Johns Creek’s Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library was looking to broaden its already considerable young adult program. As luck would have it, Johns Creek resident Sarah Calhoun, a 39-year-old recent graduate of Kennesaw State University working as an executive assistant, was looking for something to challenge her “academically and intellectually.” Earlier this month, the library and Calhoun paired up to offer an in-depth creative writing workshop for teens. The six-week program, offered free of charge, includes topics such as idea development, point of view and style, voice and word choice.
Calhoun, who spent three years as a teacher’s assistant in psychology at Kennesaw State tutoring students on writing, was wary of teaching youngsters. But she talked about how her students have gained insight into themselves through the written word and how she has gained insight into herself through her students.
(For more information on the library’s teen programs, including an upcoming teen poetry program, call 770-360-8820 or go to
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Q: How did the workshop come about?
A: At Kennesaw State, I fell in love with working with students on their writing. I asked Kay Clark (the library’s young adult librarian) if there were any students who needed tutoring. She said she didn’t know about that but she did need someone to teach a creative writing class. I said, ‘Sure, why not?’
Q: Who are your students?
A: We average between 12 and 15 a week, primarily middle school students. We have one elementary school student and a couple of high schoolers but it is hard to get the older kids there. In Johns Creek, they are going in five different directions on any given night.
Q: Of all the things kids could be doing, why would they come to a creative writing class?
A: A couple said their moms made them. They are still coming so they must be enjoying the class. They all expressed that they like writing.
Q: How long are the classes?
A: An hour but the kids usually stay later. That is a good sign.
Q: How do you teach?
A: I don’t correct grammar, punctuation or spelling. A lot of kids get caught up and intimidated by those things. The only feedback I give are ways to improve. I encourage them to read their work out loud. I tell them this is a safe place where no one will criticize their work.
Q: How did you decide what to teach?
A: I quizzed the kids the first week and asked what they don’t like about writing. A lot of them said that in school they are always told what to write about. We focused on how to come up with ideas. We did something called the “six-word memoir” which has become overwhelmingly popular.
Q: Can you explain what that is?
A: The idea is based on Ernest Hemingway who wrote a short story in six words — For sale: baby shoes, never worn. Smith Magazine challenged its readers to come up with them and has published entire books of them. I asked the kids to write one the first week; some wrote six. It’s a way to get their thoughts on paper, their creative juices flowing.
Q: Did any blow you away?
A: My favorite was on the very first night of class from the quietest girl. She looked like the most straight-laced, sweetest girl on the planet. Her six-word memoir: ‘I am nice, but not always.’ It makes me want to know more and that’s the whole point.
Q: What would your six-word memoir be?
A: Just write. Your words change everything.
Q: Your class ends Oct. 9. What do you think students will take away after only six weeks?
A: I am hoping at the end of the day that students will think of writing as something fun, something that everyone can do. A lot of kids feel people are born great writers. I try to dispel that myth. Great writing comes with practice and time.
Q: What have you learned?
A: I have learned that I love teaching. I don’t know what that means professionally for me long term. The class is reinforcing what I already believed — a little encouragement from a teacher goes a very, very long way.
The Sunday conversation is edited for length and clarity. Writer Ann Hardie can be reached by email at ann.hardie@ymail.com.
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