Meredith Holch will lead a creative writing workshop for teens and tweens at

the Craftsbury Public Library on Thursday, August 13 at 4:00 pm, at the Greensboro Free

Library on Wednesday, August 19 at 4:00 pm, and at the Jeudevine Memorial Library in

Hardwick, later in the month. Writing will be powered by pizza, everybody’s favorite

renewable energy resource! The events are free, and open to teens and tweens.

Holch will kick off each session with a reading from her young adult novel-in-

progress. Participants will have a chance to take part in the revision process by offering

their feedback to Holch. Once their ideas are flowing, Holch will provide a writing

prompt to jumpstart the teen writing portion of the afternoon. Teens will enjoy a fun and

supportive environment to write a short, original piece. Reading aloud is optional for

those who want to share, or get feedback. All types of readers, creative writers, poets,

and writer- wannabe’s are invited to attend.

Meredith Holch is currently in the final revision of her young adult novel, The

Night-blooming Cereus. When the exotic cactus flowers for the first time in eleven years,

Emily’s Aunt, a famous musician, comes to visit them in Vermont. As the cereus

approaches the height of its blooming cycle, Aunt Jesse approaches the height of a full-

blown manic episode. She drives off into the night, whisking Emily, and the plant, away

with her to New York City. By the end of the novel, Emily comes to terms with the well-

kept family secret of her Aunt’s mental illness. Holch’s revision period is partially

funded by a grant from the Vermont Community Foundation. She lives in East Hardwick,

VT.