Charleston native will conduct free book-writing class for kids

SIKESTON — Roosevelt Mitchell III, a native of Charleston, Missouri, will conduct a free master class for children ages 7 and up on how to write a book in 30 days.

The free master class with Mitchell, a nine-time author and an award-winning educator, will be from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 2 at the Charleston Clara Drinkwater Newnam Library.

Mitchell talked about his early experience with writing and what inspired him to write his first book. Mitchell also said the inspiration for his book came to him while reading a novel in class while pursuing his master’s degree.

“I was like, man, I think I can write a book better than this,” Mitchell said. 

According to Mitchell, he progressed from only wanting to prove to himself that he could do it to really beginning to write articles that were published in St. Louis newspapers. Then he began to work on his debut book, “Diary of a Disability Scholar.”

Mitchell said one of his lifelong goals has always been to help children develop their book-writing skills. 

Young writers can learn to tell their own stories and express their own viewpoints, according to Mitchell, who mentioned that was the main motivation behind his desire to help them.

“Through the book-writing process, I will teach them about how to find a story, how to write the story, the elements to make a story good and the book format,” Mitchell said. 

According to Mitchell, he will also teach students business skills at the master class that are necessary for writing a novel.

“I also will teach them how to sell the book, and the foundation of buying inventory, and the cost that you need,” Mitchell said. 

Despite not knowing many writers while growing up in Charleston, Mitchell said he has always loved to write. He felt compelled to teach kids from his hometown how to write a book after finishing his first book. Mitchell said he wanted the next generation to experience what it is like to see and interact with an author. 

Since the younger generation learns everything they would need to produce a novel in school, according to Mitchell, he thinks if he could help the children see the connections between the two, they would be more attentive in English class. 

Mitchell added it’s important for children to be exposed to writing and for them to be highly engaged in English. 

“To help shape the future as educators, we want to create independent thinking,” Mitchell said. “And along with independent thinkers, I think what’s even better is children learning to write themselves and tell their stories.”

Students can become writers and scholars, according to Mitchell, if they are given the proper resources and skills.

For parents who would like for their children to participate, call the Clara Drinkwater Newnam Library at (573) 683-6748.