Budding writers take note: Windham Public Library has invited prolific local author Andy Young to lead an essay writing workshop on June 18. Young, an essayist from Cumberland who has been published in several New England newspapers including The Portland Press Herald and The Windham Eagle, will be participating in the hour-long workshop in support of the library’s summer reading theme, “Level Up at Your Library.”
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| Local author Andy Young will lead an essay writing workshop on June 18 at the Windham Public Library in support of the library's summer reading theme 'Level Up at Your Library.' Young is a high school English teacher and he also writes a column for The Windham Eagle newspaper. FILE PHOTO |
Those wishing to match Young’s productivity as a writer might first have to cultivate some life experience, as his long and varied career has afforded him ample material for his craft. Originally hailing from Easton, Connecticut, Young’s obsession with team sports led to many roles coaching, publicizing, and commenting on games in locations like Fairbanks, Alaska, and Durham, North Carolina. In his 30s, Young joined the Peace Corp’s Youth in Development program and spent time coaching basketball while stationed in Guatemala.
As he recounts his work history, his dedication to writing consistently is the thread of connection that ties together his diverse past. Young fosters that consistency by habitually rising early and writing in the morning hours. This routine enables him to balance his writing practice with his family and career as a teacher.
For over 20 years now, Young has taught English at Kennebunk High School, where he tries to instill a love of writing in the younger generation.
“I have them writing every day. I want them to know that writing can be fun,” Young says. “Or at least cheap therapy.”
Young’s own writing frequently focuses on routine interactions between people in everyday life and he elevates his subject material through wry humor and careful study of the human condition. His nuanced yet unfailingly generous characterizations of those around him reveal an optimism one is heartened to see in a high school teacher.
He says, “The more people you meet the more you realize, yes, every one of us is unique but we’re not that different. The stuff that makes me laugh makes a lot of people laugh.”
This belief in community held values is apparent in many of his pieces.
Young’s short essay “The Scourge of the Neighborhood”, in which he sketches a tongue-in-cheek portrayal of a kind neighbor, is exemplary of his comical and observational style. He cites Miami Herald columnist Carl Hiaasen as an author he enjoys reading. Hiassen is similarly known for his irreverent commentary.
When asked about his preferred 600-word essay length, Young repeats advice he retained earlier in his career: “Nobody wants to read more than 800 words.”
Indeed, Young’s love of the 600-word essay is so profound that one of his three books, Life in 600 Words (2024), contains only works that meet this criteria.
To fledgling writers looking for advice, Young unsurprisingly stresses the importance of the editing process and suggests finding a good proofreader who will read a draft with some scrutiny and provide relevant feedback.
“You need honesty tempered with kindness,” he advises and then says, “You’ll never have a meaner critic than yourself.”
Young’s essays have been published in three collections: Young Ideas (2017), Works in Progress (2022), and Life in 600 Words (2024).
He will be speaking at the Windham Public Library from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 18. Those looking for more information may call Ray Marcotte at the library’s Help Desk at 207-892-1908 ext. 5 or by email at rmarcotte@windhammaine.us. <
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