Science Fiction and Fantasy can transport readers to a far-away planet or deep inside the caves of a long-ago past.

Whether creating futuristic technology or new forms of magic, these genres imagine what might have been or what might be, opening the door to any possibility.

Writing great science fiction or fantasy, requires the writer to put together the skills of a fiction writer with the ability to make the imaginary seem true.

In this four-week program, published author Mike Allegra will teach teens in grades 6-12 the special requirements of these genres and how to craft a compelling narrative.

Mike Allegra is the author of the picture books Sarah Gives Thanks (Albert Whitman & Company, 2012), Everybody’s Favorite Book (Macmillan, 2018), Scampers Thinks Like a Scientist (Sourcebooks, 2019) and the forthcoming Sleepy Happy Capy Cuddles (Page Street Books, 2022). He also pens two chapter book series: Prince Not-So Charming (Macmillan, 2018-19, pen name: Roy L. Hinuss) and Kimmie Tuttle: Humble Genius (Abdo, 2021).

Mike has had his plays read and performed around the country. He won the Chameleon Theatre Circle’s New Play Festival and the Atwater Theatre’s One-Act Play Competition and was selected for the Jersey Voices One-Act Festival. He also received an Independent Artist Fellowship for playwriting from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Mike lives in Scotch Plains with his wife, Ellen; son, Alex; and gerbil, Fuzzy Britches. He also juggles, watches silent films, and plays the banjo—yet still can’t understand why he isn’t invited to more parties.

Registration required.

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This program is made possible through the Friends of William Jeanes Memorial Library Nancy Corson Writing Fund.