Both locations will be closed Friday, Nov. 8, for staff training. Book returns are always open.
Story Elements: Cliffhangers & Climax
Writer's Workshop
Learn how to keep readers enthralled in order to reach the pinnacle of your story.
About the presenter: Julian Parrott grew up in Wales and first came to Champaign-Urbana on a study abroad experience where he met his future wife. After a brief stint as a small-town Illinois journalist, he returned to Champaign-Urbana and has worked for the U of I for over 30 years. In that time, he was fortunate to teach a class about James Bond and his creator, Ian Fleming. He has published articles on Fleming and Bond and was inspired by the spy thriller genre to attempt to write his own novel. It was a canal trip back to Wales that actually provided the critical plot point that led to his completing his first novel. The novel, Fit for Purpose, was published in April 2021. Readers have noted the novel would comfortably find a home in the thriller romance genre, an idea that surprises Julian, but one he has come to embrace. A spy thriller romance sequel is in the editing stage and will be published sometime in the near future.
Registration is encouraged.
- Sep 6, Where to Begin, 7 pm
- Sep 20, Story Elements: Description & Dialogue, 7 pm
- Oct 4, Story Elements: Plot & Prose, 7 pm
- Oct 18, Story Elements: Cliffhangers & Climax, 7 pm
- Nov 1, Finishing Your Story, 7 pm
- Nov 29, Short Story Awards Ceremony & Reading, 7 pm
- Dec 6, Open Mic Night, 7 pm
Interested in our Short Story Contest? Entries due Friday, November 10, 2023. Visit champaign.org/short-story for additional details.
Registration is closed.
Main Library, The Studio
The Library is committed to making events accessible for all. To request an Americans with Disabilities Accommodation, please complete this form, or contact us by email at info@champaign.org, by phone at 217/403-2000, or through chat. Learn more about accessibility at the library.
