O’Connor, Heather (Peterborough, ON).

Writers’ Union of Canada member. Presentations and writing workshops in English. Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Virtual visits (45 minutes): $150+HST. Virtual kindies (Two 20-minute sessions): $150+HST. In-person visits (45-60 minutes): $250+HST for one session, $450+HST for two, $600+HST for three, $800+HST for a full day (4 sessions). Kindies: two 25-minute sessions for $250+HST. Mileage for visits 100+ km from Peterborough.

Heather M. O’Connor’s new picture book Fast Friends is a 2021 Blue Spruce Award nominee. She writes fiction and nonfiction for kids and teens.

Heather is an enthusiastic presenter. She uses fun activities and clear, kid-friendly examples to engage with young audiences. “What it’s like to write a book? A lot like doing a school project,” she explains. Heather’s workshops and presentations can be tailored to your classroom. Most come with curriculum connections, follow-up activities and teacher resources.

Presentations:
Book talks

Fast Friends (Blue-Spruce-nominated picture book)
Suze and Tyson become friends speedy-quick, even though Suze is nonverbal and uses a wheelchair. This story is inspired by Heather’s daughter Suze and her friends growing up. Themes and curriculum connections: body language, mime, inclusion, friendship, welcoming newcomers, working with
an illustrator.

Betting Game (high-action sports novel for readers 10+, ideal for reluctant readers)
Jack is a hotshot soccer player. When a new player joins the team, Jack gets drawn into gambling. Heather plays soccer herself. To research this book, she toured the Toronto FC Training Ground and met TFC head coach Greg Vanney. Themes and curriculum connections: soccer, research techniques, friendship, asking for help, teen gambling.

A writer’s life

  • So you want to be a writer (Spoiler alert – It’s a lot like being a student)
  • Digging up the facts: Research anecdotes and tips
  • Even authors need an editor: Revising process, tips and hacks, exercises
  • All roads lead to writing: Careers in writing (ideal for Grade 10 Careers)

Creative writing for young writers

  • “What ifs” and “I wonders” (gathering ideas)
  • Going on a Bear Hunt (conflict and tension)
  • Let’s tell a story (plot)
  • World-building (setting)
  • Story polish (revision)

Creative writing for older kid and teens and adults

  • Writer’s craft: Hands-on sessions that focus on a single element of story (character, setting, point of view,
  • conflict, plot, theme.) Book four elements, get fifth free.
  • Short story writing
  • Revision

Nonfiction presentations and hands-on writing workshops
Heather’s been a freelance writer for almost 20 years. Her favourite news beat is LesPlan Educational Services. Bring her in to work with your students.

  • Ask the right questions: Interview techniques
  • Google doesn’t know everything: Research methods (archives, newspapers, oral histories)
  • Persuade me!: Persuasive writing
  • News or opinion: What’s the difference?
  • Writing the news (interviews, outlines, 5 Ws, inverted triangle writing)

Books titles and awards:
Fast Friends, Scholastic Canada, 2020. Picture book. Blue Spruce nominee, 2021 Forest of Reading. Toronto Public Library First and Best, 2020.
Betting Game, Orca Book Publishers, 2015. Young adult high-low sports novel. Recommended title, Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2015. Highly recommended, CM Magazine.
Runs with the Stars, Second Story, Spring 2022. Dual language picture book, written with Darcy Whitecrow.

Audience size and equipment needed:
Classroom or school library preferred. Will present in gyms or auditoriums if microphone provided. Please supply podium and table, and if possible, a digital projector and screen.

Contact Heather to book a visit…

    Groc, Isabelle (Vancouver, BC)

    Writer’s Union member. Member of the Children’s Writers & Illustrators of British Columbia Society; Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers; Society of Environmental Journalists; American Society of Journalists and Authors. Fellow of the Explorers Club; UK Royal Geographical Society: Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

    Isabelle is available for author visits, school and library presentations, and conferences.

    In-person visit rates (45 minutes to 1 hour): $400 for one session: $550 for two; $700 for three: $850 for the full day (four sessions) plus GST. Travel fees (airfare and lodging) apply for in-person visits outside the Lower Mainland.

    Virtual visit rates (30 minutes to 1 hour): $250-400 per session (plus GST)

    Isabelle Groc is an award-winning writer, conservation photographer, documentary filmmaker, and children’s book author focusing on environmental science, wildlife conservation, endangered species and the relationships between people and the natural world.

    Isabelle grew up in France and now lives in Vancouver. With degrees in journalism from Columbia University and urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she brings a unique perspective to documenting the impacts of human activities on threatened species and habitats. Her stories and photographs have appeared in international media including National Geographic News, BBC Wildlife, Canadian Wildlife, New Scientist, and The Guardian. Isabelle has also written and directed over a dozen films on wildlife.

    Her book Conservation Canines: How Dogs Work for the Environment has been chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection; has been selected as a 2022 Green Earth Book Awards Honor Book; and has won the 2022 American Society of Journalists and Authors Book Award in the Children’s Book CategoryThe book has also received a starred review from the American Library Association’s Booklist and highly recommended reviews from the Canadian Review of Materials and the School Library Journal.

    Sea Otters: A Survival Story is the winner of the 2021 American Society of Journalists and Authors in the Children’s Book category; was on the 2021 Outstanding Science Trade Book List and was a 2021-2022 Red Cedar Book Award nominee.

    Gone is Gone: Wildlife Under Threat was a finalist for the 2021 Yellow Cedar Award. 

    Her documentary Toad People won a Wildscreen Panda Impact Award. 


    Isabelle loves sharing her passion for the natural world with audiences of all ages, and delivers unique presentations, supported by stunning visuals and film clips. Isabelle’s background as a writer, photojournalist and filmmaker greatly enhances her presentations as she shares personal stories from working in the field alongside conservationists and scientists to inspire and educate students. Her presentations are also relevant to adults who want to make a difference for the natural world.

    Presentations (all grades)

    Wildlife’s best friends: dogs working for conservation (all grades)

    Based on Isabelle’s book Conservation Canines: How Dogs Work for the Environment, Isabelle shares the stories of brave canines working to protect wildlife around the world.

    Act for the wild: Conservation close to home (all grades)

    Wildlife conservation starts on our doorstep. You don’t have to travel to the most remote corners of the earth to engage with wildlife. Any step you can take to protect habitat and wildlife close to home makes a difference and helps create global impact.

    Combining stories, photographs and short film clips, this talk presents the “how” and “why” of endangered species around the world, what people are doing to conserve them, and what children can do on their own and with their families to reduce their impact, engage with the wild, and take steps to protect habitat and wildlife close to home. The book draws from field stories and photographs from Isabelle’s book: Gone is Gone: Wildlife under Threat.

    Sea otters: A survival story (all grades)

    Hunted to near extinction for their fur during the 18th and 19th centuries, sea otters are returning to their territories from California to Alaska, through dedicated conservation efforts. They symbolize the large impact — both positive and negative — that humans can have on wildlife. They now have also unleashed their great ecological powers and have become one of the best examples of a keystone species.

    Based on Isabelle’s book, Sea Otters: A Survival Story, this engaging and visual
    presentation takes audiences on a tale of survival and transformation. Drawing from the author’s journey in sea otter country along the Pacific Coast over a period of ten years, the presentation explores the otters’ unique lifestyle, their remarkable comeback from the brink of extinction, and how they leave their mark (or pawprint) on the environment, in obvious and subtle ways.

    British Columbia’s species at risk (all grades)

    From burrowing owls to grizzly bears, rattlesnakes and American badgers, British Columbia is home to more wild plant and animal species than any other province in Canada and is also one of the last holdouts for many large mammals that once roamed much of North America. Sadly many of these species are at risk. Learn about BC’s species at risk through this compelling presentation supported by Isabelle’s photographs, films, and field anecdotes, working alongside conservation groups and scientists to obtain better protection for some of Canada’s most precious species.

    Wildlife’s best friends: dogs working for conservation (all grades)

    Based on Isabelle’s upcoming book to be published in the fall 2021, Isabelle shares the stories of brave canines working to protect wildlife around the world.

    Storytelling programs (secondary and adults)

    The three programs below appeal to young people and adults who are interested in and/or consider careers in the environmental sector, journalism, photojournalism, documentary filmmaking, and conservation photography.

    From whales to toads: visual storytelling for conservation (Grades 9-12)

    Bringing attention to little-known, elusive, under-appreciated species that people do not often see in the wild can be a challenge for environmental groups or anyone interested in making a difference for wildlife conservation. Visual storytelling tools can help address this disconnect and renew public commitment for those species that are often overshadowed by more charismatic members of the natural world. Drawing from examples of impact-driven storytelling campaigns, Isabelle’s presentation explores how photography, filmmaking, art, and visual branding combined with science-based information can all work together to give new voices to endangered species, inviting the public to experience the natural world in a powerful and intimate way and take action for wildlife conservation.

    Life of a Conservation Photographer: Stories from the field (grades 9 to 12)

    From photographing mountain caribou from a helicopter to working with scientists capturing narwhal in the Arctic’s freezing waters, Isabelle has many field stories and photographs to share. In this presentation she highlights her work with scientists in the field, how she develops trust, builds story angles, adapts to different working environments, and how her photography and stories can help build public exposure on important science and conservation work.

    Story and Photographs By…: The Craft of Storytelling (grades 9 to 12)

    In this program, Isabelle shares her experience as an environmental photojournalist and how she combines photography and words to tell conservation stories.  She shares her creative process and discusses best practices for crafting pitches, finding the right audience, and taking a project from concept to publication.

    In-person visit equipment: microphone for larger group, table, screen and projector for PowerPoint presentation, speakers for video and audio clips, and adaptors necessary to work with Isabelle’s MacBook.
    Vegetarian lunch for full-day visit; water
    Maximum number of students per session: flexible. And varies with program.

    Virtual visits: conducted via Zoom or other preferred online platform; support personnel (to moderate and manage technical aspects)

    Contact Isabelle to book a visit:

      Leatherdale, Mary Beth (Toronto, ON)

      Writers’ Union Member. Her picture book, middle grade and YA non-fiction have received many awards and accolades in Canada including Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Non-Fiction, Silver Birch Honour Book, Red Maple nominee (2x), as well as in the U.S. (Excellence in Non-Fiction YALSA finalist, Kirkus Prize Nomination, Junior Library Guild Selection) and internationally (White Raven Award). $300 + HST for 1 hour presentation; $500 + HST for 2 + travel for locations outside Toronto.

      Virtual Visits: $250 plus HST, 60 minutes, Skype/Zoom/Google Talk. HST extra.

      Mary Beth loves visiting schools and connecting with kids, sharing personal stories and engaging students with interactive activities. For more than 25 years, she has been involved with researching, developing and writing books, magazines and resources for students and educators. She holds a Master of Education from the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (OISE). Mary Beth’s books have been selected for readers’ choice awards in Ontario, British Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Texas and Bangkok. She has presented at schools and libraries in Ontario, British Columbia and Kansas City, Missouri.

      Presentations:
      JK- Gr. 3 – TERRY FOX AND ME: Storytelling session plus Q & A. For older children she includes a Powerpoint presentation, with an interactive look behind the curtain at how an idea becomes a book.
      Gr. 4-8: STORMY SEAS: This presentation focuses on Mary Beth’s Silver Birch Honour Book STORMY SEAS. In an interactive presentation, students are invited to take on the roles of the young boat refugees featured in the book. Through discussion and powerpoint resources, we explore the factors that force families to leave their home, the difficult choices they must make, and the challenges of adapting to a new home. Works best in a classroom or library space.
      Gr. 4 -8: WHAT WRITERS DO AND HOW THEY DO IT: As a writer and editor, Mary Beth has lots of experience in taking an idea and through perseverance and many drafts turning it into an award-winning book. Sharing fiction and non-fiction examples from both sides of the desk, Mary Beth will help students better understand real-life research, writing and revision process.
      *ALL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR VIRTUAL VISITS.

      Mary Beth is happy to adapt her presentations to meet the curriculum needs of teachers. Educator’s guides are available online.

      Grades: JK through 6
      Maximum number of students per session: 60 for grades JK – 2, 80 for older grades
      Setting: school library or classroom (no gyms, please!)
      Requirements: digital projector, screen or Smartboard, a microphone if the presentation is more than 50 kids, small table. If a laptop is available at the school, let her know and she’ll bring her presentation on a USB flash drive.

      Contact Mary Beth:

        Sher, Emil (Toronto, ON)

        Emil Sher - author photo

        Writers’ Union Member. Emil’s rates are (add HST) $350 for one session, $500 for two in the same half-day, $700 for three and $900 for four (max. 4 per day, min 2 per half-day if outside GTA). A limited number of subsidies are available for Unpacking the Holocaust: A Playwright’s Journey.

        Emil’s author visits have taken him across Ontario and to Quebec, Nova Scotia and the Yukon, and he has been warmly received by teachers and students alike.

        “Emil takes the students on an emotional, real and engaging journey through captivating visuals and heartfelt storytelling. Amazing!” (Clayton Park Junior High, Halifax)

        “Mr Sher – I think you should write a book about yourself. I think you should do more good work of teaching ‘cause it was amazing! Don’t change anything!” (Grey Mountain Primary School, Whitehorse)

        Emil writes for children of all ages, from babies to teens. His debut young adult novel, Young Man with Camera, was a Governor General’s Award finalist and described as “one of the few books for this generation that will stick with them into adulthood.” He has written acclaimed board books and picture books, and his adaptation of Hana’s Suitcase, the beloved book by Karen Levine, was heralded as “an exceptional means to teach young children about the Holocaust.”

        Young Man with Camera: Behind the Scenes (Grade 5 and up)
        Emil takes students behind the scenes of a novel punctuated with striking photographs. Students are given a glimpse of the writing process — how much of writing is rewriting — and then explore the book’s themes. In small groups they look at a photograph and are asked to make up a story about what might have happened beyond the frame, to consider a fundamental question about how we interpret the world: for all that we see, what goes unseen and unsai

        Unpacking the Holocaust: A Playwright’s Journey (Grade 5 and up)
        What are the challenges, the choices, the considerations when the Holocaust is to be both honoured and dramatized on stage? How can sets, costumes, masks, slides and silence give voice to an unspeakable tragedy? Emil uses projections and video footage from past productions of Hana’s Suitcase to explore the choices he made in taking a book and retelling it on stage.

        Away We Go: Storytelling with Sticky Notes (Grade 1 – 3) This picture book about a young child’s fears about going to sleepover camp for the first time is told entirely through sticky notes. Emil inflates a balloon and shares his board books and picture books to illustrate the basics of storytelling. This leads to a hands-on workshop where students use illustrator Qin Leng’s rough sketches to write and illustrate their own version of Away.

        Emil’s presentations are approximately one hour. He has other presentations he can share upon request and is happy to create workshops for writers’ craft classes and to modify his talks to meet the curriculum needs of teachers.

        Equipment requirements: a screen and projector he can connect to his MacBook, and a table for materials.

        Contact Emil for a visit:

          Grant, Joyce (Toronto, ON)

          Joyce Grant

          Writers’ Union of Canada member; journalism, fiction, picture books. Rainforest of Reading Award winner, Top 10 Best Books (Ontario Library Association) and Best Books (Canadian Children’s Book Centre). All ages.

          $350 for an engaging, high-energy customized one-hour presentation (in-person or online), $250 for a Q&A session only.

          Joyce is a subject-matter expert on “fake news” and journalism. She is a freelance journalist and owner of internationally award-winning TeachingKidsNews.com.

          BOOKS:

          * Can You Believe It? How to Spot Fake News and Find the Facts, 2022, illustrated by Kathleen Marcotte. Illustrated non-fiction. Themes: Fake news, critical thinking, journalism.
          * Gabby picture books: Gabby, Gabby: Wonder Girl, Gabby: Drama Queen. Themes: text to concrete things, friendship, creativity, phonics
          * Middle-grade baseball novels for reluctant readers: Tagged Out and Sliding Home. Themes: bullying, diversity, teamwork, empathy

          Joyce delivers high-energy, interactive, engaging presentations and workshops for all ages. She has written picture books with a literacy angle, and middle-grade baseball novels that deliver baseball action with underlying social themes (immigration, bullying, diversity, teamwork).

          Joyce is also co-founder of TeachingKidsNews.com: free, kid-friendly news plus curriculum connections. She is a freelance journalist and her popular “How to Avoid Fake News” presentations can be tailored for students or teachers.

          “We were honoured to have Joyce Grant as a keynote speaker and workshop presenter. Our audience of about 200 people (was) captivated by her content … students were incredibly engaged and just ate up what she had to tell us.”
          —Laura Alopaeus-Gomes, Literacy Lead K-6, Algoma District School Board, 2018

          NOVELS:
          SLIDING HOME
          This middle-grade baseball novel focuses on Miguel, who is holding down part-time jobs so he can bring his father to Canada from El Salvador. Set in Toronto's Christie Pits baseball field.
          (Sequel to Tagged Out.) Themes: immigration, teamwork, diversity, empathy, baseball.

          TAGGED OUT
          Fast-paced middle-grade baseball novel for reluctant readers. Includes a strong secondary character who is gay. Themes: diversity, tolerance, empathy, teamwork, baseball.
          A teaching guide is available free.

          PICTURE BOOKS:
          GABBY 
          When Gabby drops her magic book, all its letters fall out. Whatever she spells with those letters
          comes to life! Includes two pages of literacy activities. (Illustrator: Jan Dolby)
          A teaching guide is available free.

          Also in the series:
          GABBY: WONDER GIRL (Includes question words.)
          GABBY: DRAMA QUEEN (Includes words with consonant blends.)

          PRESENTATIONS—GENERAL INFO:
          Joyce customizes her high-energy, interactive presentations to suit your students and support their learning. She can speak to most ages, but asks that they’re grouped (ie, K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 5+).

          Groups can be small (one to two classes) or larger, depending on how hands-on you want the presentation to be. Presentations for younger students are 40 minutes; for older students, 45 minutes to an hour. All presentations include Q&A.

          HOW TO AVOID FAKE NEWS
          Gr. 4-7
          Identify and avoid fake news—and find the good stuff online. Includes how to think more critically.
          “Practical and engaging. The students are still talking about it, and the teachers have been using your ideas in their classrooms!”

          WORD SCRAMBLE
          K-3
          Super energetic, interactive presentations using scrambled letters. Includes a behind-the- scenes look at how picture books are made.
          “Interactive and fun!”

          CHARACTER, SETTING, PROBLEM, MAGIC!
          Gr. 2-3
          Together, we build an exciting story and then we act it out.
          “The kids loved it—we went back to the classroom and built more stories!”

          WRITING WORKSHOPS
          Gr. 4-9
          Journalism (writing headlines, interviewing, the 5 Ws) and picture book workshops. 
          “Real-world, hands-on learning.”

          GETTING KIDS READING
          Parents
          Parent/literacy night coming up? My popular, practical session for parents will help you get your kid reading.

          HOW TO TEACH KIDS TO AVOID FAKE NEWS
          Teachers
          Practical, popular presentations for teachers and teacher-candidates.

          KEYNOTES AND SKYPE VISITS
          Students or Adults
          Memorable keynotes for conferences and meetings (price to be discussed), and Skype visits
          ($250/45 mins). 

          EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
          I use PowerPoint, so I’ll need a projector and screen. Oh! And a bottle of water, please. My voice projects well (a-hem!), but if you think your space requires a microphone, I’ll need you to supply that—preferably hand-held.
          I’m fine with small groups (one or two classes) or larger auditoriums. The bigger the group, the less hands-on the session, so workshops are best with a smaller group. I have great presentations for nearly every age group. Here are the preferred grade groupings: K to 1, grades 2 to 3, grades 4 to 6, grades 5 and up. I also present to teachers and teacher-candidates and to parents (ie, literacy night).

          To book Joyce, please send us an email using the form below:

            • Can You Believe It? How to Spot Fake News and Find the Facts, 2022, illustrated by Kathleen Marcotte. Illustrated non-fiction. Themes: Fake news, critical thinking, journalism.
            • Gabby picture books: Gabby, Gabby: Wonder Girl, Gabby: Drama Queen. Themes: text to concrete things, friendship, creativity, phonics
            • Middle-grade baseball novels for reluctant readers: Tagged Out and Sliding Home. Themes: bullying, diversity, teamwork, empathy

            Laidlaw, Rob (Toronto, ON)

            Rob LaidlawToronto. Writers’ Union Member. Silver Birch Non-Fiction Award and Hackmatack Award winner.  All ages. Rob’s rate is $250 for one session, $450 for 2, $600 for 3, $800 for 4 (maximum of 4 per day / if outside of Toronto area minimum of 2 per day), plus travel costs for locations outside of Toronto. Virtual Visits: (first 15 minute session is free), subsequent 30 – 60  minute sessions $100, Skype. No HST.

            Rob is an award-winning author of nine children’s books, biologist, professional wildlife campaigner, part-time adventurer and recipient of the prestigious Federic A. McGrand Lifetime Achievement Award for substantial contributions to animal welfare in Canada. Continue reading “Laidlaw, Rob (Toronto, ON)”

            Bow, Erin (Kitchener, ON)

            erinbow1

            Writers’ Union Member. $250 virtual visit or $400 in-person, plus travel. $700 for a day with two visits (two schools can share).   Travel costs waived in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and the townships.

            Erin writes YA science fiction and fantasy middle grade books. With multiple awards, she’s considered one of Canada’s rising stars: Quill and Quire calls her “a new master,” and the CBC says she’s “so close to YA superstardom she can probably taste it.”  As a presenter she’s down-to-earth and funny, working to give students real answers and emotional honesty.

            “I’ve had many novelists visit my classes over the years, but I can honestly say I’ve never seen one connect so well with a teenaged audience. —A.J. Blauer, Acting Head of Literary Arts, Canterbury High School (Ottawa, Ontario)

            Free Virtual Visits!
            I do free 10-15 minute virtual visits with classes or clubs who are reading one of my books. There’s no presentation, so I’m counting on the teacher or moderator to run a short, informal conversation or a Q&A

            Audience: Any small group

            Timing: 10 to 15 minutes

            Presentation-style School Visits

            For upper elementary and middle schools: How to Fail

            A funny presentation on how I became an author by failing every step of the way. (Step one: don’t have a dream.)

            I’ll give your students a peek behind the scenes of my creative process — research, writing, editing, and more — but the heart of the presentation is grit, growth, and being a little easier on yourself.

            Audience: Targeted at grades 5 – 9. Single classes or whole-school gatherings.

            Timing: Adaptable to your timetable, but generally 30-40 minutes plus a Q&A, for a total of 45-60 minutes.

            For middle schools, high schools: How to Fall off a Roof

            Neuroscientists have a question: when you’re falling to your death, does time really slow down? Being scientists, they’ve tested this by dropping volunteers from a great height. Any guesses on what they learned?

            This presentation uses that answer — and other insights from modern neuroscience — to introduce new ways to think about how details and pacing change the emotional intensity of a scene.

            Audience: Targetted at grades 7 – 12, writers’ craft classes, university classes, writers’ master classes. Works as a workshop for single classes, but can also be run as a presentation for a gym-ful.

            Timing: Adaptable to your timetable, but generally 45-60 minutes plus a Q&A, for a total of 60-90 minutes.

            For upper elementary and middle schools: Sort of Simon

            Simon Sort of Says is my newest middle grade book.

            This presentation takes your readers behind the scenes of writing this book — and creativity generally — starting from “where do your get your ideas” and covering everything from an ordinary writing day to the big phone call day where something amazing happens.

            This presentation works for both classes who have read or are reading Simon, and for classes who are just curious about books, writing, and creativity.

            Content note: there is a school shooting in the backstory — not on the page — of Simon Sort of Says. That comes up in the backstory — not at the heart — of this presentation.

            Audience: Targetted at grades 5 – 9. Single classes or whole-school gatherings.

            Timing: Adaptable to your timetable, but generally 30-40 minutes plus a Q&A, for a total of 45-60 minutes.

            Workshops

            Writing Workshop: How to Walk Across a Room

            This highly interactive, on-your-feet workshop draws on improv exercises and group brainstorming to help students make characters come to life on the page.

            This workshop is at its absolute best as a series of short workshops and writing exercises that build on each other over the course of several writing days. Some of these can be teacher-run — I have sharable lesson plans. Contact me if you’re interested.

            Audience: Targeted at grades 7 – 12, writers’ craft classes, university classes, writers’ master classes. Best for single classes.

            Timing: Adaptable to your timetable, but generally 45-60 minutes plus a Q&A, for a total of 60-90 minutes.

            Writing Workshop: How to Fall off a Roof

            Neuroscientists have a question: when you’re falling to your death, does time really slow down? Being scientists, they’ve tested this by dropping volunteers from a great height. Any guesses on what they learned?

            This workshop uses that answer — and other insights from modern neuroscience — to introduce new ways to think about how details and pacing change the emotional intensity of a scene.

            Jam-packed with weird science and fun examples, this workshop is the least interactive one I do, and can also be a presentation to a gym-ful.

            Audience: Targetted at grades 7 – 12, writers’ craft classes, university classes, writers’ master classes. Works as a workshop for single classes, but can also be run as a presentation for a gym-ful.

            Timing: Adaptable to your timetable, but generally 45-60 minutes plus a Q&A, for a total of 60-90 minutes.

            Writer in Residence options

            Want to take it up a notch? These workshops add together to create a great program for a writer in residence. Think every day for a week, or twice a month for a semester, or even more.

            This is my absolute favourite thing to do — it’s a game changer for me, for the kids, and for the teachers I work with.

            Contact Erin to book a visit.

              McLeod, Cinders (Toronto)

              Writers’ Union Member. Now doing virtual visits only: $200 for one 60 minute session, $350 for 2, $525 for 3, $675 for 4. Maximum 4
              sessions per day. JK to SK: two 30-minute sessions for the price of 1.

              Cinders presents to JK to Grade 3. Single class size is best for discussion, but Cinders is flexible.

              Author-illustrator of the Moneybunnies financial literacy for young children series, published by Penguin N.Y. She is also a well known human rights cartoonist and musician. Cinders has 20 years’ experience in Canadian and British books and newspapers, is the creator of the 8-year-old Broomie Law cartoon and one of the few published, women political cartoonists in the world. She is also an experienced performer (singer, songwriter, double bassist with a record on Billy Bragg’s label) and cartoon workshop presenter. She wrote and illustrated EARN IT! SPEND IT! SAVE IT! and GIVE IT! for ages 3- 8 because it’s never too early to teach children about money. The Moneybunnies series is popular with STEM educators.

              Continue reading “McLeod, Cinders (Toronto)”

              Narsimhan, Mahtab (BC)

              Mahtab Narsimhan- H20-209960 8x10 300Writers’ Union Member. Silver Birch winning author available for school, public library, and conference visits. Member of The Writers’ Union of Canada. Continue reading “Narsimhan, Mahtab (BC)”

              Skrypuch, Marsha Forchuk (Brantford ON)

              Writers Union Member. Fiction & NF, 2X Silver Birch winner, 2x Red Cedar Winner, Yellow Cedar Winner. Multi awards. All ages. $400 plus HST for 1 session, $650 for 2, $900 for 3 and $1100 for 4, + travel (.68 cents per kilometer, round-trip for SW ON).

              Virtual Visits: $300 plus HST, for one session, 20-60 minutes, $200 for each additional session on the same day.

              Continue reading “Skrypuch, Marsha Forchuk (Brantford ON)”