“The Final Act,” by Grayson S., age 16

 Grayson took a Loft youth class last week with called “Writing the Dark” with teaching artist Jeanne Bain.

 Parents: this story was written in a Loft teen class. Content may not be appropriate for young readers. Please use your judgment.

The final act is about to begin. The spotlights focus center stage. There sits a coffin and saw adjacent to it. Standing beside the saw is Heinrich Hofmeister. A master magician, he stands about five feet, ten inches with an unnerving smile, facilitated by his mustache that is split down the center and divided into equal halves. His fiery gaze is cast across the audience, not a single person unseen. His hair is pitch black and nicely combed over his left temple. His teeth shine to perfection in the spotlight.

Writing and stories and video games–oh my!

You don’t need me to tell you how much digital formats have expanded the possibilities of literature and storytelling. Yet gamers often engage in a real life battle of wits with literary snobs who think video games are a waste of time.

Snobs, you may need to hold your tongues. Increasingly, video games are a medium for intricate and innovative storytelling.

If you like good stories and good games–or if you don’t!–come engage in a community conversation called Choosing Your Own Adventure: Where do video games and storytelling meet?

The event is co-sponsored by the Loft and Coffee House Press. It will take place at Honey on Tuesday, August 21, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Not to worry, teens and moms and dads, it’s an all ages event. For more information, click here.