I have a few set programs described below. If these are not exactly what you’re looking for, I would be happy to work with you to modify them into a program appropriate for your student group.
At present, I am only traveling to schools and libraries in and around Vermont. But if you live farther afield, never fear! I am also available for virtual visits.
I charge a modest honorarium for all events, save for the 20-minute virtual WC – PDF Curriculum Guidebook chats. Please email me if you are interested in setting up an author event!
In-Person Events
Creating an Owl’s-Eye-View (Fourth through Eighth grades):
Using either Of a Feather or Wayward Creatures as an example, I take students through how I created my animal narrator’s coyote or owl’s-eye-view of their world. I talk about how coyotes and owls experience the world differently from us humans, and then lead the students in a writing exercise where they can try their imaginations at looking at the world as an owl or coyote might. I will weave in my experiences writing from other animals’ points of view (dogs, cats, and opossums, oh my!).
Turning Research Into Writing (Fourth through Twelfth grades):
Using either Of a Feather, Wayward Creatures, or No Safety in Numbers, the first book in my YA trilogy, I share with students the research behind the stories, and how it influenced my writing of them. I explore with them some of the quirks of writing research-based fiction: How much research is enough? What do you do when your story conflicts with your research? I then lead students in a writing exercise based on some of the research I’ve presented in my talk.
Strategies for Revision (Eighth through Twelfth grades):
Using my experience writing No Safety in Numbers, the first book in my YA trilogy, I talk students through my process, from first draft through revision, and then through the steps to publication. I will present several different strategies and techniques for revision, including ideas on both the story and structure level and for line editing and close reading.
Virtual Events
I can adapt any of the above programs for a virtual visit.
I also offer a free 20-minute virtual book talk with classes that have read one of my books.
Teaching Materials
Wayward Creatures Discussion & Teaching Guide, created by the wonderful Shannicka Johnson, Ed.D., LIGHT in Education, LLC
THE STORM Teacher’s Guide created by teacher, writer, and lecturer extraordinaire, Kate Messner!
