Five workshops aimed at helping writers and poets bring their work to life will be offered at the Carrollton BookFest. The morning workshop will be led by award winning author, Bren McClain. Entitled Openings – How Do You Know How and Where to Begin- the workshop will help authors find the right place to start a story that will intrigue readers. In the afternoon, she will also present Writing in Scenes, a critical skill for both novelists and short stories writers. A scene follows much the same arc as that which is critical for a longer work. Participants in Bren’s workshops over the past two years rave about her ability to stimulate and encourage both new writers and established authors.
For the individual interested in writing, be it memoir or fiction, authors George Weinstein and Kim Conrey, from the Atlanta Writers Club, will offer guidance to help you focus on what you want to write, why you want to write and, most importantly, how. They will encourage beginning writers to develop writing discipline and commitment and to understand the process of writing and editing. An excellent introduction for a beginner, Kim and George are positive, encouraging teachers with years of experience to share.
Jennifer Horne, former Poet Laureate of Alabama, will offer two workshops in one. The first is Giving Characters a Voice Using First Person in Poetry and Short Fiction followed by Write What You Have Learned. Both sessions will encourage writers to explore the world of poetry and short fiction and to hone their skills.
For writers of Children’s literature, JJ Allen offers guidance, tips, and hints about marketing your work. She will guide participants to develop a marketing plan including establishing a brand, undertaking grass roots efforts and how to avoid pitfalls.
For more information on all the other exciting workshops and opportunities to meet some of the South’s most interesting authors, visit carrolltonbookfest.com. For any questions, email [email protected]. All events are at the Carrollton Center for the Arts.
The cost for each workshop is $50, and tickets are available on Eventbrite under Carrollton BookFest 2026, A discount is offered for the members of the Carrollton Writers Guild and the Children’s Authors, Illustrators, & Artists Group. If you are a member, please email [email protected] to register. For more information on all the other exciting workshops and opportunities to meet some of the South’s most interesting authors, visit carrolltonbookfest.com. For any questions, email [email protected].
