The Writing Life: everything you always wanted to know about being a writer and now can ask
I read an excerpt from my published work, discuss the writing process, and field questions. Subjects I often address include but are not limited to: how I generate ideas for my novels, how I work through writer’s block how I manage my time and writing schedule, what happens when a manuscript goes off to the publisher, who designs the cover etc. If the group has read my work, discussion can focus more on characters and/or story lines.
Audience: 5th through 12th grade, good for groups from 10 to 100.
A Look at Ethics and Morals through Fiction
Today’s headlines are filled with news of national figures making poor ethical decisions. From Kenneth Lay and Bill Clinton to Martha Stewart and Steve Madden no one seems to look out for anybody but themselves.
Using See You Down The Road and/or The Perfect Distance as examples, we will explore how fictional characters can be used to consider ethics and morals. Questions we will discuss include the choices characters such as Bridget, Jimmy, Francie and Juan had available to them, what factors influenced their decisions, and what implications their actions ultimately have on the larger society.
Audience: 7th through 12th grade, appropriate for groups from 10-100.
Writing Workshop—Write What You Don’t Know
People often say, “write what you know.” Interestingly, my first novel, See You Down The Road, is about the Irish Traveler culture, something I knew hardly anything about. So what does it take to write about something unfamiliar? In this writing workshop we will take short newspaper articles and discuss how to turn them into stories—maybe even novels. I will discuss techniques for finding stories in the everyday world around us, doing research, and then creating a unique and rich backdrop of setting and characters. We will also discuss some of the benefits and challenges of writing about the unfamiliar vs. the familiar.
Audience: This hands-on workshop is best for smaller groups (10-20), either for teens or adults interested in writing Y/A novels.
So You Want To Sell Your Y/A Book?
In a very candid workshop I will tell you how I got started and finally sold my first book. We will discuss the importance of “knowing the market,” finding and maintaining relationships with agents and editors, using grants and awards to help you. I will also gladly discuss advances, royalties, marketing, and reviews. I also enjoy speaking about how to balance writing what you want to write with writing what you think is marketable.
Audience: Best for aspiring writers of Y/A fiction.
Fees
Negotiable based on the duration of the visit and number of presentations given.
Location
I live in Cambridge, Mass. and am willing to travel within New England with mileage reimbursement. For locations over 100 miles away hotel accommodations may be required. For even further trips, airfare and accommodations are likely necessary. I am always happy to work with interested parties to try to minimize out of pocket expenses.
References
The following is a selection of institutions where I have done programs. Feel free to contact them.
Miss Hall’s School
Pam Breslin
pbreslin@misshalls.org
Mt. Kisco Elementary School
Melissa Ray
mray@bedford.k12.ny.us
Estee Lauder Mentorship Program Book Club
Jenny Belknap, Director of Global Marketing
jbelknap@origins.com
Winchester High School
Lauren Sciacca Marsh
laurensciacca@hotmail.com
