Rooted in Illinois: A Guided Storytelling Workshop Series

Rooted in Illinois: A Guided Storytelling Workshop Series

Thursdays starting May 14, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

 Eight-part series | $20 per person

Series Dates:

Thursday, May 14 - 10:00am-11:00am

Thursday, May 21 - 10:00am-11:00am

Thursday, May 28 - 10:00am-11:00am

Thursday, June 4 - 10:00am-11:00am

Thursday, June 18 - 10:00am-11:00am

Thursday, June 25 - 10:00am-11:00am

Thursday, July 2 - 10:00am-11:00am

Thursday, July 9 - 10:00am-11:00am

Do you have a story waiting to be told?

This welcoming, beginner-friendly workshop series is your chance to share it, even if you’ve never written before. Through fun, engaging weekly sessions, you’ll be guided step-by-step as you explore your memories, discover your voice, and begin translating your life experiences onto the written page.

Held at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, this supportive environment encourages creativity, reflection, and connection as your story begins to unfold.

What You'll Do

Over the course of this eight-week series, you’ll participate in guided writing activities designed to spark ideas, build confidence, and help you develop your personal storytelling style. Each session introduces new prompts and techniques to help you shape your experiences into meaningful written narratives.

Participants will also have the unique opportunity to record their stories at WILL Radio and submit them to the Library of Congress, preserving their voices for future generations.

By the end of the series, you’ll have a collection of written pieces and a deeper connection to your own story.

You'll Learn:

• How to turn personal experiences into compelling written stories

• Techniques for overcoming writer’s block and self-doubt

• Ways to develop your unique voice and perspective

• Foundational storytelling and narrative structure skills

• Confidence in sharing and preserving your story

What's Included

• Weekly guided writing sessions (8 total classes)

• Writing prompts and creative exercises

• Supportive group environment and instructor guidance

• Opportunity to record your story at WILL Radio

• Option to submit your work to the Library of Congress

Who This Workshop Is For

• Beginners with little or no writing experience

• Anyone interested in telling their personal story

• Those looking for a creative, reflective outlet

• Individuals interested in preserving memories for family or history

• Writers seeking a supportive and encouraging environment

Event Details

What to Bring: A notebook or laptop and a willingness to explore

 Experience Level: Beginner-friendly

 Takeaway: A collection of personal stories and greater confidence in your writing voice

 Location: Prairie Fruits Farm Classroom

 4410 N Lincoln Ave, Champaign, IL

Parking: General parking is available in the gravel lot. ADA parking is located south of the farmhouse. The classroom is in the white building with black trim west of the gardens. Check in at the farm store at the front of the building.

Tickets: $20 per person (for the full 8-part series)

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery marketing, social media, and publications. Please notify the photographer if you prefer not to be photographed.