Did you know that archives can play a significant role in creative storytelling?

Archival materials can inspire a story’s characters, events, and form. They might appear on the page as a character rifles through documents to piece together the significance of a past event. They might contribute behind the scenes, the sometimes-discordant fragments of a life stirring an author’s imagination. They might shape the way a story is told: through letters, diaries, newspaper articles, photographs.

Join the Charlotte County Archives for a unique opportunity to explore the creative potential of our archival collections. Led by archivist—and writer—Anna Krentz, this workshop will consider the many ways archives can inspire fiction. We’ll look at examples, share writing prompts, and take a bit of time for written exploration of a sampling of archival materials.

A tear-stained letter with no response, a romantic photograph lacking context, a legal transcript filled with scandalous details of persons otherwise lost to time… all will be made available as high-quality reproductions from the CCA vault to spark your imagination, your pen, and maybe even your future journeys into our collection.

Writers of all genres and all skill levels are invited! We highly encourage registration to secure your attendance, as spots are limited. Register via Zeffy/this link, or by email sent to contact@ccarchives.ca

The workshop will be held Saturday, February 7 from 1-3 pm at the Charlotte County Courthouse, 123 Frederick St., St. Andrews. Pens and paper will be provided, but please bring any notebooks, laptops, or other writing tools you desire. Warm drinks (with lids) are welcome. If you have a piece of writing inspired by archives/archival materials you would like to share, we encourage you to bring that as well—though rest assured there will be ample time for creation during the workshop itself.

FAQ:

Who? Anyone with an interest in creative writing. Brand-new or prolifically published, historical fiction devotee or fan of YA contemporary, teen or octogenarian—all are welcome.

What? A creative writing workshop exploring the use of archival stories, materials, methods, and formats as inspiration.

Where? The Courthouse at 123 Frederick St., St Andrews.

When? Saturday, February 7th, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

Why? To practice the journey of archival discovery for creative purposes in a cozy, historic space amongst a supportive community of likeminded creatives.

How? Sign up via the link below or by email to contact@ccarchives.ca . Spaces are limited, so only registration guarantees you a space. The workshop is free, although donations of any amount will be gratefully received.