The Beaver County Library System's (BCLS) Winter Writers Series : A Four-Part Workshop

BCLS invites aspiring and current writers to join award-winning local author Abigail Drake for a comprehensive four-part series on the journey to publication. From January 15 to February 4, 2026, Abagail Drake will share her expertise on key aspects of the writing life, offering practical advice, insider tips, and motivation for local creatives.

• This series is free to attend and intented for teen and adult age groups.
• Light refreshments will be provided. 
• Following the workshop, Abigail Drake's books will be available for purchase, and copies will also be available to borrow from the library system. 
• Please note the different library locations for each workshop. 
• Walk-ins are welcome! However, registration is preferred to help us plan for seating and refreshments.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an experienced author, travel to beautiful library locations, and connect with the local writing community across Beaver County! 

Topic 1: The Basics of Self-Publishing: Is It Right For You?

The publishing industry has changed dramatically in the last few years, and there are lots of opportunities for those who have a story they want to share with the world. But what is self-publishing exactly, and is it right for you? In this workshop, we'll discuss the different roads to publication—traditional, small press, self-publishing, and vanity press. We'll also learn more about how to self-publish, and some pitfalls that you'll want to avoid as you start on the journey to make your publishing dreams come true. 

• Location: Carnegie Library of Midland
• Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2026
• Time: 5:30 PM
• Registration: Call 724-643-8980 

Part 2: Telling Your Story: The Beginner's Guide to Writing a Book

Do you have a story idea churning in your mind, but no clue how to get it on paper? Or have you started writing your story, but it just doesn't feel quite right? In this workshop, we'll discuss the basics of good storytelling. We'll also talk about how to complete your manuscript, how to edit it, and whether or not a critique group is right for you. The process of writing a book can be daunting, but it's not impossible. It's just a matter of having the right tools...and knowing how to use them.

• Location: New Brighton Public Library
• Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Registration: Call 724-846-7991

Part 3: Starting a Novel: The Important First Act

The first few pages of your book are the most important in your entire manuscript. In this workshop, we'll talk about how to write a compelling hook, and we'll also discuss what you need (and don't need) to have in your first act. Lots of new writers struggle with this, and it can make or break your novel. With a few simple tweaks, you can construct a great first act, and write a story your readers can't put down. 

• Location: B.F. Jones Memorial Library
• Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
• Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
• Registration: Call 724-375-2900 

Part 4: Keeping it Local: Writing About Real Places and People

Writing what you know can also mean writing about the places and people you know as well. How can you do that without offending people? And if you write something negative, will it come back to haunt you? In this workshop, we'll discuss how to add local color to your novel in a way that is respectful and yet honest. Telling your story is the key, but doing it effectively can also mean avoiding something potentially damaging in the future. It's a fine balance, and we'll talk about how to add what you want, but to do it with finesse.

• Location: Beaver Area Memorial Library
• Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Registration preferred. Call 724-775-1132