Visits and Talks
I absolutely love talking to students and teachers about my books, but also about writing and working in the book industry, in general! My fees vary, depending on travel and what’s involved, so please contact me about that.
And if you don't see something you're interested in here, let's get creative!
Here are examples of what I can do:
Book Club Discussion
“Thirteen Ways of Looking At A ______" Poetry Workshop
“Thirteen Ways of Looking At A ______" Poetry Workshop
Assign any of my four titles to your group, and I’ll come for a discussion — answering any and all questions!
“Thirteen Ways of Looking At A ______" Poetry Workshop
“Thirteen Ways of Looking At A ______" Poetry Workshop
“Thirteen Ways of Looking At A ______" Poetry Workshop
Some of the poems in After the Kiss are inspired by existing work from famous poets. In this hour-long, participatory workshop, we read together “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird,” by Wallace Stevens, and then compare it to the modified version in After the Kiss. Attendees will walk away having analyzed an advanced poem, and written their own “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a ______” poem.
Getting Started: Ideas for Stories
“Thirteen Ways of Looking At A ______" Poetry Workshop
Getting Started: Ideas for Stories
This is a participatory workshop about the early stages of writing, wherein students generate story ideas based on freewriting, reading headlines from tabloid stories, as well as song titles. Can be done with small or large groups, with supervisory help.
How I Became a Real Author
Wax On, Wax Off: What I Learned About Writing From the Karate Kid
Getting Started: Ideas for Stories
Designed for small or large groups, this is a discussion about my own interest in writing from an early age, and how I followed that personal passion to become the published author I am today.
How a Book Is Made
Wax On, Wax Off: What I Learned About Writing From the Karate Kid
Wax On, Wax Off: What I Learned About Writing From the Karate Kid
Excellent for all ages, this is my play-by-play talk about how a book gets published, from the first idea to the final product. Agents, editors, publishers, and even the self-published process is covered here.
Wax On, Wax Off: What I Learned About Writing From the Karate Kid
Wax On, Wax Off: What I Learned About Writing From the Karate Kid
Wax On, Wax Off: What I Learned About Writing From the Karate Kid
Designed for large groups, this “motivational speech” focuses on the hard work of writing and how important it is to continue to do it even if you don’t feel like you’re getting anywhere. Content can be adjusted to also include frustrating writing moments, my own writing process, bits of my own old writing, and/or how to get over writer’s block.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Things I Learned About Getting a Job (By Being a Writer)
Things I Learned About Getting a Job (By Being a Writer)
This is a fun, interactive exercise wherein students are paired together and shown (via one very crazy picture and a lot of drawing) how important clarity is in your writing.
Things I Learned About Getting a Job (By Being a Writer)
Things I Learned About Getting a Job (By Being a Writer)
Things I Learned About Getting a Job (By Being a Writer)
Great for juniors and seniors, this talk highlights the things that will help you in your career (find something you're good at; practice; meet others who share the same interests, etc.), whether you're interested in creative writing or not.
Getting Physical with Your Characters
Things I Learned About Getting a Job (By Being a Writer)
Getting Physical with Your Characters
Your characters are pretty much the most important part of your story, and your readers need to be able to see them. But how you describe your characters physically can also say a lot about who they are. In this interactive workshop, we look at several different images of characters and work to not only describe them with specificity, but deeper meaning, as well.
Contact ME
elanwrites.com
