School and Conference Visits
Presentations for Students
The following presentations can be tailored for students K-12. Programs last approximately 50 minutes to an hour. Books may be pre-ordered through your local bookstore or through my publishers.
From Book Idea to Bookstore: Using my books as an example, this presentation explains the many stages between that first spark of inspiration to eventual publication. Students will also hear about the various aspects of the writing process, including prewriting, organizing, writing, and revising.
How to Write a Mystery: This presentation explains how to start with a compelling character who is confronted with a mystery. Such concepts as knowing the ending before you write, planting clues, and surprising the reader are discussed.
Hands-On Workshops: This presentation works best with class-sized groups. After analyzing several fictional characters and stories, students participate in various writing exercises in which they may build a character, create a setting, write a scene with dialog, or plan a plot.
Poetry Workshops: This presentation examines poetic techniques and forms using examples from various contemporary poets. Students will also write their own poems.
Presentations for Adults
Writing Scenes that Sell: Through examples and exercises, writers learn whether their scenes have PAID off for the reader. This presentation explores the age-old notion of showing and not telling by incorporating Place, Action, Interior monologue, and Dialog.
Five-Step Plot COACH: This presentation examines the five essential ingredients to creating a plot arc.
Secrets, Stakes, and Surprises: How to create suspense in your writing.
What's Your Story? How to put the "you" in Your Story by establishing character, voice, and details that resonate with readers. Through examples and exercises, we'll discuss how writers can tell a story that is both personal and universal at the same time.