Starting on August 22 and continuing into the fall, the Hackettstown Free Public Library will be presenting a lineup of six programs focused on different types of writing. This program series is made possible by a grant from the Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission.

The program schedule is as follows:

August 22 “Let’s Get Graphic” with Ben Wilgus
Teens and adults are invited to hear a talk by graphic novelist Ben Wilgus. Ben will explain the ins and outs of writing comics and graphic novels, explaining how the medium differs from traditional storytelling. A workshop where attendees learn how to craft their own comics will be at the conclusion of the program.

September 6 “Art and Craft of Writing Fiction” with Eric J. Matluck
Self-published Hackettstown author Eric J. Matluck will be here to discuss the art and craft of writing fiction. He’s been writing seriously for over 30 years, and he will discuss the inspiration behind writing in general and the actual events that inspired him to write his last 2 novels. In addition he will talk about how he incorporates writing into his day-to-day life (having a full-time job), how it feels to write, what happens when the inspiration doesn’t want to come, and how he knows he can consider a work finished.

September 12 “Speak Your Soul: Art & Craft of Poetry” with Yoli Worth
Yoli will read and talk about different poems. Following the reading, participants will be invited to join in and write. There will be a brief writing session and as time allows, volunteers may read their work in progress, which encourages accepting written work without judgment. The workshop will close with participants creating a group poem, promoting shared exploration and experiences.

October 16 “Creating Great Characters: A Workshop” with Maryann McFadden
Every great story starts with a great character: complex, compelling, flawed. Every good writer wants the reader to root for this character. That’s what keeps them turning pages. How do we accomplish this?
Join author Maryann McFadden, who’s penned 5 novels and a screenplay, as she guides you to write a great character of your own.

“Art and Craft of TV Screenwriting” with Jovana Rizzo on October 26
Television screenwriter Jovana Rizzo will discuss the basics of writing for the screen and how that differs from traditional fiction. She will detail her experiences in the industry of television and explain how a script goes from words on paper to images in your living room. She will also direct a short workshop that highlights the fundamentals of the process and answer any questions that attendees have.

“Principles of Screenwriting for Film” with Steven Kampmann
 On November 21Veteran actor and writer Steven will present a workshop detailing the principles of screenwriting. He will also provide pointers for those looking to break into Hollywood, drawing from his long and storied career.

“The Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission was really generous to us and gave us the funds to make these programs possible. I am really excited about them and I think our patrons will be too,” said Library Director Jerry Galante.

Anyone can register for these programs, which will be held in-person or on Zoom. 

Please see the Library’s calendar of events for more details – https://hackettstownlibrary.org/calendar.

A free Hackettstown library card is available to anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Hackettstown. Apply in person or go to https://hackettstownlibrary.org/services/library-cards/

The Hackettstown Free Public Library is located at 110 Church Street.

For more information, call (908) 852-4936 or email info@hackettstownlibrary.org