Iowa author Jean Tennant will present a writers seminar and workshop through the Albert Lea Community Education Department on Thursday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This seminar/workshop is for anyone interested in writing books of fiction or nonfiction, magazine articles, short stories, personal essays/experiences, children’s picture books, screenplays and other works.

Topics to be presented include “Selecting a Great Manuscript Idea,” “Sharpening Your Writing Skills,” “Formatting a Manuscript,” “Copyrighting Your Material,” “Writing a Query Letter,” “Agents” and much more.

Tennant has been proud to call the Midwest her home for more than three decades, and she understands the unique challenges of writing for publication while living in a rural area. She has had several novels published, as well as more than 200 short stories and newspaper articles. Her novels have been reprinted in several languages, and her short stories and articles have appeared in internationally published periodicals. Her latest work, a children’s picture book titled “Olivia’s Birthday Puppy,” has been released and is available through Amazon.com, other online booksellers and book stores. As an animal-rights advocate, this story about adopting pets from the animal rescue shelters is a project that’s been especially close to her heart.

In addition to many pages of handouts, the participants of the workshop are given the opportunity to submit their own work for critiquing.

Tennant offers a truly hands-on experience, sharing her love of the writing process with those who aspire to see their own work published.

To register or to learn more, call 379-4834.