Programs

Writing Sports and Action Scenes

Learn how to write gripping action and sports scenes!

Emma Kress

45 Minute Program

$150

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Setting up Shop: How to create up a great workspace.

Over the years, I've set up my illustration studio in spaces of all sizes and have learned a few basic rules along the way. The last thing you need is to stifle your creative output with an inefficient space. Let's talk about how to create a working environment that works best for you.

Joe Cepeda

30 Minute Program

$129

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Draw a truck and give it some personality!

I'll teach you how to draw a vehicle of your choice: a truck perhaps? How about a car, an airplane or a space ship? Then we'll give it some emotion, personality and expression!

David Gordon

45 Minute Program

$129

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Cure your stage fright in 45 minutes!

Do you ever wish you were better at talking in front of people? Whether you're about to give a speech in front of a big audience, read a book in front of a class, introduce yourself in a job interview, or just say hello to some new friends, stage fright can make life much harder! Luckily, I have the cure!

Ryan Estrada

45 Minute Program

$129

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Hey, What's the Idea?! (How to Get Writing Ideas from Your Own Life)

Lee has talked with thousands and thousands of children and young adults over the course of her 35+ year career. The #1 question she's been asked thousands and thousands of times is: "Where do you get your ideas?" In this program, Lee will discuss how to get great ideas from one's own life (even if you think your life is BOR-ring!) and how to turn…

Lee Wardlaw

45 Minute Program

$395

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Details Add Sizzle and Spice!

How do writers make their stories sing? With details, of course! Author April Jones Prince shares five fun strategies to help you add sizzle and spice to your writing. Find your favorite pen or pencil and let's jump into the writing playground!

April Prince

45 Minute Program

$129

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Take a Run with THE PUMPKIN RUNNER

Marsha’s Smithsonian Notable book THE PUMPKIN RUNNER is still “running” strong after 22 years in print. Come explore how ultra-marathoner Cliff Young inspired a nation with his good heart, sharing spirit, and perseverance. We'll also explore writing fiction stories inspired by real people, places, and events.

Marsha Diane Arnold

45 Minute Program

$225

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Codes and Ciphers

Learn the history and uses for various codes and ciphers. I'll also discuss how codes can be used in fiction.

Allison Hymas

45 Minute Program

$140

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STEAM BUILDING: Using Recycled Materials to Design and Invent

Can we use the junk we see everyday to create amazing things? Using STEAM thinking, engineering, and problem solving we'll create an interactive hands-on Arts project together made entirely from recycled materials you already have around your home. Learn to be a maker! Reference Book: Junk Re-Thunk

Brian Yanish

45 Minute Program

$275

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The Idea Generator

Where do we get ideas from? And how do we generate new ideas? In this workshop I'll walk kids through their interests and pasts and mine their memories for crafting amazing stories that are uniquely them. Workshop exercises include (as time permits) idea and character brainstorming for stories that kid will be clamoring to write. Please plan on…

P. J. (Tricia) Hoover

45 Minute Program

$300

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Is There An Author In The House?

Building a story is like making a pizza - and we all have a story to tell. What ingredients will you add to your story? Let's have fun and write one together!

Vivian Kirkfield

45 Minute Program

$129

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What Does It Take To Become a Travel Writer

Want to know how you can travel the world for a living? Meet someone who has a dream job and how you can get it too!

Sucheta Rawal

45 Minute Program

$129

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How To Become a Food Writer

Are you passionate about food? If you like to eat different kinds of foods and aspire to be a professional food critic, this session is for you!

Sucheta Rawal

45 Minute Program

$129

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Poetry Games to Free Your Wild Mind: Fun Games to Develop Creativity and Voice

Make poetry fun and engaging with these quick "wild mind" writing games that will help you develop creativity, get new ideas, and surprise yourself with your writing. Through these games, we'll explore poetic skills like voice, imagery, descriptive language, rhythm, and rhyme. All you need are paper, pen/pencil, and a willingness to let your mind…

Todd Mitchell

45 Minute Program

$149

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Creativity Coach: Take Your Writing to the Next Level

Have you ever wanted to talk with a professional writer about a story or a book idea that you're working on, and learn ways to take your writing to the next level? Todd Mitchell has helped hundreds of writers develop their stories and books, and get them published. You can talk with him to solve problems, learn about next steps to take, and get…

Todd Mitchell

45 Minute Program

$149

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Wonderful Writers Workshop

In the Wonderful Writers Workshop (Grades 5-12) students will learn numerous brainstorming techniques, how to look for inspiration in the world around them, and how to craft a well-written story.

Lauren Theuerkauf

45 Minute Program

$129

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Coffee Chat: So You Want to Be a Writer

Fill your mug, literal and metaphorical, with creative fuel during this casual chat, geared for adults. If you're considering a career as a writer, there's a place for you at this table. Beth will share her journey to breaking into the industry and insight for those interested in learning more about publishing.

Beth Vrabel

30 Minute Program

$150

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Get the Scoop!

Want the scoop? Beth will dish on what life is like as an author, including peeks at her writing space, writing and revision processes, and what she's working on now. This question and answer presentation will focus on readers’ publishing and writing questions and inspire them to tackle stories of their own.

Beth Vrabel

30 Minute Program

$100

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Extra! Extra! Make Your Own Newspaper Club!

Welcome to The Newspaper Club, cub reporters! As Nellie says, “What could more exciting than kicking off a brand new newspaper—one that we could create entirely on our own?” The goal of most newspapers is to report the news and not be the news, but when it comes to a family or class newspaper, you and the other members are primary sources. This…

Beth Vrabel

45 Minute Program

$250

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Writing with Grit

Beth will show how young writers can reimagine and relive their own experiences to write a story only they can share. Using clear steps, she'll showcase the steps to bring a story from concept to page. This presentation will inspire even reluctant young writers to harness their power to be the hero of their own stories.

Beth Vrabel

45 Minute Program

$250

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Once Upon a Time, YOU Wrote a BOOK!

Doing something BIG like writing a book can be daunting, but it’s totally doable when you break it up into fun little pieces. We’ll collect story elements and then talk about how to bring them all together to make a page-turning, shelf-worthy book!

Sarah Giles

45 Minute Program

$200

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Once Upon a Time, YOU Wrote a BOOK!

Doing something BIG like writing a book can be daunting, but it’s totally doable when you break it up into fun little pieces. We’ll collect story elements and then talk about how to bring them all together to make a page-turning, shelf-worthy book!

Sarah Giles

30 Minute Program

$125

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Best Book Club EVER! And YOU’LL be the host!

Book clubs are a GREAT way to connect and share a love of books with friends. Add a few special touches and your book club meeting becomes a party! I’ll throw your young reader and 4 friends a virtual book club party for {The Friendship Experiment}. Then I’ll show them how I put everything together so they can host book club parties of their own!

Sarah Giles

45 Minute Program

$200

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Extraordinary You & Your One-of-a-Kind View

Warning: This workshop will contain discussion, exercises, and sharing. Be ready to write, read your work, and to receive standing ovations from the author.

Sarah Warren

30 Minute Program

$150

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Don't Ask a Dinosaur - Ask Matt!

Dinosaurs might not be able to put a birthday party together - but they're still pretty awesome! Children will learn about the process of how "Don't Ask a Dinosaur" came together, cool facts about the dinosaurs included (and some that didn't make the cut!), and how a 7-year-old child "saved" the book before it went to press!

Matt Forrest Esenwine

45 Minute Program

$130

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Creative adventure with a plain piece of paper

We’ll get creative with papers: Crumple, fold, cut, tear, paint and glue. Our imagination will lead us on this fun journey all the way to a surprising artwork

Miri Leshem-Pelly

30 Minute Program

$99

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Perform Your Poem!

Whether you already love writing and reciting poetry or just want to try it out, this workshop will make it easy and fun. We'll practice both composing and performing an evocative poem. Participants should have a notebook and writing utensil. Family members are welcome to participate together.

Joy Jones

45 Minute Program

$299

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Play Well, Write Well!

My book, JAYLA JUMPS IN, came as the result of me playing a childhood game! With PLAY WELL, we talk about the story behind some toys, sports and games. Bring paper and pen.

Joy Jones

45 Minute Program

$299

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Drawing on Imagination with the Author of THE BEDTIME KNIGHT

Award-winning author Katie L. Carroll performs a lively reading of the picture book THE BEDTIME KNIGHT, in which a young mouse and her father turn the scary shadows of the night into fun imaginings. Learn the inspiration behind the book. Then bring paper and writing tools to unlock the power of your own imagination in a guided drawing exercise.

Katie Carroll

30 Minute Program

$125

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Let's Make Hubbleville Lemonade!

Learn how to make the deliciously tart lemonade that everyone in Hubbleville loves!

Micki Bare

30 Minute Program

$125

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Creating Characters out of Real People, and Creating People with Real Character

How do you portray sons and daughters, parents and siblings, teachers, friends, and others you know… in a book? Is it easier or harder to include people you know? The answer might surprise you. Let’s talk about it – and maybe even write about it.

Naomi Milliner

45 Minute Program

$135

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Junk Drawer Idea Hunt

Mary Bleckwehl will lead you to your junk drawer (come on-we know you have one!) and help you turn trinkets into a treasure trove of writing ideas!

Mary Bleckwehl

45 Minute Program

$130

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Wild Card Q&A!

Ask Sofiya whatever burning questions you can come up with!

Sofiya Pasternack

30 Minute Program

$99

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The Complete Beginner's Guide to Magic

What's the most fun part of writing a fantasy book? Why, the magic, of course! Come learn about the different types of magic in your favorite fantasy stories, and all the things you need to think about when you're getting ready to make your own!

Sofiya Pasternack

45 Minute Program

$129

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How to Plot a Story (Without Totally Losing It!)

Do you want to write a story, but then you look at the GIGANTIC task of plotting out that whole thing, and you say, "Never mind!" Well, fear no more! Learn how plotting can be fun!

Sofiya Pasternack

45 Minute Program

$129

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Turning History Into Fantasy

Have you ever heard that there are two sides to every story? Well, that's not true. There are, in fact, THREE sides to every story! Learn about the three sides of history, and how to use this triangle of facts and fancy to write stellar historical fiction and fantasy!

Sofiya Pasternack

30 Minute Program

$99

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Find Your Voice!

For serious authors working on the intangible and sought-after voice! What is voice, and how do we develop one? (Hint: lots of practice!)

Sofiya Pasternack

45 Minute Program

$129

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All Writing Is Good Writing!

What ways can writing fiction help you with writing for school, for work, and beyond? Um IN EVERY WAY! Learn about how your brain can't tell the difference between dragons and dissertations!

Sofiya Pasternack

45 Minute Program

$129

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I Can’t Draw! Can You?

Let’s draw simple smiley-faces!

Adam Ford

45 Minute Program

$135

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Let’s Talk Snowboarding!

Adam wrote a kid’s book about snowboarding, but he teaches snowboarding as well!

Adam Ford

45 Minute Program

$135

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Springtime Dance - Books with Music!

An engaging musical introduction to Books with Music, ventriloquism, puppetry, and songwriting.

Valerie Smalkin

30 Minute Program

$250

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You can create and design characters!

I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to draw and design your own characters. It’s easy and fun, everyone can succeed!

Miri Leshem-Pelly

45 Minute Program

$149

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The Jr. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

This program is limited to 12 participants. Adults are welcome to sit in.

Sherry Shahan

45 Minute Program

$140

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Mustangs: Wild and Free

Wild horses still roam freely in some of the mountain and desert ranges of Wyoming. I'll share their stories with you. Together we'll write a mustang poem, and then you'll get to create your own leather bookmark or bracelet.

Cathy Ringler

45 Minute Program

$150

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Saddle Up!

If you love horses this session is for you! I'll share stories of real-life horse heroes, we'll work together on a horse themed writing activity, and at the end of our time together, you'll create your very own leather bookmark or bracelet.

Cathy Ringler

45 Minute Program

$150

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True Life Adventures

Imagine yourself alone in the wilderness. How would you catch a fish without a line? Where would you sleep without a tent ? How would you stay warm at night?

Sherry Shahan

45 Minute Program

$140

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WRITING RADAR: CREATING THE WRITER'S JOURNAL

WRITING RADAR: Using Your Journal to Snoop Out and Craft Great Stories by Jack Gantos "If you read good books, you can write great books!"

Jack Gantos

45 Minute Program

$500

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Cut and Glue! Storytime with Paper Collage Workshop

We’ll use several types of paper, cut and glue them to design our collage. Simple, fun art activity with impressive results! Includes reading of the picture book Penny and the Plain Piece of Paper. You'll need different types of paper, scissors, glue and a bit of imagination!

Miri Leshem-Pelly

45 Minute Program

$129

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Mining Your Life to Tell Stories

Have you ever been told you have a fascinating life? Do you like telling stories? Some of the best fiction actually comes from lived experience that an author molds into a compelling narrative that is often more interesting than what happened in real life. Author Nikki Barthelmess shares how she drew from her life to create her books and gives tips…

Nikki Barthelmess

45 Minute Program

$129

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Fairy Tales and Folklore

There is no "happily ever after."

Alethea Kontis

45 Minute Program

$149

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What Would Your Character Do?

Let's think like your character! Participants will want a notebook and a pen or pencil. Family members are welcome to participate.

Lauren Kerstein

45 Minute Program

$150

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"A Storytelling of Ravens"

For animal and word lovers!

Kyle Lukoff

30 Minute Program

$99

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"Explosion at the Poem Factory"

For poets and writers.

Kyle Lukoff

45 Minute Program

$129

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Poetry Workshop

Poetry is often feared, but it’s a wonderful way to be creative and fun with words. Join Camilla in this interactive workshop to create fun, imaginative poems you’ll want to cherish.

Camilla Chester

45 Minute Program

$150

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Characters or Plot?

Getting into a muddle with your stories? Join Camilla in this interactive workshop as she guides you through two different methods to shaping your stories.

Camilla Chester

45 Minute Program

$150

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Technology and STEM: HOW do you want to live when you grow up?

Ask yourself HOW you want to live while you grow up, not the old “WHAT do you want TO BE." Kids are being driven toward robot competitions and 'learning to code' when there are myriad careers available in tech beyond just the mythical rockstar coder and lead designer/inventor. Success takes teams, trials and time.

Jeff Dunnihoo

45 Minute Program

$275

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Smartphones and Computers! How are they made?!

We take a look underneath the glass and plastic of tablets and laptops into the world of SOIC and Friends. We will look at actual circuit boards and semiconductor chips and how they are assembled into the tools and toys your use every day.

Jeff Dunnihoo

30 Minute Program

$175

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From a Love of Books to Writing Them

If you love writing and want to have a mentoring experience, join Shannon as she shares her writing journey with you.

Shannon Anderson

45 Minute Program

$129

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Career insights - What it's like to write mysteries for a job

Learn how Ballpark Mysteries author David A. Kelly became a writer, how he makes money, and what he loves (and hates) about his job!

David Kelly

45 Minute Program

$200

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Mystery Writing Workshop

Learn how to generate mystery ideas and write the first page of a Ballpark Mysteries-like story.

David Kelly

45 Minute Program

$250

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Make it Snappy! A Nonfiction Writing Workshop

Many kids think great writers are born knowing how to write, but that's definitely not true. Everyone can learn a few strategies to improve their writing, whether it's fiction, nonfiction, personal narrative or biography. Sarah will share some tips and tricks for kid writers who want to get to the next level.

Sarah Albee

45 Minute Program

$300

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Research, Write, Revise!: A Nonfiction Writer's Process

Sarah gives kids a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to be a nonfiction writer, and then shares some fascinating research stories and cool historical anecdotes that kids definitely won't find in their textbooks.

Sarah Albee

45 Minute Program

$300

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Ballpark Mysteries Ballpark Tour

Take an online tour of selected stadiums featured in the Ballpark Mysteries books and learn how Mr. Kelly creates his mysteries.

David Kelly

45 Minute Program

$129

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How to Create a Picture Story Book at Home

We are going to make the basic Picture Book at home. From this you will learn how to progress to bigger and better books. You will need 4 x A4 sheets of writing paper, pencils and eraser and crayons or coloured pencils.

Ann Brady

45 Minute Program

$135

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Skills, Hobbies & Interests

Writing Sports and Action Scenes

Setting up Shop: How to create up a great workspace.

Draw a truck and give it some personality!

Cure your stage fright in 45 minutes!

Hey, What's the Idea?! (How to Get Writing Ideas from Your Own Life)

Details Add Sizzle and Spice!

Take a Run with THE PUMPKIN RUNNER

Codes and Ciphers

STEAM BUILDING: Using Recycled Materials to Design and Invent

The Idea Generator

Is There An Author In The House?

What Does It Take To Become a Travel Writer

How To Become a Food Writer

Poetry Games to Free Your Wild Mind: Fun Games to Develop Creativity and Voice

Creativity Coach: Take Your Writing to the Next Level

Wonderful Writers Workshop

Coffee Chat: So You Want to Be a Writer

Get the Scoop!

Extra! Extra! Make Your Own Newspaper Club!

Writing with Grit

Once Upon a Time, YOU Wrote a BOOK!

Once Upon a Time, YOU Wrote a BOOK!

Best Book Club EVER! And YOU’LL be the host!

Extraordinary You & Your One-of-a-Kind View

Don't Ask a Dinosaur - Ask Matt!

Creative adventure with a plain piece of paper

Perform Your Poem!

Play Well, Write Well!

Drawing on Imagination with the Author of THE BEDTIME KNIGHT

Let's Make Hubbleville Lemonade!

Creating Characters out of Real People, and Creating People with Real Character

Junk Drawer Idea Hunt

Wild Card Q&A!

The Complete Beginner's Guide to Magic

How to Plot a Story (Without Totally Losing It!)

Turning History Into Fantasy

Find Your Voice!

All Writing Is Good Writing!

I Can’t Draw! Can You?

Let’s Talk Snowboarding!

Springtime Dance - Books with Music!

You can create and design characters!

The Jr. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

Mustangs: Wild and Free

Saddle Up!

True Life Adventures

WRITING RADAR: CREATING THE WRITER'S JOURNAL

Cut and Glue! Storytime with Paper Collage Workshop

Mining Your Life to Tell Stories

Fairy Tales and Folklore

What Would Your Character Do?

"A Storytelling of Ravens"

"Explosion at the Poem Factory"

Poetry Workshop

Characters or Plot?

Technology and STEM: HOW do you want to live when you grow up?

Smartphones and Computers! How are they made?!

From a Love of Books to Writing Them

Career insights - What it's like to write mysteries for a job

Mystery Writing Workshop

Make it Snappy! A Nonfiction Writing Workshop

Research, Write, Revise!: A Nonfiction Writer's Process

Ballpark Mysteries Ballpark Tour

How to Create a Picture Story Book at Home