Local writer, educator, and former Voorheesville Elementary teacher Michael Burns will be joining Cole for our 21st year! The author of the children’s book Nervous Rex, Burns brings with him a unique sensibility when it comes to crafting stories. He will join us mid-week for a craft session on idea generation, story creation, and an author talk on his publishing journey.
From his website: Michael Burns is a writer from Upstate NY. Nervous Rex was inspired by his daughter who asked him one day to sit down and draw with her. Michael’s first book centers around mental health and coping strategies for children and, of course, dinosaurs! This is the first of many books Michael plans to write. He hopes you enjoy his stories and characters as much as he enjoys creating them.
The Cole Summer Writers Institute will run July 6-10 from 9-11:30am at Clayton A. Bouton High School. Tuition is $75 and includes:
- Commemorative poster with original Lexa Golden artwork!
- Commemorative Cole 2026 Tee shirt!
- One day workshop with local writer Mike Burns!
- Pizza party and publishing workshop on Friday!
The application can be found here.
The Cole Summer Writers Institute 
