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After writing or
reading, I'd have to say my next favorite thing to do is to talk to
people about writing or help them with their writing project. Author
talks are great for PTA, library or
bookstore gatherings, as well as in the classroom. If your school is
online, we can even meet virtually! Virtual mentoring
via email is
ideal for home schools as is having a virtual writer-in-residence or
virtual author chats via Instant Messenger. Book
fairs, Young Author's Days, conferences, just about any occasion is a
great one for an author visit.
The whole idea about
an author visit, no matter what the age of the audience, is to get
people excited about books and reading and the power of words. When I
come to visit, I share not only my published work, but also all the
stages of revision I had to go to before the book was published. We
talk about the importance of having a dream and the dedication and
determination it takes to see it through. We talk about what makes a
good story, and what makes a bad one. We explore words like plot and
scene and characters.
In addition to
standard author visits, I also conduct creativity workshops for groups
of all ages. What happens at a workshop? We play writing games. Using a
box of props, story starter cards or pictures, we stretch our
imagination muscles with timed writing exercises or verbal
storytelling. We talk about journals and the importance of having a
regular conversation with ourselves to make sure we are where we want
to be in our life. Creativity workshops are fun not just for students
studying writers, but for any group who needs to learn to step and
stretch their imagination outside of the box. Church groups,
businesses, just about any organization can benefit from a creativity
workshop. They can be conducted on-site during a lunch hour to give
your employees a new slant on the workday. It is an enthusiastic
hands-on experience for all ages, designed to motivate you to stretch
your creativity into something that makes you happy.
I am always happy to
go to writing conferences and am available to teachers for inservice
workshops.
I've listed some of my
workshops in the appearances sections but if you are looking for
something special, please ask. If at all possible I will work with you
to develop a session that suits your needs.
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