STORYTELLER’S COTTAGE OFFERS DOWNLOADABLE CLASSES

In response to the “new normal” that discourages in-person activities, The Storyteller’s Cottage in Simsbury has reimagined its offerings and launched a unique Online Academy for lovers of literature. This series of downloadable classes and activities allows both children and adults to safely experience the popular immersive activities that led The Storyteller’s Cottage to be named one of the “Best New Cultural Activities in Connecticut” by Yankee Magazine, according to an email from the Cottage.

More than a dozen unique offerings are available at www.storytellerscottage .podia.com, including writing and publishing workshops, art and visual storytelling classes, and the Storyteller’s Cottage signature fandom activities.

Avid writers can learn from successfully published local authors how to write a novel and polish their work. Art enthusiasts can learn how to create their own cartoons from a professional graphic artist, or learn all about visual storytelling from an award-winning screenwriter.

Fans of “Harry Potter,” “Star Wars,” “Lord of the Rings” and even fairy tales can find fun and entertaining activities based around their favorite literary series, including games, trivia, craft demonstrations and more. Escape room enthusiasts can even learn to create their own escape rooms at home.

Each downloadable video workshop runs between 20 and 45 minutes, and costs between $10 and $30. All are taught by leaders in their field, and include both video lectures and printable instructions.

During a summer where families are blocked from many of their favorite activities, and individuals have more time to pursue the hobbies that they’ve put on the back burner, the convenient video courses and activities available through the Storyteller’s Cottage Online Academy can fill the gaps safely and with a uplifting, whimsical spirit.

The Storyteller’s Cottage is a “portal to fantastical literary worlds,” where literature comes to life. A wide array of immersive online activities are available on their website at www.storytellerscottage .com, including mysteries by mail, literary fandom activities, a literary podcast, and more.

The Storyteller's Cottage / Contributed photos Two aspiring wizards duel at the Harry Potter Camp at the Storyteller’s Cottage in Simsbury. The Cottage is offering several literary themed camps to engage youngsters to read and immerse themselves in the story.

A group of boys in a “castle” participate in a previous Storyteller’s Cottage literary camp event.