Marsha Qualey • Image: Addendum
by Erin Stevens
Have you dreamed about writing the next big Young Adult fiction novel? Wish you had to a professional, YA author to learn tips and tricks of the genre? Say no more! Now, with the 2017 season of residencies at Cirenaica only a few short months away, writers who have an interest in writing YA will have the opportunity to learn from THE Marsha Qualey, a prolific YA author.
➜ Learn about Marsha Qualey's Summer (2017) Writer's Residency at Cirenaica
Here are five reasons to spend three days working on your craft with Marsha Qualey this summer:
1. Qualey brings her numerous accolades to Cirenaica.
She has two Minnesota Book Awards and appeared on numerous best-of-the-year lists, including ALA Quick Picks and Best Books for Young Adults, IRA Young Adults' Choices, New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age, and School Library Journal's Best Books of the Year. Her novel, Thin Ice, was nominated for an Edgar Award by the Mystery Writers
2. Work with an MFA professor.
Yes, you read that right! Marsha Qualey is a professor at Hamline's low res MFA program. This is your opportunity to learn from a real-life MFA professor. Not only will you get great feedback, but this is your chance to ask your burning questions about applying to and being enrolled in MFA programs.
3. A chance to wow the crowd.
On the last night of the residency, you and your residency attendees will have the chance to read your original at a reading that is free and open to the public. This is your moment to let the world (okay, maybe not the world, but at least residents of the Chippewa Valley) hear what you have been working so hard on!
4. Take a break from “adulting” to be a kid again.
If you’ve been spending too much time in the adult world, getting lost in the work problems, trading in your writing time for paying bills, the YA writing residency at Cirenaica will allow you take a timeout from your regular day to be a kid again. Work on your own YA novel, or reconnect with the books and authors who inspired you to start writing YA.
5. Special Guest Julie Bowe will make an appearance.
Eau Claire’s very own middle-grade author will stop by to discuss and answers any questions you may have about writing stories for young readers!
If all these reasons sound great to you, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars for July 21-24, and get your application in right away! Spots are filling quickly and our May 1 application deadline is just around the corner, so brush off your manuscript and submit right away!