ExploRIII 2014 Volume 2 | Page 23

writers week For the past three years, Troy Buchanan High School (TBHS) students have had the opportunity to meet published authors and not just any authors either. Authors relevant to the teenage and young adult crowd such as Amazon Top 100 Author Ellen Hopkins, Five Flavors of Dumb and Firebrand author Antony John or critically acclaimed author for his writing for teenagers Chris Crutcher. Writers Week is an ever-evolving event at TBHS that involves original student pieces, conversations with published authors and writers and writing workshops. Renowned authors travel to TBHS to share their insight on writing and their journey to become an author. Author Antony John spoke to students during Writers Week 2014 about his newest release Firebrand and his thought-process to develop a best-selling book. John, who lives in St. Louis, loves coming to Writers Week to speak about his love for writing. Student writers also have the opportunity to present and share their original pieces. TBHS student Robert Cooper was a student author that shared his work with fellow students. "Writing being so personal, it takes a lot to get up there and speak in front of so many; to be able to spill your guts like that," he said. In 2014, organizers added a two-day writing workshop. Presenting authors and writing coaches worked with students on pieces submitted a month in advance. Authors offered critiques on the pieces and offered “pointers” to small groups of aspiring writers during the workshops. TBHS 2014 graduate Arkady Fuhrman aspires to be a writer and submitted his work to the authors for a critique. For an aspiring writer like Fuhrman the author’s critique not only offered advice, but encouragement as well. Writers Week isn’t just about writing though. This is a collaborative effort between the English, Library and Art Departments. Advanced art students create a painted ceiling tile of one of the covers of each visiting author’s books. Those are on display in the ceiling of the Library Media Center. The organizers of Writers Week are already planning for 2015. Your Smile Is Important! V.A. MENNEMEYER, DDS, MS • Braces For All Ages • Rewards Program • No Referral Necessary • Invisalign ® 91 TROY SQUARE, SUITE 203 TROY, MO 63379 • Complimentary Exams! • Affordable Payment Plans (636) 528-2141 www.mennemeyerorthodontics.com Close to Home