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'It's amazing what you can do with a pen and a thought'
Unique library program
Rachel R. Basinger/Daily Courier
Works on a map
Rachel R. Basinger/Daily Courier
Rachel R. Basinger can be reached at rbasinger@tribweb.com or 724-626-3536.
The program was started in April of this year after the library obtained grant money to hold some type of program for teens, and it is held every Wednesday, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Mary Lou Shick, an employee of the library; Jamie Falo, library director; and members of the library board brainstormed for some type of program that teenagers would enjoy.
So, in a time where Harry Potter is a household name, they thought a science fiction and fantasy writing program would be just the thing.
And those participating are having fun.
"It's amazing what you can do with a pen and a thought," said 17-year-old Amanda Cochran, who is participating in the program.
Cochran also works at the library, and before classes were finished this past school year, she went to the senior high English classes to talk about the program.
Barb Miller, a local author, oversaw the science fiction and fantasy writing sessions that ran from April 30 to June 4.
During that time, she talked about different styles of writing and how the students should refine their character and work on the plot of their story.
One of the activities for those involved was a progressive story. In other words, Miller started the story and then passed it around for each participant to add another paragraph or so to it.
"I think we all had a good time with that," said Cochran. "The story turned on a dime, and it was neat to see how everyone else writes."
Cochran's short story ended up being 20 pages long, while 12-year-old Frank McGrogan's story about a human-sized anarchist spider unfolded in 14 pages.
According to Miller, the first session on writing science fiction and fantasy short stories came to an end on June 11. Those stories will now be judged by the former editor of the Laurel Highlands Scene magazine. The winner will receive a monetary prize.
Cochran wrote a story about a fairy who is fed up with all the beauty of her world, who meets a man who is fed up with his world. When they get the chance to explore each other's worlds, they realize how wonderful their own world really is.
Dan Shick, 12, decided to write a story about a Marine. In fact, he actually read about the character in another book, but in that book the character died.
"I didn't think it was fair that he died, so I decided to add on to the book and focus on this Marine," said Shick.
Since June 18, members of the class have moved on to creating art work, ranging from charcoal to water color washes, which go along with their stories.
They will continue to focus on the artwork until July 16, when these will then be turned over for judging.
Shick thinks the winner of the art contest will actually be picked by popular vote of those attending the library. A monetary award will be given to that winner, too.
Beginning July 30, a program on "Mythological Creatures" will begin.
Mary Lou Shick will bring in real animal skins and claws as part of the program, and participants will begin writing a short story on a mythological creature.
If they have been involved in the program since the beginning, they can continue on with the first story they wrote or they can begin writing a new short story.
According to Mary Lou Shick, anyone interested in the programs can join at any time. The program is free to anyone who has a valid Mount Pleasant Library card.
For those interested in the program, but who live in Fayette County, they can also participate for free as long as they have an access sticker on their home library card, such as Carnegie Free Library in Connellsville.
If they do not have the access sticker, they can pay $15 to get a Mount Pleasant Library card.
"We're having a lot of fun and we're hoping to get more people involved," said Mary Lou Shick.
The scheduled program runs until Aug. 27, but plans are in the works to add on puppet and music classes.
