0
Close
✕
0
Close
✕

Youth Creative Writing

« All Events

Youth Creative Writing

Saturdays, August 1 - 22, 10 - 11:30 am

Sat, August 1
10:00 am - 11:30 am

800 x 500 website images (13)
Purchase

Time

Sat, August 01, 2026 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Pricing

$175 For 4 Sessions

Location

Gorton Center
400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest, IL 60045

Have you always wanted to write a story or have a character come to life on a blank page?  Writing is like a magic portal where adventures begin and creativity can take flight.

In a supportive and encouraging environment, you’ll be gently guided into the world of your own words and ideas. Through fun and engaging exercises, you’ll see how making ideas come to life is exciting, fun and just a blank page away.

Harry Potter, The Wild Robot, Magic Tree House were all ideas that came to life through telling a story.  Turning your very own words into your very own story is a wonderful feeling and, in this class, you will write yours.

What to Expect

 Come ready to have fun, take creative risks, and surprise yourself with what you create.  Enjoy learning about crafting a story and finding how your unique ideas can make a story come to life.  See your words take you on an adventure into your imagination.

Ages 5 – 8 Grades

About Your Instructor – Melissa MacTaggart

Melissa MacTaggart brings a multi-layered background in writing and the performing arts. She has worked as an actor, producer, director, playwright, theatre company creative director, and drama teacher. With over 25 years as a freelance writer, Melissa has experience in a wide range of genres.

Her work includes:

  • Two original plays produced in Los Angeles during the Beverly Hills Livesummer season
  • A bi-monthly column, Urban Suburban, for The Chicago Tribune Suburban Network
  • Nine years as a ghostwriter for an online magazine, covering topics from gardening, environmental awareness to sustainable living.
  • Articles for the Daily Herald Chicagoand content creation for various websites
  • Songwriting and lyric composition
  • Her youth novel ‘The Wren and the Dream Maker’ was published in October 2025
  • She a judge on the panel of authors for The Lake Bluff Library’s ‘Phyllis Fox Memorial Writing Contest’ for 2025.

Melissa’s deep love for language and storytelling continues to shape her creative journey, and she is excited to help you have fun finding the writer in you.

Gorton Center is a premier destination for outstanding cultural and performing arts experiences serving the residents of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and the surrounding region. As a proud nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we are dedicated to enriching our community through an array of exceptional events and programs.

At Gorton Center, we believe in the transformative power of the arts. Our vibrant calendar is brimming with diverse offerings, ensuring there's always something to captivate and inspire you. From live music performances that resonate with your soul to comedy nights that leave you in stitches, we curate events to suit all tastes and interests. Our dedication to quality and community engagement means you can expect only the best in cultural entertainment.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you. Come be a part of our community, where every event is an opportunity to connect, enjoy, and be inspired.

Gorton offers financial assistance and flexible payment options to individuals who may be unable to afford standard program fees. This support ensures that everyone has the opportunity to participate in meaningful learning and cultural enrichment experiences. Applications are reviewed based on demonstrated financial need.

Gorton Center will take and may use photos and videos from this event for its promotional purposes. Your attendance indicates your consent to the above.

Refunds will only be given up to one week prior to the first week of class of any session. (The refund period for some classes, which require advanced reservations or purchase of materials, may be more limited.) Cancellations will incur a $5 handling fee for programs costing under $100 and a 10% handling fee for programs with fees of $100 or more. If a class is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, you will be notified, and a full refund will be given.

If this class does not meet the minimum participation requirement, you will be notified of the cancellation within one week of the start date.

Details

Venue