Mystery in Cleveland: Writing stories of suspense with Les Roberts on Nov. 16

Les Roberts, prolific writer of Cleveland mysteries, returns to Lake Erie Ink (LEI) on Saturday, Nov. 16, to talk about his newest book, Win, Place, or Die, and about the process of writing stories of suspense. Writers of all ages are welcome to ask questions and work with Roberts, as well as try their own hand at suspense writing, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Roberts is the author of more than 25 full-length works of mystery, suspense and all things Cleveland. His last visit to LEI was during its Teen Fiction symposium in last spring. On that occasion, Roberts spoke to teen writers about finding inspiration and characters in everyday life, as well as building suspense—one of his trademarks.

“What I appreciated was Les’ honesty with the group,” said Amy Rosenbluth, LEI’s executive director. “He didn’t talk down to them, and he shared real stuff—concrete examples of strategies he uses as a writer.”

Not only were his candor and expertise a hit with the more than 20 teens who attended the symposium, but his approachability has encouraged the teen writers to continue sending their pages to Roberts. Lauren Werber, the parent of a symposium attendee, said of Roberts, “He made [my daugher] think more about publishing, and, I would say, about characters and style. What Roberts shared energized her. He made her feel like she could do it too.”  

Students of any age who attend the Nov. 16 Mystery in Cleveland workshop are sure to learn something new about what it means to write suspense, while brushing elbows with a Cleveland legend. Supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the event is free for members and registered participants, and just $5 for all others.

For more information or to register in advance, visit www.lakeerieink.org or call 216-320-4757.




Lydia Munnell

Lydia Munnell is the volunteer coordinator and Ink Spot supervisor at Lake Erie Ink: A Writing Space for Youth.

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Volume 6, Issue 12, Posted 12:27 PM, 11.12.2013