AUTHOR SCHOOL VISITS AND SPEAKING EVENTS
Teachers ... Are you looking for a way to inspire your students to read and write while adding to your curriculum?
Melissa M. Williams’ Author Presentations are not only FUN and INTERACTIVE but leave the students and teachers with creative tools to utilize in the classroom!
School Visits & Speaking Events for the
Texas and California Area
(Seasonal Times will apply for other regional areas.)
CLICK HERE FOR A DOWN-LOADABLE AUTHOR VISIT INFO FLYER
CLICK HERE FOR A DOWN-LOADABLE AUTHOR VISIT INFO FLYER
Topics covered in 45 minute Elementary Presentations include:
- Interactive creative writing and reading presentation with prizes (focuses on writing components geared to specific grade level and reading comprehension after the Iggy reading)
- Creative Inspiration behind the Character Development of Iggy the Iguana & Turtle Town. (Very visually oriented with power point images)
- 10-15 minute reading of Iggy the Iguana, Summer League, or Turtle Town (The story is used as a teaching tool for the following writing components: Voice w/ Dialogue, Character and Set up)
- Discussion group for schools who have already read at least one of the Iggy Books
- Behind the scene looks at Illustration and Editing changes
- Character Development Exercises as a group to continue back in the classroom for extra writing experience
- Q&A and Information about the Read3Zero Publishing Contests for Kids
Middle School and High School Presentations (45-60 minute):
- Intro to the story behind the story and About the Author
- Techniques in character development, archetypes, knowing your audience, and how to conqueror writer's block
- Getting to know the different careers in the writing, publishing, design, production and marketing industry
- Q&A and Information about the Read3Zero Publishing Contest for Kids
Creative Writing and Character Development Writing Workshops (60-90 minutes or 3 hour sessions):
Children's Author, Melissa Williams will be offering students a day of creative fun as she shares the inspiration behind her chapter books, Iggy the Iguana and Turtle Town while spending the day learning specific creative writing and character development techniques used in their favorite books and stories, including:
- The Creative Writing Process - Story structuring and what goes in the beginning, middle and ending acts of a story
- Brainstorming to Final Copy
- Archetype roles, critical to the development of fictional characters
- Important aspects of the conflict, climax, & character change
- Theme development, utilization of the senses, emotion & imagery
- Important things to consider - Including audience and voice
- Different Writing Styles
- The editing and publishing process with examples of before and afters
These Workshops are designed to utilize handouts and exercises used in Melissa's writing classes. Students will need to bring a pencil, paper and printed out worksheets to the workshop.
All students will receive information about Melissa Williams' publishing contest for kids called I Write Short Stories by Kids for Kids presented by Read3Zero.
***School Presentations are available to personalize into detailed classes for schools that would like more creative writing instruction and opportunities for their students. Please contact me to set up your personalized teaching sessions at your school.***
***School Presentations are available to personalize into detailed classes for schools that would like more creative writing instruction and opportunities for their students. Please contact me to set up your personalized teaching sessions at your school.***
Educators, Scout Organizations, Literacy Advocates
HURRY and book your event this season!
Testimonials:
Our students really enjoyed Melissa’s photographs and engaging tales of growing up with Iggy, her pet iguana. Her presentation included a section where the students were encouraged to use their imagination to create and develop a new book character. Everyone’s hands went up. Melissa made the writing process seem very easy and familiar. The children were very excited and eager to write their own stories after Melissa’s visit. They had a new confidence in their own ability to become an author and write exciting stories.
~ Stephanie Eda, Love Elementary Librarian
Ms. Williams developed an immediate rapport with our 4th graders which led to a very positive reception of her presentation. She gave them a specific writing tool. She encouraged them to ask and answer questions when developing characters for their own stories. Students were able to form an idea of the kinds of problems their character could have, and how the character would most likely solve the problem. One of our teachers said, "Ms. William's presentation was right in line with my writing lessons about character development." The students still remember the character, Bailey, who was created with Ms. Williams during her visit to our school. I have only received positive comments from both students and teachers."
~ Beverly Wiley, High Country Elementary Librarian
I wanted to thank you so much for a wonderful visit. The students came back to class excited about writing and confident for the writing TAKs test. Many of them really understood “show not tell” when you shared your rough draft and the final draft. That is such a hard concept to teach. Thank you for helping us make that more clear. We would love to have you back next year and maybe see if you can come to each class period instead of all at the same time. Your enthusiasm for writing is catching!! Thank you.
~ Stephanie Eda, Love Elementary Librarian
Ms. Williams developed an immediate rapport with our 4th graders which led to a very positive reception of her presentation. She gave them a specific writing tool. She encouraged them to ask and answer questions when developing characters for their own stories. Students were able to form an idea of the kinds of problems their character could have, and how the character would most likely solve the problem. One of our teachers said, "Ms. William's presentation was right in line with my writing lessons about character development." The students still remember the character, Bailey, who was created with Ms. Williams during her visit to our school. I have only received positive comments from both students and teachers."
~ Beverly Wiley, High Country Elementary Librarian
I wanted to thank you so much for a wonderful visit. The students came back to class excited about writing and confident for the writing TAKs test. Many of them really understood “show not tell” when you shared your rough draft and the final draft. That is such a hard concept to teach. Thank you for helping us make that more clear. We would love to have you back next year and maybe see if you can come to each class period instead of all at the same time. Your enthusiasm for writing is catching!! Thank you.
~ Lisa Thomas, 7th grade English Teacher
Our PTA was so proud of having helped sponsor bringing you here. One PTA mom said on fb last night that her daughter was soooooo excited about writing now!
~ Jo Kelly, Elementary Librarian
Our PTA was so proud of having helped sponsor bringing you here. One PTA mom said on fb last night that her daughter was soooooo excited about writing now!
~ Jo Kelly, Elementary Librarian
KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS AND SPEAKING EVENTS:
Topics Available for 60-90 minute Conference Events include:
- Opening the Doorway to a Child’s Imagination
- Encouraging our children to utilize their natural gift of imagination and creativity is imperative at a young age. Learn specific creative writing techniques and brainstorming activities to enhance a child’s creative side and build their confidence.
- Publishing Industry for New Authors and Small Publishers
- Uncover the mystery behind the writing and publishing industry during a question answer session covering publishing options, things to know before getting starting, the differences between traditional and non-traditional publishing and must know writing tips for stand out stories and characters.
