Aspiring and practicing writers of children’s fiction are invited to participate in a fun and informative workshop by author Belinda Anderson Friday, Apr. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at New River Community and Technical College’s campus in Lewisburg.

“Some of the best and most entertaining reading material today is children’s fiction,” Anderson said. “It’s a joy to write and your audience responds enthusiastically. I still remember the elementary student who stood up and called out, ‘Group hug!’ after I had made a presentation about one of my books.”

Anderson is the author of four books. Her three books of short stories have been used in schools at all grade levels. Her most recent book is a fantasy novel for children, “Jackson vs. Witchy Wanda.” Author Anna Egan Smucker described the work saying, “Accomplished writer Belinda Anderson has created a middle-grade novel that sizzles with suspense.”

The workshop will focus on writing for the middle-grade reader, generally considered to be age 8 to 12, and will include traits and interests of the middle-grade reader, entertaining snippets from some of the best books in the genre, tips and tools on writing for children and opportunities to write. The workshop is designed both for aspiring writers and practicing writers who would like to develop new ideas or hone their skills for current projects.

“It will be a fun Friday,” Anderson added.

Anderson has been recognized for mentoring other writers. She has been named a Master Artist by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History to work with emerging writers through a grant program. She is a past recipient of the West Virginia Writers’ Just Uncommonly Good award, for mentoring and promoting the written word in West Virginia.

She also promotes writing by children. She is a Carnegie Classroom presenter. She has served as a judge of writing by children for both West Virginia Writers, Inc., and the West Virginia Library Commission. Last year Anderson was the keynote speaker for the West Virginia Library Commission’s Letters about Literature awards ceremony in Charleston.

The cost for the workshop is $38 per student, and pre-registration for the course is required by Apr. 25.

New River CTC’s Workforce Education Division provides community education classes and employable educational opportunities including noncredit courses, workforce development programs and customized training.

For more information about community education classes at New River CTC or to register contact Gloria Kincaid at 304-793-6101, gkincaid@newriver.edu or Jeanne Stone at 304-883-2469, vstone@newriver.edu. Learn more about Anderson and her work visit http://www.BelindaAnderson.com.

New River Community and Technical College serves nine counties in southeastern West Virginia from the Greenbrier Valley Campus (Lewisburg), Mercer County Campus (Princeton), Nicholas County Campus (Summersville) and Raleigh County Campus (Beaver/Beckley).