To write, we need to read; every time we read, we become better writers. Classic literature, translated work, poetry, plays -- all of it can inform our writing. Even if we don't like what we're reading, we can learn what  doesn't  work. Paticipants will be encouraged to tap back into the joy they felt in childhood, coming home from the library with a stack of books. As adults, how can we make more space for reading in our lives? Listening to audiobooks while doing chores, having a "read in ono a snow day or when a child is home sick, putting "Read" on your daily to-do list, retyping or reading aloud favorite stories or poems: such habits will bring writing to the forefront of your life and, inevitably, provie inspiration and insight. During the second half of the workshop, the teaching artists will lead a discussion on how we can make better choices as writes by looking at elements of other authors' work, including structure, dialogue, rhythm, voice, concision, metaphors, verbs, character development, and transitions. Participants are encouraged to bring a favorite passage or poem that inspires them to read aloud. What can we learn from these passages?