Contact: Rehema Clarken
906-275-9002
storytellingworkshop.org
When: May 16th, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St, Marquette, MI
How to Register: Registration Opens March 11, 2026
The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA) is excited to announce that the Young Writers Storytelling Workshop returns for a third year and has grown since its debut in 2024.
This year, the workshop will have additional break-out sessions for the students to choose from. It will run in parallel to the main conference on Saturday, May 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Peter White Public Library.
“The workshop will run in parallel to UPPAA’s main conference, but the sessions will be aimed at a youthful audience who are beginning their writing journeys,” said Rehema Clarken (Hancock, MI), who is the workshop chair.
Last year, four award-winning authors taught the basics of storytelling, but this year, participants will have more to choose from with breakout sessions in the afternoon.
The additional sessions are designed especially for returning participants to help them further develop their writing skills. These sessions, led by published authors and industry professionals, will cover topics such as creating vivid characters, dynamic plots and engaging settings, as well as writing for journalism and editing to publish.
Like the UPPAA spring conference, participants in the Young Writers Storytelling Workshop will sign up for the tracks they wish to participate in, have additional writing time in each breakout, and a Q&A session with a panel of authors during the lunch break.
Enrollment for the workshop will open on March 11, 2026. The workshop fee is $30 per student for the general public. Children of UPPAA members with family membership packages can attend for free. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available, please contact storytelling@uppaa.org for details.
Registration Opens March 11, 2026
Young Writers Storytelling Workshop Schedule — May 16, 20269:00-9:45 – Morning Check-in: pick up your identification lanyard and sign-in
9:45-10:45 – Morning Session #1
Cyndi Perkins—Getting to know you—why do you write?
Drawing on her experience as a novelist and award-winning journalist, editor, and higher education communications director, Cyndi—who is based on the Keweenaw Peninsula—will lead relaxed warm-up activities to help participants ease into writing and feel excited about sharing their ideas.
11:00 – 12:00 – Morning Session #2a
John Hagen—Crafting Captivating CharactersAn award-winning author of short fiction from St. Ignace, John will reveal why compelling characters are essential to successful storytelling—and how to build them. Participants will use key tools and techniques to craft their own characters.
11:00 – 12:00 – Morning Session #2b
Marty Achatz—Poetry Possibilities Workshop
Marty lives in Ishpeming with his family and in his spare time chases comets and Bigfoot. This workshop will play in poetry. Participants will enjoy the experience of writing poetry with the guidance of a UP Poet Laureate.
12:00-1:45—Lunch and Q&A session with authors
12:00-12:15 Lunch will be provided. Participants will eat in the presentation room.
12:15-1:15 Q&A with Authors with special guest Sue Harrison author of the Alaska Trilogy
1:45 – 2:45—Afternoon Breakout Session #1a
Michael Peach—Identifying the Main Problem: Conflict Builds Your Story
An author from Escanaba, Michael will guide participants through an investigation of conflict—the essential element of story—to encourage them to create a compelling plot that makes a page-turner.
1:45-2:45—Afternoon Breakout Session #1b
Ann Dallman—Point of View: A Writer’s Not-so-Hidden Power!
Ann is an award-winning author who has lifelong roots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She started out as a newspaper reporter and photographer and later taught English, reading, and journalism. She will share how point-of-view moves the reader through the story. It determines how the story is told based on what details are shared by the narrator or through the experiences of the main characters.
3:00-4:00—Afternoon Breakout Session #2
Rehema Clarken—Publishing 101/p>
Rehema is a young adult fantasy novelist and a nonfiction essayist who grew up in Marquette and now lives in the Keweenaw. Her session will explore how young adults can publish short pieces like stories and articles, as well as longer works such novels.
Registration Opens March 11, 2026
About the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA)
The UPPAA was founded in 1998 as a non-profit corporation with the goal of educating and empowering authors of the U.P. Among its outreach programs are a U.P. Notable Books List, U.P. Book Review, Dandelion Cottage Award–a contest for young writers (grades 5 to 12), and an annual journal, The U.P. Reader.
For more information about this event, contact storytelling@uppaa.org or call 906-275-9002