At the library or bookstore, kids like to hear me read parts of my books. We talk about our pets and how they sometimes get into trouble, or what it's like to start a business the way Katie did in Tails of Spring Break. We even share some of our own holiday disasters when we read Turkey Monster Thanksgiving.

In my workshops for kids and adults I teach about the whole process of writing.  For example, we might learn how to make our characters come to life on the page.  Sometimes we make up exciting plots.  Sometimes, we talk about how to use our imaginations to get a story started.  Of course, every workshop is geared to the ages and expertise of the folks who are there.   I like to teach small groups so everyone can enter in.  I've taught for twenty years -- second graders to senior citizens.  

Through the Benton Center, last summer I taught a Writer's Toolkit class,"Shapely Writing." Fall's class was "Powerful Prose" -- how to make your writing vivid enough to hook readers and editors.

Future classes through the Benton Center: "Shouts & Murmurs: Great Dialogue" will be the topic in a three-hour workshop on Saturday, April 3. Check out all the workshops offered at "Fooling Around With Words," that day. Spring quarter, I'll teach a nine-week Writer's Toolkit class: "Urgent Memoir." Uncover memories and develop writing voice. Topics include how to structure your memoir, how to write what you don't remember, and how to move from the personal to the universal.

Writers from High School ages and up may register for upcoming classes and for "Fooling Around With Words" at the Linn Benton Community College website. Check the Willamette Writer's Conference website for information about three workshops I led August 7 and 8 on characters, plots, and dialogue. Every year this marvelous conference has over 800 attendees with opportunities to meet lots of agents and editors. I'll let you know what next summer's classes will be.

"You have so much knowledge to share and the boys and girls feel a connection with you. You know how to captivate young minds with humor, creative adventures and much more." Fourth grade teacher.

"Your engaging teaching style, your ability to motivate students to share their writing and your review of take-home points all made the class a wonderful learning experience." Director, OSU Saturday Academy.

Comments from adult students: "A particularly empathetic teacher. A soft gentle way about her, yet she maintains control and direction of the class." "Energetic, knowledgeable. Her enthusiasm, preparation, and warm personality engage her students."

Kids say: "You let our imaginations run wild. Thank you!" "I hope you come to visit us again because I had so much fun." "Thank you for teaching us to use peanuts for characters. I think it's a good idea."