Daughter Denied Author Alretha Thomas Holds “Let’s Write A Novel Workhop” For Children

June 21, 2008 - PRLog -- LOS ANGELES—Fresh from her trip to San Francisco where she visited two schools
she attended as a child to encourage the next generation of writers playwright-turned-novelist Alretha Thomas, author of the novel Daughter Denied is inspiring children once again. Recently, Thomas went to Orville Wright Middle School in Los Angeles to hold four sessions of her “Let’s Write a Novel Workshop” for students.
  Students learned how Thomas was inspired to write as a child, the definition of a novel and how to actually write their own novel. Thomas used her debut novel Daughter Denied in the how-to workshops to teach students that they can write their own stories, too. Holding up her debut novel Daughter Denied Thomas asked the students, “How many rejection letters do you think I received from publishing companies?”
  Students shouted out answers, “10, 22, 75!” Thomas laughed and told them, “I received over 100 rejection letters.” A hush fell over the library. Then Thomas retrieved a huge, three ring binder that was at least five inches thick. She opened the binder and thumbed through the letters showing the students. A low “Oooooh,” filled the room. “Don’t ever let anyone tell you what you can’t do,” Thomas said. Novelist Alretha Thomas isn’t a role model because she writes. Others write and don’t share their insights and knowledge. She’s a role model because she writes—and is inspiring our children to be the best writers they can be. This focus on touching the lives of others makes a real difference as many of these children will remember this workshop for the rest of their lives.  
  In a condensed version of her “Let’s Write a Novel Workshop” Thomas took students through a few key steps of novel writing. They learned about creating the protagonist and antagonist, plot, titles and more. The students were taken with the novel writing exercise and enjoyed it thoroughly. “Mrs. Thomas’ writing workshop was fun and inspirational. If I didn’t have my heart set on becoming a lawyer I might become a writer. I hope she can come back to my school,” said sixth grader Lovelace Lee IV.  
  Faculty at Wright Middle School also enjoyed the workshops. “Alretha surely set young minds on fire,” said Suzanne Osman, school librarian and the organizer of the event. “I am still feeling so inspired and energized by her presentation to the students.”    
  Thomas created her “Let’s Write a Novel Workshop” to teach people 16 and older that they too can write a novel. She uses her own novel Daughter Denied as proof that anyone can overcome the odds and tell their story if they have the right tools. “Writing a novel was my choice,” said Thomas. “My responsibility however is to make sure that another generation understands they can create great literature, too.

FYI: This summer novelist Alretha Thomas is teaching her “Let’s Write a Novel Workshop” in Greater Los Angeles FREE to those 16 and older in groups of 20 or more. Contact Lovelace Lee III of Robert Lucy Creative to book her by calling (310) 743-2855 or via email at robertlucycreative@yahoo.com.

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