Writing Fiction 101

“It’s quite a big deal to be writer in resident in your own community,” says Gunnery.

Gunnery is known for her young adult fiction books, but has also written two books for teachers about creative writing in the school.

Teresa Workman, Public Relations Coordinator with the SSRL says they have had author readings in the past that have gone well, and the next step was to have a writer in residence. They chose Sylvia after working with her many times before, and they thought she would be a perfect fit.

“We know her to be a great author, a great person and more importantly a teacher. It’s one thing to have the skill to write, but to express that and help other people to achieve that skill is something else,” says Workman.

Gunnery says that being writer in residence is quite involved, and not only just working on her own book. Gunnery is there to help aspiring writers with their craft.

People can submit parts of their writing to her. She can look over their work telling them the strong points and helping improve others. She can also answer more specific question they may have about story structure or voice.

“With every writer its different. That’s what makes it interesting.”

There is no charge for her to look over material.

The libraries are also hosting workshops led by Gunnery for both adults and children. Each of the three main branches, including the Thomas H. Raddall Library in Liverpool, will have both.

Gunnery draws on her 32 years of teaching experience for the workshop, which she says works well in encouraging people to explore their writing.

“All these things are tried and true. Nothing is experimental that I haven’t seen work well. I always know when I go people are going to walk away with something.”

The adult workshop is called “Focus on Fiction,” where she guides authors through the craft of writing in a four-hour period. Her teaching methods help develop writing skills, and help authors discover more about why they write the stories they do.

“Why the story is theirs alone. In other words what is their voice, and helping them recognize the voice they have,” she says. She adds the authors’ voice comes through in the topic they write about, and how they choose the wording.

Near the end of the workshop Gunnery gives participants the opportunity to share what they have written, but she stresses only people that want to. She says it isn’t fair to tell people they have to share their stories, but typically about four people in a group usually do.

“I will set aside a chunk of time and tell people this is your opportunity if you think it would be helpful to read your work aloud and have people respond.”

The children’s workshop, called Just Write! is shorter but covers similar topics geared towards a younger audience. The age range for the workshop is 10-15, which she says works very well.

“I wish I could say 10-50 because at any age it works well. The older kids are supportive of the younger ones. But what people don’t realize is the younger ones motivate the older ones as well.”

Workshops are free, but pre-registration is required. The adult workshop takes place at Thomas H. Raddall Library on Nov. 1, and the children’s workshop is on Nov. 29. To register for a workshop or for more information on Sylvia Gunnery, contact the library at 354-5270.