"Everyone's a Writer." Everyone is a writer, when you consider that every person is hard-wired for story. This session discusses a wide variety of storytelling techniques, and shows how students are already using techniques and tactics that professional writers use (texting is writing dialogue, making to-do lists is writing a first draft, etc.) In "Everyone’s a Writer," we discuss the myth that writing is a talent, and the discussion emphasizes craft over construction, encouraging EVERY person to share his/her unique voice. A 45-minute inspirational presentation; this is my most-requested presentation and one I truly love. 

 

“The Tail-Tale Heart: How to Write Your Own Animal Tale.” We discuss the three elements that each story must have, and focus on character to tell a compelling animal tale! A lot of fun and totally engaging! This workshop is ideal for groups of 50 or fewer. 

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“Crafting a Writing Mission Statement” In this workshop, we discuss what makes a good mission statement, how they differ from goals, discuss some existing mission statements and what makes them effective, and craft our own writing mission statement. We focus on having FUN with words (yay, wordplay!). This workshop is ideal for writing clubs and/or the beginning of a writing unit. Most suitable for 5th grade and up. 

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"So what is it like to be an author?”  An overview of the life of an author, including where story ideas come from, how to do research, how to plot and outline a story, and the business of being a writer.

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“Crafting a Writing Mission Statement” In this workshop, we discuss what makes a good mission statement, how they differ from goals, discuss some existing mission statements and what makes them effective, and craft our own writing mission statement. We focus on having FUN with words (yay, wordplay!). This workshop is ideal for writing clubs and/or the beginning of a writing unit.

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“Questionable Characters (And Why We Want to Create Them)” Developing excellent characters should be the #1 goal of writers. Here are some tips on how to do just that. 

 

“The Keys to Voice: Unlocking the Mystery Behind the Concept.” This presentation explains the slippery concept of “voice” using six key concepts. 

 

“Revision as Reconstructive Surgery: Five Essential Tips to Rebuilding after the First Draft.” Heavy-duty revision tips from someone who has survived heavy-duty revision. 

 

“The SECOND Draft.” You've completed the obligatory "crummy first draft" - now what? This workshop provides an overview of what mistakes are common in a first draft and how to discover what might be missing so that your second draft can truly shine.

 

“Not Your Kindergartner's Show-and-Tell.” We've all heard that writers should "show, not tell," but what does that mean?  And more importantly, why show?  Examples of how to spot "telling" phrases in your own work, and how to turn them into "showing" phrases, are included.  

 

“The Author/Editor Relationship.” Originally presented at a Midsouth SCBWI conference, this presentation covers what to expect from your editor, how to make things as easy as possible for your editor (so that s/he’s *dying* to work with you again!), and how to read between the lines of all that editor-speak.  

 

“Back to School: How to Excel at School Visits.” A workshop regarding booking visits and developing content that will razzle-dazzle kids!

 

“Effective Author Presentations: How to Knock the Socks Off Attendees.” Writers ARE entertainers. This presentation covers what readers want in watching an author speak.

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"Everyone's a Writer." This version specifically for educators was originally presented at the Kentucky Library Association, this speech is a 45-minute inspirational talk on the importance of media specialists in a world where Everyone Is A Writer. 

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“Crafting a Writing Mission Statement” In this workshop, we discuss what makes a good mission statement, how they differ from goals, discuss some existing mission statements and what makes them effective, and craft our own writing mission statement. We focus on having FUN with words (yay, wordplay!). When offered for educators, this workshop focuses on modeling writing for your students, and how to best begin your role of writing mentor.

 

“Before the World Had Color: Using Visual Literacy to Teach the Reading, Writing, and Researching of History.” Originally presented at an NCTE conference in 2014, this presentation shows how visual literacy ties in to writing accurate historical accounts. 

 

“The Birth of A Book (And Why I have Succumbed to This Metaphor).”  How an idea becomes a story becomes a book. 

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​I offer FREE 30-minute Q&A virtual visits with libraries, schools, and bookclubs that are familiar with my books!  This is an ideal option for schools who would love to have an author “visit” their school, but find their budget tight.  

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I also offer virtual versions of several of the above presentations at a discounted rate. Contact my school visit booking agent, Ellen Shay with School Visit Dot Connector, if you'd like to schedule a virtual visit! 

 

Have a different idea?  Hey, I’m flexible - lemme hear it!  If you or your school is interested in a visit, shoot me an email!