, giving young readers a peak into equine life through delightful stories. Her schedule is full of visits to libraries and schools! |
|
|
Alyssa Davis
Special Reading of the Young Dragon Adventures series Alyssa and her guest will read the entire Young Dragon Adventure series. Both of them will use their voice acting training and work from audiobook series to make this an entertaining storytime.
About Alyssa
Winner of the International Impact book awards for young readers and early children's literature. |
|
ContactWest Virginia Book Festival
123 Capitol Street Charleston, WV 25312 [email protected] (304) 343-4646 x1287 |
Connect |