Hickman school hosts conference for young authors

Young authors gathered for a day of creative workshops, training and a chance to meet like minds on the Hickman Middle School campus.

The 18th annual Literary Conference for Kids drew more than 145 middle schoolers from Connections Academy, Gratton, Hickman Charter School, Hickman Middle School, Lake Don Pedro and Roberts Ferry. The students have been published in an annual anthology of student work.

Workshops included “How to Write Like a Warrior,” songwriting, limericks, CSI-style narrative reports, feather doodle art and sci-fi fantasy writing. Gregori High digital media students and teachers led a class on electronic communication.

The keynote speaker was Modesto Junior College professor and self-proclaimed ninja poet Sam Pierstorff.

“The aim of the conference is to celebrate youngsters who are excited about writing and who work hard at their craft,” said Hickman Superintendent Paul Gardner.

“By meeting other student-authors and getting a glimpse of a few careers and pursuits in which writing is an important component, students will hopefully be encouraged and inspired as they consider their own path for high school, college and career,” he said.

This story was originally published February 5, 2016 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Hickman school hosts conference for young authors."