Visits & Master Classes
I still remember the story we made up together.
In recent years, I've led hundreds of fiction and non-fiction writing workshops in schools, libraries, offices, on Zoom, and even on hiking trails. (It's so fun! Shockingly productive, too.) I've worked with everyone from federal inmates to fifth-grade ingrates who thought they hated writing until I showed them a few tricks of the trade. Then I couldn't get them to stop writing. Oh, happy day.
Here are a few ways I like to connect with fellow writers:
IN-PERSON SCHOOL VISITS
I’ve visited schools in just about every state in the country—and a few in Asia and Europe, too. I usually do three presentations a day. When working with young students (grades K-2, 30 minutes), I offer gentle writing advice and invite students to create an original story with me on the spot, using the story elements we’ve discussed. When presenting to older students (grades 3–6, 50 minutes), I focus on the writing process: where writers get ideas, how to write a good/bad first draft, and why writing is really rewriting. We also discuss the nuts and bolts of creative writing, including the importance of conflict, journeys, and oh-no moments.
I could've listened to this young man read his story all day long.
I encourage schools to group the students however seems best. If we can meet in a classroom or library rather than a gym or cafeteria, great. If not, I won’t complain. A fourth presentation can be added for a nominal fee. Some schools like to add a 50-minute workshop for a small group (30 students or fewer) of motivated writers. If you’d like to discuss a visit, email me and we’ll compare calendars.
I also offer workshops for high school students struggling with their college essays. After 15 years spent reporting stories for People magazine, I developed a way of taking the approach we used when writing about celebrities to help high school seniors write colorful and compelling People-style stories about themselves. (Sounds strange, but it works.)
I also offer workshops for high school students struggling with their college essays. After 15 years spent reporting stories for People magazine, I developed a way of taking the approach we used when writing about celebrities to help high school seniors write colorful and compelling People-style stories about themselves. (Sounds strange, but it works.)
I loved working with these entrepreneurs in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
WORKSHOPS FOR CORPORATE CLIENTS & ENTREPRENEURS
Storytelling is all the rage these days in corporate America. Every company, every brand, every entrepreneur needs to have a story and be able to tell it in a clear and convincing way. Who better to learn the art of storytelling from than a woman who makes her living writing for the harshest critics on the planet—children. When you master the time-honored fundamentals of storytelling found in nearly every fairy tale and Hollywood blockbuster, you’ll be able to tell your company’s story in a way that helps you connect with investors, strategic partners, and customers. Let me know if you’d like to discuss one-day, three-day, or week-long workshops. I especially love helping women entrepreneurs find and tell their stories.
Storytelling is all the rage these days in corporate America. Every company, every brand, every entrepreneur needs to have a story and be able to tell it in a clear and convincing way. Who better to learn the art of storytelling from than a woman who makes her living writing for the harshest critics on the planet—children. When you master the time-honored fundamentals of storytelling found in nearly every fairy tale and Hollywood blockbuster, you’ll be able to tell your company’s story in a way that helps you connect with investors, strategic partners, and customers. Let me know if you’d like to discuss one-day, three-day, or week-long workshops. I especially love helping women entrepreneurs find and tell their stories.
ONLINE MASTER CLASSES
My illustrator sister Sarah and I have been leading a series of master classes on Zoom and, dare I say, it's the most fun we've had in years.
When we do online school presentations, we share our best writing and drawing tips with students (K-6). Then, we use the students' ideas to build a story that Sarah illustrates on the spot. It's a blast. Students seem to really enjoy being part of the creative process.
We also offer small-group master classes on Zoom for aspiring authors and illustrators of all ages. Check it out over here.
My illustrator sister Sarah and I have been leading a series of master classes on Zoom and, dare I say, it's the most fun we've had in years.
When we do online school presentations, we share our best writing and drawing tips with students (K-6). Then, we use the students' ideas to build a story that Sarah illustrates on the spot. It's a blast. Students seem to really enjoy being part of the creative process.
We also offer small-group master classes on Zoom for aspiring authors and illustrators of all ages. Check it out over here.