badgerdog's Young Authors Reading and anthology launch

“FROZEN BABY ON A HAWK.” That’s it. That’s the title of one of the short stories I wrote when I was seven years old. It detailed my younger sister’s adventures through the Arctic after wrangling a massive bird of prey. As you can see, I was very grounded in reality as a child. It’s astonishing that I ended up a fantasy writer.

This was one of several pieces that I wrote and published with Badgerdog, a creative writing program for young authors. I attended their summer camp when I was in elementary school, and I remember how much I *loved* it. I met peers who shared the same passion, learned from experienced writers, and spent days creating rhymes and worlds. (Pure bliss.) At the end of it all, I was able to see my hard work pay off: my favorite pieces were published in Badgerdog’s Rise, and I had the opportunity to present my work to an encouraging audience.

Badgerdog was such an affirmative experience in my passion for writing, and I’m always happy to see other students benefit from it. Today I was able to attend Badgerdog’s Young Authors Reading and Anthology Launch at the Central Public Library, celebrating the hard work of the writers and teachers involved with the program.

Badgerdog recognized the two students who designed the selected cover art for their publications Rise and Emerge, and the wonderful artwork was unveiled. The Literary Citizenship Awards were then presented to students who embodied the writing spirit and spread joy through encouraging others. Afterwards, five of the students were selected to present their work, and I got to hear an array of wonderfully crafted words, from a poem about a geode, to a story about Bill (not Jack) the Jack-o-Lantern lamenting the rest of his clueless body riding off without him.

The amazing teachers who made the program possible were applauded. Forrest Preece was recognized, as the founder of writing awards for kids and teens. He noticed a lack of recognition for the works of younger writers, and created the Forrest Preece Award. The recipients of the Preece Awards were announced, and we got to hear their works as well. 

Afterwards, attendees were invited to explore the tables with activities, including an on-the-spot poet from Typewriter Rodeo, writing prompts, mysteries, and more. I had the chance to thank Kate Kelly and Claire Campbell, who organized the event. I even ran into my former Badgerdog teacher! It was such a treat to reconnect with her.

I am so grateful to Badgerdog for guiding and supporting me as a young writer, and giving me the confidence to create. This event was a joy, and I’m excited for those to come!