GCHS Writers Week 2013 Celebrates the Written Word

How to write a story, how to get published, and how to pursue creative dreams were all part of the GCHS Writers Week 2013. The inaugural event was billed as "a week-long celebration of writing."

I was honored to be asked to speak at the event on April 2 at Grayslake Central High School, organized by teacher Carl Hauck. I spoke about Patch and the future of digital media. The students asked great questions. I hoped to instill in them that everyone has a story, and writing those stories is a pretty cool privilege.

The amount and the variety of other speakers was impressive. It included writers Jay Asher, Jay Bonansinga, Alicia Erian, Sam Weller, Mike Mullin, and Jonathan Eig, Lisa Black; musicians Company of Thieves; Young Chicago Authors; poet Derrick Brown; and comedian Nate Weatherup. Selected GCHS students and staff, including District 127 Superintendent Catherine Finger, shared their own writings during the special event.

The school hopes to make this an annual tradition.