Writers Academy

Building a Mystery: Crafting a Story From the Ground Up
Grades 9–12
June 15–18*
1 - 4 p.m.
Fee: $200   
Instructor: Mr. Josh Sheridan, Albany Academy Upper School English Faculty
*There is no class on June 19

Step into a writer’s workshop where curiosity meets craft. In this immersive session, students will use the Save the Cat! story‑structure method to design and develop an original mystery—from the opening hook to the final reveal. Through guided lessons and creative challenges, writers will construct compelling protagonists (heroes, antiheroes, or something in between), define their motivations and flaws, and build the obstacles that force them to grow, adapt, or fail spectacularly.

Each day, students will tackle new elements of narrative design: character arcs, world‑building, tension and stakes, red herrings, clues, pacing, and theme. Together, the group will read mentor texts, analyze effective storytelling techniques, workshop ideas, and engage in lively discussions that sharpen both critical thinking and creative instincts.

By the end of the course, every student will walk away with a fully developed story blueprint, dynamic characters ready for the page, and a deeper confidence in their ability to craft a mystery that captivates, and surprises, readers.

About the Instructor

Josh Patrick Sheridan has taught English at the secondary and post-secondary levels for 17 years. He is the author of two award-winning books and has published more than 20 pieces of fiction and nonfiction in national and international literary journals. A PhD candidate in English at SUNY Albany, he lives with his wife, daughter, and entirely too many animals outside of Albany. 

Grades 6-8
June 15 - 18*
9 a.m. -12 p.m.
Fee: $200     
Instructor: Mrs. Charlene Ellis, Albany Academy Middle School English Faculty
*There is no class on June 19

Step inside the newsroom and learn what it takes to bring a school newspaper back to life! In this dynamic, hands‑on journalism workshop, students will work with Mrs. Ellis to explore the core skills real reporters use – researching, interviewing, writing, revising, fact‑checking, and shaping stories that matter to their community.

Throughout the week, students will study examples of high‑quality reporting, practice writing different types of articles, and experiment with headlines, leads, captions, and layout ideas for the revived Academy newspaper. Guest journalists from both the Times Union and The New York Times will join the class to share their expertise, answer questions, and give students an inside look at the world of professional media.

The week concludes with an exciting field trip to the Times Union, where students will tour the newsroom, meet working reporters, and see firsthand how news is gathered, edited, and published.
By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of polished writing, new confidence as communicators, and the real skills needed to help relaunch—and sustain—the school newspaper.

About the Instructor

Charlene Ellis has been teaching English/Language Arts to middle schoolers for over 40 years. She considers writing an art form and an avenue to introduce self- discovery and expression to her students. 

Writing Skills Intensive
Grades 9–12 | July 27-31 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fee: $485
Instructor: Dr. Anna Bean

In this course, students will:

• Read and analyze current events articles with confidence and curiosity
• Lead and participate in thoughtful, student-driven discussions
• Research topics connected to real-world issues that matter to them
• Write short, research-based essays
• Present ideas through engaging, interactive presentations

Are you frequently asked to “critically read and write” in your high school classes without feeling genuinely invested in the topics? This full-day course helps students build strong academic reading, writing, and presentation skills by centering learning around current, relevant issues and student choice.

Dr. Anna Bean selects timely articles connected to local, national, and international events for students to read outside of class. Class time is devoted to student-led discussion, where students practice questioning, analysis, and respectful academic dialogue. From these conversations, students develop individual research topics that reflect their interests and perspectives. As a culminating project, students write short research essays and deliver interactive presentations that showcase their ideas and expertise. Dr. Bean has taught a successful version of this course at Northfield Mount Hermon for the past three summers.

About the Instructor

Dr. Anna Bean developed her approach to non-fiction writing based on current events when she was a professor at Williams College and her college students told her essay topics were boring. She has taught for over 30 years at the college and secondary levels. Dr. Bean recently founded an executive function coaching firm, specializing in neurodivergent students.