A Now Hear This! Workshop involves:

• A professional writer coming to your school, community group or organization on a one-time or ongoing basis to conduct writing groups
• Topics tailored to the needs and interests of youth and/or the class curriculum, from basic literacy to writing for publication
• An introduction to each exercise using examples of relevant, published texts
• Writing projects that stimulate, engage and challenge students
• Students learning skills applicable in school and practical in everyday life
• All elements of the writing process: brainstorming, drafting, editing and revising
• Cultivation of creativity and encouragement of self-expression in a positive, non-competitive, tolerant atmosphere
• Potential to share finished pieces with peers - either in print, read out loud or in dramatic performance
• Potential to submit finished pieces for publication and/or entry to writing contests

A Now Hear This! Workshop is:

• encouraging - positive, constructive comments, rather than criticism and evaluation, help new writers gain confidence
• stimulating - programs are designed by and cater to the interests of students so that the material remains fresh and engaging; also, discussion and assignments encourage students to write critically about issues in their own lives
• inclusive - while no one is forced at any time, all students are entitled to participate equally in each workshop, regardless of gender, culture, religion, race or sexual orientation; respect of others is imperative in creating a nurturing, creative atmosphere
• accessible - economic factors are not a factor, and all workshops are offered through schools at no cost to students; since all programs are user-specific, no student will be left out due to special circumstances or needs
• empowering - students who articulate themselves through writing are able to express themselves, to speak out against other's depictions of their struggles and confidently claim their identities as their own
• practical - by learning everything from basic literacy skills, to the fine points of expository writing, to how to pen that international bestseller, students gain necessary tools for school- and workforce-related challenges
• fun - maybe most important of all, workshop directors ensure that students are enjoying themselves - writing is meant to be an escape, after all!