Henderson students will have an opportunity to work with professional writers at the Henderson Libraries' Aspiring Young Authors Conference.
The third annual event will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the Clark County School District's teachers' in-service day on April 14 at the Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water St.
"This is really important for any child, but especially those bent in that way to write creatively," parent Colleen Sedlmeir said.
Children between fourth and eighth grades will gather tools on how to create a story by working with published authors in small groups.
This year's event will feature authors Brandon Mull and William Hill, who will teach the students how to write a story through interactive activities and one-on-one interaction.
"It's exciting for the kids who may have read their books," said Echo Galbraith Allen, youth services librarian.
Mull is best known for his "Fablehaven" fantasy series. Hill has written seven books throughout his career, including "Wizard Sword," his first fantasy epic and latest book.
The regional authors come from Nevada, California, Utah and Arizona and include Lisa Kopelke, Sherri L. Smith, Jennifer Baumer and Cindie Geddes.
"Working with actual authors allows children to aspire differently," Sedlmeir said.
Students will learn how to create a character, act our stories and put pen to paper.
Sedlmeir's son Kurt attended the conference last year. She said he's excited to meet new authors and spend some time writing creatively.
"They really don't do creative writing in junior high," Colleen Sedlmeir said. "They are concentrating on technicalities of producing a sentence."
Allen said that at the first conference, 80 kids took over the Paseo Verde Library.
"Last year, we moved to the Convention Center, and we just grew," Allen said.
Registration packets are available at any of Henderson Libraries' four locations. The conference will be limited to the first 125 students to sign up. The event is free and includes lunch.
A pre-conference will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley. Allen said students are encouraged to bring a story to share. Phone registration is required.
All participants must register by April 12.
After the conference, book signings and sales, which are open to the public, will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the convention center.
For more information, visit mypubliclibrary.com or call 492-7252.
YOUNG AUTHOR'S CONFERENCE
* When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 14
* Where: Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water St.
* Cost: Free
* Information: Register at any Henderson library by April 12
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