NJ SCBWI PRESENTS: Writing with Trauma: A 90-Minute Workshop with Rebecca Dykes Writers
Oct 28, 2024
Online event
Whether you’re writing about trauma for young readers or have experienced trauma yourself, this workshop is for you. Through a series of writing prompts, mindfulness work, and lessons from the trauma writing trenches, YA author and professor Heather Demetrios (Bad Romance, I’ll Meet You There) and award-winning picture book author and trauma therapist Bethany Walker (Lena and the Dragon) guide participants gently and skillfully through these turbulent waters. From exploring the how of writing trauma to engaging in ways to care for yourself when writing tough topics, Bethany and Heather offer an opportunity to deepen your craft and your writer self-care. All levels welcome.
Event Details
- When: October 28th, 2024
- Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EST
- Where: On Zoom (Link provided after registration and prior to workshop. Also available in the events page on your SCBWI profile.)
- Member Price: $35.00
- Nonmember Price: $50.00
- Space is limited, register soon to reserve your spot!
- This workshop will be recorded and the recording will be sent to registered attendees after the event. It will be available for 30 days after the send date.
- Registration closes Friday, October 25th, 2024.
Our Presenters
Heather Demetrios
Heather Demetrios is a critically acclaimed author, writing coach, and mindfulness facilitator based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Her publishers include Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and HarperCollins. Her work has been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, German, Dutch, and Romanian. She has an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is a recipient of the PEN America Discovery Award for her debut novel, Something Real. Her novels include Little Universes, I’ll Meet You There, Bad Romance, as well as the Dark Caravan fantasy series: Exquisite Captive, Blood Passage, and Freedom’s Slave. Her non-fiction includes the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection Code Name Badass: The True Story of Virginia Hall, and she is the editor of Dear Heartbreak: YA Authors and Teens on the Dark Side of Love. Her honors include books that have been named Bank Street Best Children’s Books, YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selections, a Goodreads Choice Nominee, a Kirkus Best Book, and a Barnes and Noble Best Book. Her work has appeared in LA Review of Books, Bustle, School Library Journal, and other fine outlets. Heather works with writers on integrating mindfulness into their writing practice, process, and life. In addition to being the Executive Director of Clouds in Water Zen Center, she is a Trained Mindfulness Facilitator through UCLA Mindfulness Awareness Research Center. She is also the program director of Rebecca Dykes Writers in collaboration with the Highlights Foundation, where she works with writers who tell stories about trauma for young readers. She is currently pursuing her Master's in Clinical Social Work to further support creatives. Find out more about Heather and her books at heatherdemetrios.com
Bethany Walker
Bethany Walker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and author, as well as a member of SCBWI and Rebecca Dykes Writers. She writes in a variety of genres including flash fiction, picture books, and novels. Her debut independently published picture book, Lena & the Dragon, was awarded the 2023 SCBWI Spark Honor Award. Bethany currently resides in Longview, TX with her husband, daughter, and pets. In her free time, she binges horror movies, tries new recipes (sometimes successfully), and collects an absurd amount of books. Find out more about Bethany and her work at www.bethanywalkerauthor.com