ST. GEORGE — We know July is hot but not as hot as the great writers workshop planned for Saturday, July 11th, at Ricardo’s Restaurant, 1110 S. Bluff St. in St. George, sponsored by Heritage Writers Guild, a chapter of the League of Utah Writers. The focus of this half-day workshop is writing for young readers.

“One of the most exciting, challenging, fulfilling and fun types of writing you can do,” workshop organizer, Marilyn Richardson, said, “is writing for young people.”

If you’ve thought of writing a story for your children or grandchildren, or hope to publish your work, you will want to attend this workshop. There will be sessions on young adult, middle grade, book covers, and choosing books for different ages.

Keynote speaker, Shallee McArthur, will share her journey. McArthur originally wanted to be a scientist, until she discovered she liked her science best in fictional form. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and creative writing from BYU. Skyhorse/Sky Pony released her first novel, “The Unhappening of Genesis Lee,” a young adult science fiction, last fall. Find her online.

Local author, Elliah A. Terry, has been writing for 11 years. She will tell how she found an agent and what happens next. Both speakers will share their writing and their process.

Already have a book? During the “practice your pitch” session, authors will have 90 seconds to pitch their story idea to fellow writers. Creating a short synopsis is hard to do, but Richardson believes this activity will help writers develop their skills. Any genre is acceptable. “I heard about this over the radio and thought it might be fun.” She advises authors to write down what they plan to say and practice beforehand.

A book table will be available for authors to sell their books. All ages and genres are welcome.

“There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all.”—Dr. Seuss, Oh the Places you’ll go.

Hope to see you at the Workshop, July 11, 2015 at 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration fees ($15 for HWG members, $10 for students with I.D. and $25 for non members) are due by July 8th. Ff you wish to register at the door it is $5 extra. Mail checks made to HWG to B. Anderson, 2604 S. 3120 E., St. George, UT, 84790. Questions? Contact Richardson at [email protected] or 435-674-9792