MARQUETTE — The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association is bringing back the Young Writers Storytelling Workshop for a second year and expand from its debut in 2024.

This year’s workshop will have additional break-out sessions for the students to choose from along with the main conference from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time May 17 at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.

“The workshop will run in parallel to UPPAA’s main conference, but the sessions will be aimed at a youthful audience who are beginning their writing journeys,” said Rehema Clarken of Hancock, who is the workshop chair.

Four award-winning authors last year taught the basics of storytelling, but participants this year will have more options with the breakout sessions in the afternoon.

The additional sessions are designed especially for returning participants to help them further develop their writing skills. These sessions, led by published authors and industry professionals, will cover topics such as creating vivid characters, dynamic plots and engaging settings, as well as writing for journalism and editing to publish.

Like the UPPAA spring conference, participants in the Young Writers Storytelling Workshop will sign up for the tracks they wish to participate in, have additional writing time in each breakout, and a Q&A session with a panel of authors during the lunch break.

Enrollment for the workshop will open March 17. The workshop fee is $25 per student for the general public. Children of UPPAA members with family membership packages can attend for free. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available — contact storytelling@uppaa.org for details.

The Young Writers Storytelling Workshop schedule (all are Eastern times):

— 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., morning session No. 1: Cyndi Perkins, “Getting to Know You –Why Do You Write?” A journalist and professional editor who lives in the Keweenaw, Perkins will lead warm-up activities to get participants comfortable and enthusiastic about writing and sharing their ideas.

— 11 to noon, morning session No. 2: John Hagen, “Identifying the Main Problem — Conflict Builds Stories.” An author from St. Ignace, Hagen will guide participants through an investigation of conflict — the essential element of story — to encourage them to create a compelling plot that makes a page turner. Additional time for writing will also be provided during this time.

— Noon to 1:45 p.m.: Lunch and question session with authors. Assorted pizzas and salad from Vango’s will be provided.

— 1:45 to 2:45, afternoon breakout session No. 1a: Nikki Mitchell — “Crafting Vibrant Characters — the Importance of a Strong Hero.” A middle-grade writer from Ishpeming, Mitchell-Crafting will lead a fast-paced, character-building activity where participants will create vibrant heroes, villains and sidekicks that will jump off the page, followed by individual writing time to create their own characters.

— 1:45 to 2:45, afternoon breakout session No. 1b: Ann Dallman, “Writing for the Real World — the Art of Non-Fiction Writing.” Dallman is a journalist and middle-grade author from Menominee. She will share how to craft compelling narratives as well as how to write with clarity and impact. Participants will review essential writing techniques, including strong voice, vivid imagery, and effective organization. An emphasis will be given on the real-world applications of non-fiction writing skills.

— 3 to 4 p.m., afternoon breakout session No. 2a: Rehema Clarken, “Using the Five Senses — the Art of Descriptive Writing.” Clarken is a young adult author who grew up in Marquette and now lives in the Keweenaw. Her session will explore how to write descriptive characters and settings using the five senses of touch, taste, smell, sight and sound.

— 3 to 4 p.m., afternoon breakout session No. 2b: Brandy Thomas, “Editing to Publish — the Importance of a Polished Manuscript.” Thomas, an editor and author from Marquette, will guide students through one of the most important and misunderstood steps of writing. She will talk about the editing process, introduce helpful tools, and show that editing involves more than just correcting punctuation and grammar.