1) EDUCATORS’ GUIDE AND ACTIVITIES
2) DIG DEEPER
Be sure to check out the Dig Deeper section of this website for lots of background information — from videos to timelines to Pinterest boards — related to The Other Side, What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows? and Clutch.
3) PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS IN ENGLISH OR FRENCH
In my presentations, I aim to entertain and educate, leaving the audience interested in writing fiction and nonfiction as well as looking into their own history for inspiration.
PRESENTATIONS (60 minutes, grades 3+)
Heather engages students with a fun and interactive presentation. She shares the inspiration for her books and the challenges of writing works that delve into history. She also discusses the basic elements of writing fiction and/or nonfiction, how to give stories life through research and why bringing the past to the present is so important. Q&A session and reading are included.
Please contact Heather to discuss adapting her presentation to audience and interest.
Maximum presentation size: 100 for virtual presentations; 60 for in-person reading/Q&A. Teacher and/or librarian must be present.
WORKSHOPS (60 minutes, grades 3+)
- Look no further: A simple moment can kickstart the writing process. Students choose a moment in their own lives or family history and turn into a work of fiction or nonfiction.
- What’s news?: Bias in the media is difficult to spot. This session will delve into media literacy and how to determine if what you’re reading is fact…or fiction.
- A single object: A single object can inspire an entire world. Students will begin with an “item of interest” and learn how to add different layers — setting, storyline, character, big reveal — to build a short story.
Customized topic: Heather can tailor workshops to your needs and audience, including educators and the general public. Her interests and writings range from history (World War 2, the Holocaust, 19th century France) to social justice (anti-Semitism, racism, advocacy, law, war) to sports (baseball, soccer) and media (bias, media literacy, fake news, arts and entertainment). Please contact Heather for more details.
Maximum workshop size: 30 (flexible).
Equipment required: Flip chart and markers, screen and projector, microphone and podium (for large rooms), paper and pencils (for workshops). Teacher and/or librarian must be present.
MY RATES
In-person presentation: $300/one session, $550/two sessions, $800/three sessions. Plus travel expenses outside of Toronto (I am in Montreal several times a year).
Virtual presentation: $300/one session, $500/two sessions.
HST applies to all visits.
Do note that I am a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada. This means my school and/or library visits may be eligible for funding. For more information, visit the Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools Program or National Public Readings.
I look forward to working with you!
Heather