Preparing for NaNoWriMo
For libraries, schools, and any group
preparing for NaNoWriMo
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| National
Novel Writing Month is all about writing fast during a specific period of time.
Knowing as much as possible about your story before you begin writing is a major factor in
increasing writing speed. This workshop covers understanding story and finding yours,
using the elements of fiction to help create plot, and planning scenes.
A version of this program is available for elementary school students. |
 
Sample slides from
"Preparing for NaNoWriMo"
Slides are in PowerPoint format on a USB flash drive.
Sponsoring agencies interested in PowerPoint presentation will need to provide and setup a
computer and a PowerPoint Projector. |
| Connecticut
Core Standards addressed in the elementary school variation for this workshop: Writing:
Cluster 2 Production and Distribution of Writing: Develop and strengthen writing as needed
by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach
Writing: Cluster 4 Range of Writing: Write routinely over extended time frames (time
for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day
or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences |
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Situational Time Management For Writers
For conferences, retreats, or any event
designed for writers.
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| The basic concept behind Situational Time Management For Writers is that no
one schedule is going to work for the average writer all the time because our situations
are constantly changing. The Situational Time Management model was inspired by Hershey-Blanchard Situational
Leadership Theory, which states that leaders should not adhere to one leadership style
but should adapt different styles when leading different people. In a similar manner,
writers should plan to regularly adapt their work time to new situations. In this
workshop, participants will learn methods to break their time into units and to plan to
fit these units into whatever work situation they are in at any particular time. |
 
Sample slides from "Situational Time
Management For Writers"
Slides are in PowerPoint format on a USB flash drive.
Sponsoring agencies interested in PowerPoint presentation will need to provide and setup a
computer and a PowerPoint Projector. |
Traditional vs. Self-publishing
For the general public and new writers.
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Sample slides from
"Traditional vs. Self-publishing"
Slides are in PowerPoint format on a USB flash drive.
Sponsoring agencies interested in PowerPoint presentation will need to provide and setup a
computer and a PowerPoint Projector. |
Traditional
vs. Self-publishing is a twenty to thirty minute talk on what needs to be
done to publish a book and the difference between having a traditional publisher do it and
doing it yourself. |
Writing Strategies for Fiction
Two versions: Grades 3 through 5 and
Grades 6 through 8
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Sample slides from "Writing Strategies for Fiction"
Slides are in PowerPoint format on a USB flash
drive. Sponsoring agencies interested in PowerPoint presentation will need to provide and
setup a computer and a PowerPoint Projector. |
Writing
Strategies for Fiction uses slides, stories, and a reading to focus on
three strategies: write what you know, know your story, and goal setting for main
characters. I describe how my own experience was used in my work and refer to other
fiction to illustrate points about character and setting. The presentation for younger
students includes storytelling while the presentation for older students goes deeper into
goals and objectives. All presentations end with a question and answer period with a
reading added if time allows. |
I Don't Want to Write About That!
Suggested grade level: Third through sixth
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| I Don't Want
to Write About That uses story and slides to explain the meaning of the
expression "write what you know." In it I describe how I came to write my first
book, My Life Among the Aliens, and then focus on how I worked personal
experiences into the later book. The slide show can be followed by a brainstorming session
regarding events in the students' lives that could be used in a story. The presentation ends with a question and answer period. |
 
Sample slides from "I Don't Want to
Write About That!"
Slides are in PowerPoint format on a USB flash drive.
Sponsoring agencies interested in PowerPoint presentation will need to provide and setup a
computer and a PowerPoint Projector. |
From Idea To Story
Suggested grade level: One through three
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Sample slides from "From Idea To Story"
Slides are in PowerPoint format on a USB flash
drive. Sponsoring agencies interested in PowerPoint presentation will need to provide and
setup a computer and a PowerPoint Projector. |
From Idea to
Story uses slides and readings to introduce the concepts of setting,
character, and plot to younger students. In this presentation I describe how I moved from
my original idea for the book A Girl, a Boy, and a Monster Cat to the
final product. Emphasis is placed on how setting, character, and plot changed as the story
evolved. Students are encouraged to focus on setting, character, and plot when revising
their own work. The presentation ends with a question and answer period. |
| Connecticut
Core Standards addressed in the classroom presentations: Writing: Cluster 1
Text Types and Purposes: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or
events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event
sequences.
Speaking and Listening: Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media
and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally. |
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Special Events:
 | Featured Author, Author Book Fair, Avon
Free Public Library, Avon, Connecticut |
| Featured Author, Children's Author Night,
Avon Free Public Library, Avon, Connecticut |
| Presenter, Ethan Allen Homestead,
Burlington, Vermont |
| Panelist, New Media Day, New England
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators |
| Workshop Leader, New England Society of
Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Annual Conference |
| Featured Author, Norwich Free Academy Book
Expo, Norwich, Connecticut |
| Career Day Speaker, Marlborough Elementary
School, Marlborough, Connecticut |
| Reader, Read Across America Day, The
Friendship School, Waterford, Connecticut |
| Featured Author, Kids Heart Authors Day,
Bank Square Books, Mystic, Connecticut |
| On-line discussion, McArthur Public
Library, Biddeford, Maine |
| On-line Q&A, Mount Mansfield Union
High School, Jericho, Vermont |
| Participating Author, Author Fest,
Massachusetts School Library Association |
| Speaker, Author Luncheon, Greater
Waterbury/Naugatuck American Association of University Women |
| Presenter, New York State Association of
Comprehensive Educators Regional Conference |
| Presenter, NESCBWI Whispering Pines
Writers' Retreat |
| Presenter, Leave 'em Laughing: Humor in
Children's and YA Literature, The New England Roundtable of Teen and Children's Librarians
Conference |
| Presenter and Keynote Speaker,
"Celebration for Young Writers" seminar, Litchfield, Connecticut. |
| Session Leader, "Goals and Objectives
Workshop", Student and Teacher Writing Conference, University of Connecticut/Connecticut Writing Project. |
| Facilitator, enrichment cluster,
"Playing With Ideas: How Authors Get Started," Marlborough Elementary School |
| Session Leader, "Free-writing
Workshop," Student and Teacher Writing Conference, University of
Connecticut/Connecticut Writing Project. |
| Presenter, Connecticut Children’s
Book Fair, University of Connecticut |
| Reader and book signing, "Connecticut
Loves to Read Day," Enfield, Connecticut. |
| Author Presentation, "Boats, Books,
Brushes with Taste," New London, Connecticut. |
General Author Talks:
| Benjamin Phelps School, Agawam, Massachusetts |
| Ellen P. Hubbell School, Bristol, Connecticut |
| Ivy Drive School, Bristol, Connecticut |
| Jack Jackter Elementary School, Colchester, Connecticut |
| Edna C. Stevens School, Cromwell, Connecticut |
| Western Connecticut AIS Magnet School, Danbury, Connecticut |
| East Hampton Public Library, East Hampton, Connecticut |
| Welles-Turner Library, Glastonbury, Connecticut |
| Ridge Hill School, Hamden, Connecticut |
| J. Milton Jeffrey Elementary School, Madison, Connecticut |
| Annie Vinton School, Mansfield, Connecticut |
| John F. Kennedy School, Milford, Connecticut |
| Milton Junior/Senior High School, Milton, Vermont |
| Lucy Robbins Wells Library, Newington, Connecticut |
| Salem Public Library, Salem, Massachusetts |
| Central School, Simsbury, Connecticut |
| St. Lawrence School, Shelton, Connecticut |
| Sudbury's Country School, Sudbury, Vermont |
| Parker Memorial School, Tolland, Connecticut |
| Daniels Farm School, Trumbull, Connecticut |
| Frenchtown Elementary School, Trumbull, Connecticut |
| Jane Ryan Elementary School, Trumbull, Connecticut |
| Woodbridge Town Library, Woodbridge, Connecticut |
| Woodstock Elementary School, Woodstock, Connecticut |
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