Amid the lively festivities of Boulder County's Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration, young aspiring authors are being presented with an opportunity to dive into the world of writing and publishing at the Longmont Library which is hosting a masterclass fitted specifically for young writers aged 16 to 23.
Nyasha Williams seeks to inspire and guide young writers through the complex, yet rewarding, terrain of writing and publishing, providing insights while strengthening confidence and creativity in their literary journey.
Williams, whose literary influence spans from preschoolers to adults, brings a variety of experiences and mentorship to the masterclass. The session aims to address a critical question for prospective writers: "What do you feel is missing?" According to Williams, identifying gaps in personal experiences and stories can be a powerful starting point for writing.
The masterclass is designed to offer a well-rounded immersion in the craft of writing. Whether they have got a story brewing within them or are looking for inspiration to kick-start their writing journey, this masterclass promises to stoke the fires of creativity.
Young writers will be taken through the entire writing process, right from drafting a manuscript to getting it ready for publishing. The masterclass offers valuable insights into manuscript preparation, editing and explores the pros and cons of traditional and self-publishing routes.
Beyond the technicalities of writing and publishing, the masterclass seeks to delve deeper. "Finding your 'why' — What is your reason for writing? What message do you want to convey to your readers? What is your ultimate goal in releasing this book into the world?" These are just some of the soul-searching questions Williams encourages her students to explore.
Williams is no stranger to sharing her writing process with the community, having conducted various workshops and sessions in schools, each one tailored to different themes, from 'writing as an activist' to 'working with an illustrator.'
With a background in teaching kindergarten for four years, Williams loves working with the younger generation. Firm in her belief that nurturing young minds paves the way for a healthier society, Williams is dedicated to planting seeds of knowledge and creativity in her participants.
"I love working with the younger generation. They're the center for me," Williams said. "I center all of my work around building the world that my ancestors deserved, and that our future children need.”
Reflecting on her own literary journey, Williams revealed how she started writing to meet the needs of her inner child, and how she expanded her vision to imagine and work towards a better world. These experiences, combined with her expertise, will form the backbone of the masterclass's content.
In line with the spirit of Juneteenth, the masterclass will not just be about writing; it will emphasize the integral role of activism. "I think all of my work is centered around activism," Williams said. "Books, literature and media act as doors, windows and mirrors.”
Williams’s books will serve as an example, encouraging students to channel their beliefs into their writing actively. A key aspect of the masterclass is its commitment to representation. As a black author, Williams feels it's vital for students to see authors that look like them beyond their everyday experiences.
As an author who works with a wide range of age groups, she knows the importance of catering to her audience's specific needs. While her series, "Ally Babies," primarily targets a younger audience, Williams has effectively used these books with older children to encourage them to incorporate their beliefs and activism into their writing.
Williams's perspective on children's literature extends beyond the young audience it is traditionally aimed at. She believes that picture books can offer valuable insights to older teens and adults asserting that, "There's so much richness you can put into a children's book ... you can break it down differently for every age group."
Beyond the masterclass from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Longmont Library on June 18, Williams will also be engaging with the community that morning at the First Congregational Church in Boulder from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. where she will be reading from her various children's books, answering questions and facilitating activities related to her work.
