Programs

O Happy Days!

In this presentation Andrea wears her illustrator hat and demonstrates illustration and cartooning methods. Perfect for budding cartoonists & illustrators!

Andrea Torrey Balsara

45 Minute Program

$225

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How To Make Your Own Book!

Learn how a story becomes a book and create your own. Attendees should have paper, pen, and colored pencils.

Tina Shepardson

45 Minute Program

$129

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Being an Author-Illustrator-Maker

What's it like to be an Author AND Illustrator? How long does it take to make a book? Where do ideas come from? If you've ever wanted a peek INSIDE the head of a Creator, here's your chance!

Brian Yanish

30 Minute Program

$120

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Learn to create dynamic characters for comics! What makes a character stand out? We'll explore the details that bring a character to life, talk through different techniques we can use in comics and visual storytelling and try our hand at creating a mini comic using our invented character.

Brian Yanish

45 Minute Program

$225

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Living The Hero's Journey

Structured around mythology and The Hero's Journey, I talk about the importance of goal setting (and sticking to those goals!), facing fears, and getting back up after failure to try again and again until success is achieved. I also discuss the writing process, from ideas to revisions, from rejections to publication. For kids who are interested in…

P. J. (Tricia) Hoover

45 Minute Program

$300

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Look Around You - Your Five Senses and Writing

Students will need a glass of something to drink – touch the glass; see the glass; taste the beverage; hear the sound it makes when you’re drinking or setting it down; smell the beverage

Carol Paur

30 Minute Program

$120

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You're the boss! Invent Your Own State + Make a Map

What if you could invent your very own state? Would you have sunny skies or pristine snow? And what about food? Could you grow apples that taste like...donuts? Your curious kid and I will enjoy a lively conversation about what makes a good community and create a map to go with it.

Gabrielle Balkan

45 Minute Program

$150

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Where in the World? Making Magic with Maps

How many goats live in Texas? Where does Mothman have a home? Your curious kid and I will enjoy a lively conversation about the good, bad, and ugly of maps. Will we make our own map? You bet!

Gabrielle Balkan

30 Minute Program

$100

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True or False: Animal Fact Fun-xplosion!

Q) True or False: The world's fastest flyer is NOT the peregrine falcon. A) Your animal-lovers will tell you once they sort of the clues to find out the answer to this...while connecting animal anatomy to their own. Extra fun in this an expanded 45-minute visit.

Gabrielle Balkan

45 Minute Program

$150

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What about a Wing? Invent The Fastest Animal

What happens if you put hawk wings on a cheetah? Your animal-lover will discover what types of wings lead to certain types of flight, what types of bones go with what types of behavior and use all this knowledge to invent their very own animal. A super silly time.

Gabrielle Balkan

45 Minute Program

$150

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Whose Bones are These? An Animal Guessing + Drawing Game

Who has wrinkly skin, stands while they sleep, and has the heaviest bone in the world? Animals lovers ages 4-8 will learn how much bones can tell you about an animal while showing off their guessing and drawing skills.

Gabrielle Balkan

30 Minute Program

$100

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Mish Mash Fairy Tales

Join me, your Fairy Godmother, as we discuss our favorite fairy tales before mixing them up—on purpose! We’ll choose characters from giants, to big bad wolves, to dwarves, to witches, to boys and girls and everything in between. We’ll also choose the magic! Let’s go on a journey into a fantasy world as we wave our wands and sprinkle some fairy dust…

Rebecca Colby

30 Minute Program

$129

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Alive and Alert: Record Your Life in a Save-the-Day Writing Journal!

Let’s focus on you!!! Aiming to write a memoir? You are the star! In this writing workshop, author Doe Boyle offers a fresh and fun super-hero approach to first-person narrative. We'll save the day together in this group workshop for up to 10 attendees.

Doe Boyle

45 Minute Program

$175

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Succeed With Your Children's Book Idea!

Creating a strong, believable character that readers care about is the number one determinant of a good story. As a former professional actress, writing instructor and author of award-winning juvenile novels, I’ll share simple acting techniques to create stronger nad more interesting and believable characters. These techniques will guide you in…

Maxine Schur

45 Minute Program

$160

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Q&A for aspiring authors and editors

Discuss writing, publishing, strategy, and craft with an industry insider

Anica Mrose Rissi

45 Minute Program

$300

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Recycling - Using the Bad to Create Great Writing

Do bad people or events ruin your day? Ruin your life? Join Carol L. Paur as she shows you how she takes bad experiences to create her stories. You’ll also brainstorm with Carol to learn how to recycle your own negative situations and turn them into great books, plays, or movies.

Carol Paur

30 Minute Program

$120

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You're An Author Too!

From giving a giraffe a back scratch to dancing in toilet paper to revising, students come to learn that their writing process isn't much different from mine. We're ALL authors! (This program is intended for school groups.)

Sara Shacter

45 Minute Program

$129

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How They Do It . . . The Secret Life of Authors

Authors of over 130 books, Dave and Neta Jackson have taught writing seminars to young people all over the United States as well as in China and Canada. This is your chance to get tips on how you might become an author, too.

Dave and Neta Jackson

30 Minute Program

$100

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AKK! IT'S A BLANK PAGE! WHAT DO I DO?

Staring at a blank page or not know how to revise the words you DO have can panic anyone. Yes, ANYONE! It's like staring into a dragon's mouth. But don't worry, we're going to have fun while we slay that dragon together.

Ellen Leventhal

45 Minute Program

$129

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WRITE YOUR LIFE...AND A LITTLE EXTRA

Life can be stranger than fiction! Our lives are filled with ideas to get the creative juices flowing. Remember, elaborating isn't lying. IT'S FICTION! Paper, pencil, and a sense of excitement are the only requirements.

Ellen Leventhal

45 Minute Program

$129

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MEET JACK GANTOS

LET'S TALK! I WRITE BOOKS FOR READERS OF ALL AGES. WE CAN DISCUSS WRITING ASPECTS OF MY WORK, OR YOU CAN BOUNCE YOUR IDEAS OFF OF ME FOR MY PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.

Jack Gantos

45 Minute Program

$500

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DEEP DIVE INTO RESEARCH

Take a deep dive into research. Writing fiction and non-fiction stories involves researching - to add details to plot, characters, and setting. Learn helpful research techniques and know when it's time to stop researching and start writing!

Melissa Stoller

45 Minute Program

$129

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FINDING AND CAPTURING STORY IDEAS

Where do story ideas come from? How can you find ideas and capture them? Interactive games and writing prompts will spark writing ideas in this interactive program!

Melissa Stoller

30 Minute Program

$99

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How To Tell Your LIFE Story

No matter what your story is, it's worth telling! After twenty years of writing and recently partnering with her Rwandan coauthor, Rebeka Uwitzonze, to tell her inspiring story of travel from Rwanda, Africa to the US at age 9 for surgeries on her club feet, Meredith Davis is excited to help you tell your own LIFE story.

Meredith Davis

45 Minute Program

$130

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Does your cat travel around the world?

Go behind the scenes of Beato Goes To - the adventures of a traveling cat. Meet the author and learn her secrets!

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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Writing and storyboarding for animation

Writing for animation has some similarities and some differences to writing for a book. I have experience in both and would love to take you through the steps to prepare you for developing an animated film.

Penny Harris

45 Minute Program

$225

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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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Beautiful Books: How a Children's Picture Book Is Made

In the Beautiful Books: How A Children's Picture Book is Made presentation (Grades K-8) students will get an in-depth look at how a children's book is made and see photos of the actual storyboards used in the making of Priceless Penny.

Lauren Theuerkauf

45 Minute Program

$129

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You've got this!

Sometimes the scariest monster a young writer will face is a blank white page. Other times, it's just as intimidating to take on revisions. This is an opportunity to connect with Beth and tackle those tough moments together. She'll remind writers of the power in storytelling and give them the boost they need to take on all its thorniest steps.

Beth Vrabel

30 Minute Program

$100

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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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The Plot Thickens

Writing Awesome Stories – a workshop for budding young authors

Allison Paterson

45 Minute Program

$150

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A Book in the Making

I am in the proces of writing and illustrating another book which I would like to share with you. Would you like to participate in the same process; to write and illustrate your story? Bring along an idea, some paper and whatever you want to use to draw with and we can work together to create your story.

Penny Harris

45 Minute Program

$190

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On A Mission

Join me for a discussion and writing exercises. Discover your creative potential and strengthen your creative purpose. Let's work together to find your voice so you can use it to make a difference!

Sarah Warren

45 Minute Program

$200

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The Most Important Thing About Poetry

...is not how to write it. What am I talking about? Although it's true one needs to understand grammar, spelling, meter, and all that other "poetry stuff" they teach you in school, the MOST important thing about writing poetry has nothing to do with the craft of writing it. (Or does it?)

Matt Forrest Esenwine

45 Minute Program

$130

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The Birth of a Book

Think it's easy to create a picture book? Well, it's not - but it IS a lot of fun! Using my picture book "Flashlight Night" as a foundation, I will share how a manuscript is conceived, written, and revised; how an illustrator approaches the project; and the role editors play in pulling it all together!

Matt Forrest Esenwine

45 Minute Program

$130

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Storytime: The Belonging Tree

Cozy up for Storytime with Author Maryann Cocca-Leffler as she reads her new book about a squirrel family in a forest neighborhood who learn to embrace change and welcome everyone!

Maryann Cocca-Leffler

30 Minute Program

$125

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School Visit Program: The Story Behind The Story

Bring Author-Illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler into your classroom or homeschooling group. She'll share her process of writing and illustrating a book, from idea, to sketches to finished art, while encouraging students to write and illustrate their own stories.

Maryann Cocca-Leffler

45 Minute Program

$300

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Story about a story

What happens when a story character walks out of the page? Let’s find out! An engaging discussion about imagination and reality, including creative writing and drawing activity.

Miri Leshem-Pelly

45 Minute Program

$149

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Stranger than fiction

Sarah draws inspiration for her novels from real life, contemporary issues, especially around how technology has changed the lives of young people for better - and worse. In this program, she encourages students to observe current events and technology and brainstorm what ifs - the building block of any story.

Sarah Darer Littman

45 Minute Program

$300

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Let's Draw! Character Development

Meet some of Maryann's children book characters and create your own.

Maryann Cocca-Leffler

45 Minute Program

$175

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Writing: What’s Your Story? The Route to writing “Personal Narrative”

Maryann will share her book based on her own childhood experiences. She’ll encourage young writers and storytellers to find their own stories.

Maryann Cocca-Leffler

45 Minute Program

$150

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Storytime: MEET JANINE ... and get inspired!

Maryann will read both Janine Books, which encourages readers to be their spectacular selves! The character, Janine, is based on Maryann's daughter's experiences as a child with disabilities.

Maryann Cocca-Leffler

45 Minute Program

$150

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From Inkling to Ink: Story Creation

Learn how to take an idea from inkling to story using the same tools I use to create my novels.

James Hannibal

45 Minute Program

$150

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From an idea to a story. I can help you make this happen.

From the germ of an idea to writing a meaningful story. I would like to help you develop your idea into the story you want to tell. Bring your idea/s, some paper, pencils or ipad and we will work together to make a great story!

Penny Harris

45 Minute Program

$190

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Let’s Make a Book!

A workshop for creating a book of your own with Sarah Dillard for up to 8 attendees.

Sarah Dillard

45 Minute Program

$175

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What goes in to writing Historical Fiction?

Lisa will talk about what goes into writing believable Historical Fiction and give you tips on how to write your own stories.

Lisa Gammon Olson

45 Minute Program

$169

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What's In Your Wallet? whoops! I mean-What's In Your Writing Toolbelt?

Ticking time bombs, laughing pillows and a magic wand are in my writing tool belt! Let's fill yours up so you'll never have to pull your hair out while writing. And we'll be writing so bring paper and writing tool.

Mary Bleckwehl

45 Minute Program

$130

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Mistakes and Success - plus some laughs and cartoons

Kevin shares stories from his middle grade books, including MINRs, the Neil Flambé Capers, The Hockey Super-Six and more. AND he shares some tips to help kids find their own style for drawing cartoons.

Kevin Sylvester

45 Minute Program

$250

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Writing Poems

Are you curious about poems or do you know nothing about them? Whether you're intimidated or intrigued, I invite you to learn about some of the fun forms of poetry and try your hand at creating poems. It's easier than you think!

Christy Mihaly

30 Minute Program

$99

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Create Your Own Cryptid!

Is your child interested in the search for legendary animals that might be real like Bigfoot and The Loch Ness Monster? Join Lija Fisher, children's book author and Bigfoot Conference speaker, as she shares tidbits about these mysterious creatures and how some animals of myth and legend have already been found! After, kids will create and draw…

Lija Fisher

45 Minute Program

$225

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Play with Your Words: A Science Poetry Workshop

Explore nature in a poetry workshop with science poet Leslie Bulion! We'll have fun writing together in this small group workshop for up to 8 attendees.

Leslie Bulion

45 Minute Program

$160

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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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You've Got This!

Get ready to learn about writing and learn strategies for living courageously. Participants will want paper and a pen or pencil. Family members are welcome to participate.

Lauren Kerstein

45 Minute Program

$150

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Writing with Your Five Senses

Let's explore tapping into our five senses for writing! 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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The Making of a Story: From Idea to First Draft

How do you find ideas for your stories? Let's explore together! What happens next with a good idea? Crafting a story is a process where each step is important, but it could also be a bit tricky. Not to worry -- we can make each element of a good story fun and easy to follow!

Rosie Pova

45 Minute Program

$290

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Make Memorable Characters With a Character Web (Up to 3 attendees)

Eloise. Olivia. Ramona. Harry. Many kids would say that some of their best friends are the beloved characters they meet in books. But how do authors create these iconic characters? Award-winning author Laurie Friedman explains it all in this interactive session, and teaches participants how to make character webs that they can use as a blueprint…

Laurie Friedman

45 Minute Program

$300

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Create Your Own Writer's Basket (Up to 3 attendees)

In this hands-on session, participants will create their own writer's baskets filled with ideas to spur inspiration and creativity when writing their own stories. Supplies needed include: Blank notecards, pencils, markers, magazines, scissors, a few favorite photos and a small basket for each participant

Laurie Friedman

45 Minute Program

$300

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Find Your Inspiration! (Up to 3 attendees)

No materials required. Just an open and curious mind. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and find out everything you ever wanted to know about how books are created!

Laurie Friedman

45 Minute Program

$300

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Writing with Wordplay

Want to make your writing more punny? This program includes great examples of wordplay and tips and tricks for adding it into your own writing.

Kirsti Call

45 Minute Program

$150

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The Whole Package

This programme is for anyone who wants a little bit of everything! You’ll get to meet Camilla, listen to a storytelling of one of her three books, take part in a short, story building workshop and have your questions answered.

Camilla Chester

45 Minute Program

$200

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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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What's for Dinner? A Grrrreat Story!

In this workshop, I share Grizzly Mom’s favorite story recipe. Ten students maximum.

Barbara Davis-Pyles

45 Minute Program

$300

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Read. Write. Repeat.

Calling all fans of middle grade fiction! Let's discuss books, writing tips, and exchange favorite story titles. For small, medium, and large groups.

Carolyn Armstrong

45 Minute Program

$129

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45 Minute Author Consultation

Aaron Ozee, author of bestselling children's books, Regulus and My Darling Child Shiloh, will consult for 45 minutes. Attendees may take pictures or start recordings during the session.