Reaching out to my readers is very important to me. I teach creative writing classes for adults through local Community Education, the Institute of Children's Literature, and special seminars.
I also have children's programs available for school and library visits. Scroll down to learn more about these programs.
I'm often asked how I became an author. I think I always knew I'd write, but the road wasn't as smooth or focused as you might assum. By the time I reached high school, several teachers had discouraged my dream of becoming a writer. My love of words remained, however, smoldering like an ember until college. Praise from my honor English professor re-ignited that dream. Dumping my science curriculum, I immersed myself in writing and linguistics--I was thrilled to learn people actually studied word sounds and dialect!
Memories of the puppet shows I created as a child were still vivid. I decided to "someday" write books and articles for children. "Someday" arrived shortly after I graduated from college with simultaneous sales to a girls' magazine published in Grand Rapids. Today I write nonfiction, poetry, and folklore retellings. I enjoy learning and finding new experiences, such as having a tarantuala crawl on my arm (photo at left). This is during the Young Adult Summer Reading club at the Redford Twp. District Library where I used to work as a library assistant. The library director was ready to catch the tarantula if it fell (so it wouldn't damage its exoskeleton). Writing nonfiction opens up a world of experiences.
I'm fortunate to be surrounded by people who are supportive of my writing. This is why I'm involved with the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. I'm also on the faculty of The Institute of Children's Literature teaching the basic Writing for Children's and Teenagers course as well as the advanced book writing course. Both groups allow me to give back so much that has been given to me -- and the main reason why visiting schools and teaching is so important to me!
Programs for schools, libraries, and children's groups Kids Throughout History: presentations on this series include fun facts from different time periods in history, activities to demonstrate family and leisure life, historical games. Math and science tie-ins where appropriate. Nonfiction writing process/Research skills Tinkertoys® workshop: designed for upper elementary and older students, this writing workshop uses fun activities with Tinkertoys to teach effective communication skills and how to write clear instructions. Buoyancy Box and other simple nature or science activities "Storytelling Bundle"--Native American history and legends
Programs for adults Writing from the Heart exercises to awaken memories, and encourage use of vivid language in writing memoirs and personal experiences. KidBiz creative writing with a focus on writing for and submitting to children's magazine and book publishers. A Novel Experience get your book or novel started; options for outlining versus focused planning, chaptering, and organizing. Plotting and subplotting for fiction; envisioning layout, front & back matter, and photos and visuals for nonficiton and memoir. Contact Lisa for more information or to arrange for a visit or seminar.
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