Creative Writing Workshops
Award winning author Jenny L. Cote opens up the world of creative writing for students of all ages and reading levels through fun, highly interactive workshops. Students are certain to laugh, be surprised, and have fun learning (without realizing it!) Above all students will be inspired to write colorful, creative stories and will want to read. Jenny has appeared to over 15,000 students at lower, middle, high school and universities in the US and abroad.
Jenny patterns her workshops after specific books she has written, showing students exactly how she crafts her books, from research to character development to imagery. It gives students real hands-on tools used by an author, with a behind the scenes look at how a book comes together, and what fun it can be. Surprising grand entrances, fun props, and humorous questions keep students engaged from the first minute, with smiles and hands raised to be chosen to do the next fun thing!
Workshop Options
#1 CREATE (The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud)
Opening with the popular “Black Coat Story,” Jenny humorously illustrates a really lame story, followed by a really colorful story. She explains how creative writing is like painting a picture in your mind and writing what you see. Animating animal figurines, Jenny brings colorful characters to life, and describes the importance and, yes, FUN of doing research! Learn how to weave in surprises, action, tension and then end well.
#2 DREAM (The Dreamer, the Schemer, and the Robe)
“Pharaoh Cote” makes a grand costumed entrance and engages the students on the subject of dreams. She’ll be joined by costumed Joseph volunteers who act out the different stages in the life of Joseph for a vibrant discussion on the evolving arc of a character, complete with dynamite dialogue, reality checks for writing historical fiction, and how to use artistic license.
#3 WRITE (The Prophet, the Shepherd, and the Star)
Peanuts’ Linus opens the workshop with his video monologue about the Christmas story. Although this workshop’s theme centers on Christmas, it is applicable for any writing season. Many “wow moments” come from understanding the meaning of words and the impact they have on stories. Learn how incredible secrets are revealed from solid research, setting the state for imaginative writing to soar. Unpack two sharp tools that Jenny uses for organizing the writing process.
Grade groupings can be tailor made to match the needs of your school. Here are some options to consider: K-2, 3-5, 6-9, 9-12. Consider inviting parents to an event. Suggested group time: 60 minutes.
University/College Visit:
Introduction to Teaching Primer: Focus of talk illustrates Jenny's teaching methods to school kids, with a sample of her talk as the college students "become" the school kid audience for 30 minutes. Discussion of the tools Jenny uses to grab interest, hold attention, and make learning fun. Q&A on any area of interest with writing, editing and publishing. Suggested group time: 60 minutes.
Fees: $125 per hour plus mileage/expenses. A great option for an area is for several schools/groups to pool together to split costs which makes this an affordable opportunity.
Book Pre-Orders: Book pre-orders prior to the event allow streamlining of the process both for Jenny and the school. Books are personalized and signed in advance of the event, allowing more interaction time with the author and time for new book purchases to be made and signed at the event. A customized book pre-order form with school name and date will be provided. Book orders are due back no later than one week before the event. (see sample order form link on the right side bar).
Pre-Event Publicity: Book pre-order form PDF and link to Jenny's website can be posted on the school website, printed and emailed to school parents at least two weeks in advance.
Accelerated Reader Program: The Ark, the Reed and the Fire Cloud has been approved for the Accelerated Reader program nationwide offering 20 points of credit. The Dreamer, the Schemer, and the Robe has been approved for 21 points of credit. (see link on right side bar)
AV Needs: Jenny requires a projector with sound, mic, and small table for props. For lecture #1, she'll need a dry erase board or flip-chart with markers.
Scheduling Workshops: To schedule a workshop, please contact Ann McColl, Marketing Manager, at ann@epicorderoftheseven.com.