Walla Walla College’s (WWC) new Administration Building was put to good use recently when the English department hosted the 13th annual Young Writers’ Conference.
Thirteen academy students attended the workshop, designed to improve their writing skills and encourage them to explore the art of language.
Each year the conference focuses on a distinct style of writing. With an emphasis on narrative writing this year, Sunday’s morning workshops covered the purpose of a story, plot development and character development. In the afternoon, students divided into groups to practice their new skills with the help of volunteer English majors. The final session, held in the writing lab, brought the day’s lessons into play as the students improved stories they had submitted before the conference.
“Putting together a Young Writers’ Conference is a lot of work for all of us—faculty, staff, and often our college students. But we think the investment is worth the effort, if we can celebrate the art of writing and encourage these writers of the future,” says WWC English professor Gary Wiss. He was also the lead presenter for the writing workshop.
Still, the weekend wasn’t all hard work. The conference began Friday evening with supper, followed by worship with WWC English professor Beverly Beem. On Sabbath afternoon, students were treated to a tour of Whitman Mission, led by WWC history professor Monty Buell, followed by a performance of the drama department’s annual Festival of One Acts. On Sunday, students attended a movie showing in the new film lab in the Ad Building.
The students, from Mt. Ellis Academy, Livingstone Adventist Academy, and Tri-Cities Junior Academy, were also the first group to fully utilize the English department’s area in the new Administration Building.
WWC English professor Gary Wiss explains the essence of a story to academy students attending the 13th annual Young Writers' Conference.
Academy students attending the Young Writers' Conference were the first group to use the English department facilities in the new Administration Building.
