Registration is open for winter writers’ workshops for kids, teens, and adults at the Merry Barn Writers’ Retreat. Diana Mullins will facilitate a six-session workshop for adult writers of all abilities interested in exploring the writing process in a community of writers and creating a portfolio of work.

A writer, editor, educator, and expert on feedback and revision, Mullins will center each gathering around a specific genre, providing a short lesson using mentor texts from published authors. Writers will look closely at free verse and various forms of poetry, creative nonfiction and essay, personal narrative, short story, flash and micro fiction.

Writers will have extended time each session to write in the genre presented or on piece of their choosing. Time will be devoted to conferring with Mullins and other writers, sharing feedback, and self-reflection. The workshop meets on Wednesday evenings, from 5:30-7:30, on  Jan. 17 and 31; Feb. 7 and 28; and March 13 and 27. There is a sliding scale for payment and financial assistance is available.

Workshops for kids and teens

Two after school workshops, facilitated by veteran writing teacher Kat Cassidy, engage writers in grades 3-8. Mythology of Place: An Adventure Around the World, is geared toward writers of all abilities currently in grades 3-5. With maps, compasses, and writer’s notebooks, kids will explore cultures through their myths and creation stories, and write their own. Participants will meet Mondays, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., beginning Jan. 8, and share their work with family and friends at an Authors’ Tea on March 4.

Cassidy has designed Creative Exploration of Place for writers in grades 6-8. which will meet on Thursdays, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., beginning Jan. 11. Through nature journaling, storytelling, and experimentation with artistic mediums and writing genres, participants will gather ideas for stories and poems and take their pieces throught the writing process. Writers will celebrate at an Authors’ Tea on Feb. 29. Registration for each program is limited to 8. Financial assistance is available. 

Cassidy’s students are frequent contributors to writing contests including the Maine Literary Awards, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and the NCTE Promising Young Writers program. Her company, Write to the Sea, provides writing support and coaching services for Midcoast Maine youth.

The Merry Barn is located at 417 River Road in Edgecomb. Details and registration at www.merrybarn.com. Contact stephaniemcsherry@merrybarn.com with questions.