Writing Workshop Menu
Workshop #1
Kindergarten-Grade 2
“Using Your Pekazoid—Uh, Imagination.”
Up-on-your-feet exercises and a question-and-answer session with Augie the Froggie get these youngest of writers ready to use their imaginations to create characters, settings, story problems, and plots. The class creates a story together, and then each writer has a chance to weave his or her own tale in “book” form.
Workshop #2
Grades 3 and 4
“How DO You Write a Story?”
Students get first-hand practice in the process of story-writing —creating settings, characters, conflicts, and complications as they go (Also applicable to the study of literature). They’ll participate in writing an outlandish story with the class and then launch out on their own. A fun way to edit their work will be included in the workshop activities.
Workshop #3a
Grades 3 and 4
“Eat Your Heart Out, Indian Jones”
Students will dig for treasure—a fun way to find factual information—and use that information in the creation of you-were-there fiction. Age-appropriate research techniques are covered.
Workshop #3b
Grades 5 and 6
“Eat Your Heart Out, Indian Jones”
Same as #3a, but on a slightly higher level.
Workshop #3c
Grades 3-6
“Eat Your Heart Out, Indian Jones”
Workshop #3a modified for a combined group of third through sixth graders. Especially appropriate for smaller events.
Workshop #4a
Grades 3 and 4
“Boring Reports? Not!”
For students who have been-there-done-that with straight non-fiction reports. This workshop suggests creative ways to bring facts to life by getting them on you, experiencing them, and writing about them in the first person.
Workshop #4b
Grades 5 and 6
“Boring Reports? Not!”
Same as #4a, but on a slightly higher level.
Workshop #4c
Grades 3-6
“Boring Reports? Not!”
Workshop #4a modified for a combined group of third through sixth graders. Especially appropriate for smaller events.
Workshop #5
Grades 5 and 6
“And Then It Got Worse”
Students will participate with the class in the creation of a story, via a layering process that incorporates setting, characters, conflict, complications, tone and theme (All of which are applicable to the study of literature as well). They’ll learn to use their imaginations, experience, and knowledge to build from a foundation and to use a fun, non-threatening editing process to polish.
Workshop #6
Grades 7-12
“Pretend You Can Write”
Students will be led through an on-your-feet, hands-on process for rediscovering their imaginations and trusting their instincts AND will write and edit “Five-Minute Fiction” pieces that will build writing confidence and skill. Great for reluctant writers as well as the already-motivated.
Workshop #7
Grades 7-12
“Blasting Through Writing Roadblocks”
This workshop could also be called, “What to do When You Can’t Think of Anything to Write!” Takes both reluctant writers and those who “don’t mind it so much” through the process of discovering their writing profiles, finding out their individual approaches to the task of writing, and coming up with ideas and material for any assignment.
Workshop #8
Grades 7-12
“Being Creative With Boring Assignments”
Students will be geared up for making even book reviews, term papers, and social studies reports individualized and creative (and no longer boring!). Workshop includes fact-finding research techniques.
Workshop #9
Grades 7-12
“Poetry? Me? You Gotta Be Kidding!”
Even the student who reaches for the barf bag at the mention of iambic pentameter can stomach this workshop, which deals with figurative language—a useful tool in any kind of writing—through non-threatening poetic forms such as haiku, limericks, and extended metaphor. Activities focus on economy of words, precision of language, and conjuring up fresh and creative images. Students—including rhymophobics—will go away with ideas for further exploring their own talents and potential.
Workshop #10
Adults/Prospective Authors
“Who Should Write For Kids?”
A must for writers who think they may want to write for children and teens but haven’t broken into the market yet. Workshop includes self-searching activities, an exploration of the current market, and a discussion of the up and down sides of this kind of writing.
Workshop #11
Adults/Prospective Authors
“Fiction for Short Readers”
The focus is on creating short stories and chapter books for kids 8-12. We’ll concentrate on those aspects of fiction-writing that are unique to this hungry-for-good-books market, including knowing the audience, discovering what to write about, and developing just the right pace, voice, tone. Lots of hands-on activities.
Workshop #12
Adults/Prospective Authors
“Nothing But the Truth for Short Readers”
A look at the growing non-fiction market for readers 8-12. Concentration on those elements that are unique to this age group and exploration of not only market concerns but creative ways to make non-fiction fascinating to the young mind.
Workshop #13
Adults/Prospective Authors
“Writing Fiction for Teens”
Designed for anyone brave enough to try this very special audience. Discussion of the differences between YA fiction and all other, touching on the issues (which ones we can write about in the Christian market, which ones MUST we write about, etc.), pacing, dialogue, and “the moral of the story.” Handouts on current teen markets will be made available.
Workshop #14
Adults/Prospective Authors AND the Writing-Challenged
“Anybody Can Write—and Should!”
Non-threatening workshop designed to help everyone see that he or she is some kind of writer and that he or she can use writing to the glory of God—whether through journaling, personal autobiography, family biography, dabbling for the joy of it or actually pursuing publication. Hands-on activities and take-home materials as well as discussion.
Workshop #15
Adaptable to Any Age Group/Especially Appropriate for Library Presentation
“Here’s How a Book Happens”
Participants are taken through the process of getting a book published , from idea to book-on-the-shelf. Visual aids audience participation included.
NOTE: All workshops include:
ü Use of visual aids in the presentation
ü Group participation
ü Hands-on activities
ü Hand-outs to take home
ü Individual attention when group size permits
ü Q&A when time permits
NOTE: Addition workshops for writers’ retreats can be designed for the individual group’s needs. One-day retreat schedules are available.