Young adults who have author aspirations should consider checking out a writers workshop planned for this weekend at Mentor Public Library. Below, the news release with more information:

Photo Courtesy of Tess Smith Photography

MENTOR, Ohio… Teens who like to write will have a special opportunity this Saturday, Feb. 1, at Mentor Public Library.
Rachele Alpine—the author of the Young Adult novel, Canary—will host a writers workshop especially for teens from 1 to 3 p.m. at the library’s Main Branch.
Everyone who registers for the workshop will also get a free copy of Canary. Alpine’s book tells the story of Kate Franklin, a teenage girl who is sexually assaulted by a popular student-athleteand then told by her father to keep it a secret.
Alpine said she wrote the book, in part, to encourage young people to tell their stories—whether through writing or other means.
“It is so important to get your story out and never have your voice silenced,” Alpine said. “No matter how hard it is, someone is going to listen. It’s through stories that people find understanding, strength and inspiration. We need to tell our stories because if we don’t, who will?"
Alpine will share her insights on writing and the path to publication with teens Saturday.
“We’ll be doing a variety of writing exercises to get their creative juice flowing and keep them writing well beyond the workshop,” Alpine said. “I’m also looking forward to talking with them about publishing, everything that goes into getting your book onto the shelves, and answering any questions they might have about writing.”
Alpine said the best writing advice she ever received was twofold: Read as much as you can and write every day.
“It doesn’t matter whether what you’re writing is good. You just want to get into the habit of creating new words each and every day,” she said.
Teens can register for Alpine’s writing workshop by calling the Mentor Public Library at 440-255-8811, ext. 215, or on the library’s website, www.mentorpl.org.
People can learn more about Alpine and her writing at www.rachelealpine.com.

How cool is this kid? Twelve-year-old Aiden Shugert of Broadview Heights has not only published a collection of short stories, but now he is holding a workshop for children ages 8 to 14 who are interested in writing.

Check out this news release for more information:

BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, OH (December 16, 2013)- In 2013, twelve-year-old, Aiden Shugert, of Broadview Heights published his own collection of short stories, The Marvelous Misadventures of the Fab Five. Now he’s holding a writing workshop for his peers to encourage them to get their own story started. Aiden’s Writing Workshop will take place on January 12th at the Brecksville Community Center (located on 1 Community Drive Brecksville, OH 44141) from 2:00-4:00. The cost is $50 and all children ages 8-14 with an interest in writing are encouraged to attend. 
Aiden was 11-years-old when he accomplished his dream of becoming a published author. He always loved to write, but never knew what to do with his stories. He decided to pre-sell copies of his book to pay for the book production – a smart move, considering he pre-sold 29 copies of his book in 5 hours. Between the money from this pre-sale, and cash he earned shoveling cow manure on the farm, Aiden was able to make his dream come true, and publish his collection of short stories, The Marvelous Misadventures of the Fab Five.
After Aiden’s publishing dream came true, he decided to go a step further to inspire other like-minded peer writers with his writing workshop in January. “This workshop focuses on putting those ideas in your head onto paper in stories, while helping to build self-confidence and self-discipline,” said Shugert. “I know that writing has helped me in my day-to-day life and I want to help other kids to do the same.”
“We are very proud of Aiden for going after his dream and not only becoming a published writer, but now a public speaker and mentor to other kids his age,” said Katie Shugert, Aiden’s mom. “What started off as an idea, has began to blossom in an entrepreneurship dream for Aiden, it’s a lot of fun to see him grow.”