If you have attended one of my conference presentations, browse below for hyperlinks to handouts and reference materials. (And of course, feel free to leave a comment about your experience at my workshops.) If you are interested in having me give a presentation to your organization, please email me about availability.
The Future of Transmedia Storytelling: Angel Punk, Pottermore, and Skeleton Creek
Transmedia storytelling refers to the delivery of story through a variety of media. These forms can include film, graphic novels, traditional books, flash fiction, iPhone/iPad delivery of content, and various forms of audio. Typically, story lines are interwoven and connected but not strictly repetitive. Often, fan engagement and participation in the creative process are facilitated by social media. J.K. Rowling’s new venture, Pottermore, is an excellent example that promises to extend and enhance the experience of the Harry Potter series. Increasingly, all media forms – books, movies, games and TV shows – are looking for transmedia opportunities. During this session, the AngelPunk.co team discusses their approach to transmedia storytelling and gives an inside look into the complex structure necessary to delivery story via novels, feature film, comic books, and an interactive fan site.
Don’t Suffer Alone:
Using a Critique Group to Enhance Your Writing Life
Much of a writer’s life is spent hunched over a keyboard alone. But writing doesn’t have to be a completely solitary endeavor. A good critique group can feed your creativity, hone your skills, keep you focused, and avert despair. In this workshop, I’ll discuss the characteristics of a productive writing group and how to find one. Through hands-on activities, I’ll explore how to give and receive constructive criticism. Finally, drawing on my experiences with the ever-amazing Viva Scrivas, I’ll focus on how critique and revision will help you produce your best possible work while having fun doing it. Click here for notes from this talk. [pdf]
Learning to Read for Writers & Illustrators
One of the first pieces of advice given to new writers and illustrators is “read what you want to write or draw.” What does that really mean? In this talk, I’ll dissect this cryptic (and overwhelming) suggestion into a series of activities that will help you get a handle on current books in your genre. These activities will help you spot trends, understand what works in children’s literature, and identify publishing houses that might be interested in your work. Plus, you’ll discover some gems for your bookshelf. Click here for a flow chart to guide your research efforts. [pdf]
Graphic Novels: Get a Grip on a Rising Genre
There’s currently a lot of hype about graphic novels for kids. What’s it all about? In this talk, I’ll introduce the genre and discuss the ways in which graphic novels do things differently (and often better) than traditional prose. I’ll share how writing graphic novels has improved and enhanced the way I write my other books. You’ll leave excited about this growing phenomenon in children’s literature.
Surfing the Cytoplasm and Meeting Gregor Mendel:
Using Graphic Novels to Teach Science
Scientific literacy is down and the complexity of modern science is up. The graphic novel format grabs readers and enhances higher level understanding of difficult concepts. In this talk I discuss the distinct advantages of the graphic novel format, share relevant titles, and show how students can enhance comprehension by making their own science comics. Click here for a list of resources mentioned in this talk. [pdf]
