I have given writer talks to students at schools and adult groups in Japan, Guam, Hawaii, plus U.S. states.
I am reading to a second grade class.
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I am Available for Speaking EngagementsI am an instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature, a college-accredited long-distance learning program that teaches adults how to write for children. I have taught grades sixth through twelve, mostly English and journalism at schools in Florida and Texas. I have worked at newspapers as a reporter, photojournalist, and foreign correspondent covering the West Pacific for Gannett. I worked as an editor and copy editor for the San Antonio Express-News. I have presented programs at schools in Florida, Guam, Hawaii, and Texas. I was the keynote speaker at an International Christian Women's Conference in 1986 in Japan. I have been a guest lecturer on writing topics at universities in Hawaii and Texas, bookstores such as Barnes and Noble, and for writers' guilds and groups such as Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). I have also studied writing, literature and journalism at six universities, including graduate studies. For adult writing seminars and workshops, I teach the craft of writing tailored for any level, beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Program Descriptions for schools: Poetry – I will introduce students to different meters, a variety of poetry, and how to write poems. Interactive. Elements of a short story –Students will learn what makes a successful story arc. They will learn to begin at the point of impact, give a main character a problem/goal, increase conflict and escalate obstacles, resolve and end the story. Research, with the emphasis on primary sources – Like a professional investigator, students will learn how to research, interview, and tap into primary sources. I will show examples from my NF books about Turkey and refugees, and as an investigative education and political reporter. Careers in writing (or how to make a living in the arts) – Opportunities abound for professional writers, and I’ve probably done most of those jobs – reporter, author, freelancer, PR, marketing. I’ll also show students how they, too, can begin to gather experience and “clips” now. Schedule: Presentations are 30, 45, or 60 minutes long for grades 5-adults. Workshops, 2 hrs. Honorarium: San Antonio, Ballinger and 50-mile radius outside either town. Others, travel expenses added. $50 for 30-minute author chat. $125 for 1 program. $350 for 2 programs or 1 workshop. (Workshops allow more time for hands-on activities.) $450 for 3 programs or 2 workshops. EVENTS June 24-26, 2010 Panhandle Professional Writers Conference A judge for Frontier Writers' contest, children's novel categories. Amarillo, TX February 25-26, 2011 Writing Down the Brazo Writers Workshop, sponsored by Tarleton State U. and Granbury Writers' Group. www.writersblockgranbury.tripod.com I will be presenting 3 interactive writing sessions. Contact Peggy Freeman for details at www.peggypurserfreeman.com |
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