Author Visits
I’d like to offer a heartfelt welcome to teachers and librarians who have stopped by for a visit. You hold a special place in my heart, as I am a former high school English teacher with a Master’s in Education, and I am married to an elementary school teacher. One of the most difficult tasks I faced during my eight years in the classroom was finding books teens would love and connect with. I hope that The Tension of Opposites is a book that teens will enjoy, a book that will make them think, and a book that will get them talking. If you have any questions, feel free to Email Me and I will get back with you as soon as possible.
Author Visits:
I love to visit with teens and adults to talk about the craft of writing, the gritty details of what it takes to be published in today's market, and my personal journey to becoming a published author. Please
Email Me if you would like to set up a visit.
Programs
Each of the following programs can be altered to fit an audience of
students, teachers, or writers.
One Author's Experience:
My Journey to Publication:
In this program, I share my experiences as a writer. From journaling through high school to creative writing classes in college, I reveal my struggle with finding my voice and my place in the literary world. Sharing my stacks of rejections from agents, my excitement over my offer of representation, my agonizing year of rewrites, and finally my triple offer from publishers, I highlight every step of the process to publication of my debut novel, ending with my experience writing my second novel, One Moment, which will be released in the summer of 2012. The main theme of this presentation is to never give up.
Writers' Workshops:
Hook 'Em:
Ever wonder how an author sucks a reader in and doesn't let go until that final page? The trick is finding the perfect place to begin the story, having a stellar hook, and creating memorable characters with multi-layered conflicts. This program will offer several ways to guide participants as they think critically about different elements of the stories, novels, and movies they have enjoyed, and pull inspiration from those to apply to their own writing.
Turning Reality into Fiction:
As a former high school English teacher, Kristina McBride can remember the blank stare of a student in need of a good idea. McBride's debut novel, The Tension of Opposites, is based on the real life story of one young man's four years of captivity with his kidnapper, and was inspired by an interview that she watched on television. This program will offer several ways to guide students as they think critically about instances where real life can inspire creativity, and also as they brainstorm the different places they can draw inspiration to bring their own writing to life. From music to television (even commercials!), a story can be found almost anywhere!
Creating Great Characters:
Characters drive stories! How can you develop characters that ensure your story is compelling to readers and editors alike? It starts with developing a conflict that will drive your character into a situation where they will be forced to make difficult decisions, face consequences, and ultimately grow throughout the process of the book. Participants will leave with many ideas on how they can better connect with the characters they create.
On Publishing:
How to Become a Published Author – For Writers:
When writing turns from a hobby into a desired profession, a zillion questions arise. For those writers who are attempting to take those first steps toward publication, this is the workshop for you. Together we will focus on writing and perfecting a query letter, preparing a piece for submission, and the low-down on why, how, and where to search for a literary agent.
Honorariums:
Honorariums begin at $500 depending on the length of the visit and distance from my home. Travel, lodging, and meal expenses may apply for out-of-town visits.
