Eagle Mountain Arts Alliance (EMAA) held their Writing Workshop in Eagle Mountain on September 9, 2017. The event was held at Black Ridge Elementary School. The event hosted 70 writers from around Utah and several out of state attendees (Arizona, and Idaho). The event had 21 different classes the attendees could participate in. Those classes were taught by 18 different instructors from authors just starting out, to authors who have sold best selling novels. The classes were designed to help writers improve on their writing skills as well as ways get their works published. The writing skills classes included tips on writing romance, comedy, and historical fiction, as well as how to use technology, magic, character names, and unwritten words to increase a readers engagement. There were also classes on how to get your work published, what editors are looking for, how to use some of the software tools designed for writers, how to market your works, and general advise.
As an aspiring journalist, I attended the event. I did learn some valuable insights into the writing world. I learned that there are a lot of very talented writers out there, but there are a lot of variables that can influence how those writers works are accepted by readers. You can have a very well written novel, but if it is not published, marketed, and edited correctly it may not be presented to the readers who would enjoy reading it. Writers are a close knit group of people, they have a passion for what they do, and they enjoy writing. They like to talk about what they are working on. I also found that it is very important for a writer to be a member of a peer group that can review their works during the writing process. It is also important that that writing group consists of writers that are writing in the same category that you are writing in.
The event also included a writing and illustration contest. The contest was broken out into age groups, and winners were selected in each of the age groups.
Writing Contest Winners
Overall – Tiffany Chandler
1st – Sara Cluff
2nd – Sarah Heller
3rd – Chris Jones
11/12
1st – Alayna C Lopez
2nd – Alexis Fulkerson
9/10
1st – Hannah Anderson
2nd – Becca Scanlon
3rd – Matthew Draper
7/8
1st – Evelyn Lopez
2nd – Emily Cannon
3rd – Katie Ottesen
Illustration Contest Winners
1st – Rachelle Hardy
11/12
1st – Zoe Clair
9/10
1st – Emily Clair
2nd – Sabrina Heller
1/2
1st – Jason Hearn
pre-K
1st – Riley Hardy
Additional Resources
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.