Workshops & Presentations
I offer readings, workshops and presentations for ages 8 - adult, both in-person and online. I also love coming to book clubs to talk about my books.
Workshops and presentations are structured to serve the individual needs of each group.
I also offer programsthrough MASC and Author's Booking Service.
Please enquire about pricing and availability.
WRITING FROM MEMORY
Memories are made of small moments. Working with memory moments from the novel These Are Not the Words, we'll discover new ideas to form a base for creating stories. Together, we’ll create a series of group poems that are both specific and personal. The workshop explores ways that our memories and dreams can spark ideas and springboard us into larger writing projects.
EXPERIMENTING WITH THE MAGIC "IF"
In theatre, you start with an empty space. A void. You hear a sound, or maybe a light comes on. Immediately the story has begun. What unfolds is an alchemy of language, movement, colour, light, sound, and purpose. In this workshop we’ll discover how working with your inner actor, designer, and director can inform your writing. We’ll fill the void of the blank page and watch as our story comes to life.
CONNECTING TO WRITING THROUGH ILLUMINATED LETTERS
Through writing prompts, we'll create small, personal poems based on participants's names. Then we'll learn how to draw Versal letters in the style of 15th Century Books of Hours. The beauty of these letters will be the foundation for creating artwork with our name poems. The workshop helps to develop a love and passion for letters, combining writing skills with artwork.
CONFLICT FROM TWO SIDES
In "Conflict from Both Sides," the focus is on an empathetic understanding of World War 2. Looking at the lives of British and German children, I'll explore true stories from a young person's perspective. Working with the novels September 17 and The Pact,we'll discuss propaganda, indoctrination, racism, and survival.
TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!
In this workshop, we’ll explore the solar system AND poetry. What is a poem? How do planetary scientists use metaphors to explore big ideas? With readings from A Planet is a Poem, we’ll look at different poetic forms and how they can be paired with meaning.
A LENS ON THE PRESENT
Opening a window into the past gives us an understanding of our present moment. Using the YA novel Focus. Click. Wind, we'll look at some of the reasons behind political activism in 1968 and draw parallels between 1968 and contemporary political movements. Looking at the pasts shows us there are reasons to be optimistic and hopeful about our own future!
