School Visits/Workshops - The Writing Process
The presentations below present the elements of the "writing process" but at different comprehension/grade levels. Interaction with students helps demonstrate concepts.

 Every Quilt Tells a Story - Flying Geese: Ages 10 and Up
Textile "documents" are an important part of history often overlooked. Quilts were non-written historical records reflecting women's particular and personal insights. Every quilt made has a story. Presentation includes a trunk show of the author's own quilts, and the stories attached to each, plus the story of how the author's combined two great passions, quilting and writing to write Flying Geese. For small groups, a hands-on workshop is included for a nominal fee per student for supplies.

Canada's War Years 1939-1945
Canada at war, overseas and at home. Slide presentation based on author's father's original photographs and letters from overseas serving with the 1st Canadian Signals Corp. in Italy, Sicily, Belgium, Holland and France, and research obtained during the writing of Love-Lies Bleeding. , An excellent Remembrance Day Program. Visit website for more information.

The Beginning, The Middle and The End: Grades 4 - 12
We are all storytellers. Where did you get that idea? Basic elements of story writing. Beginnings have to grab attention - WHO WHAT and WHERE - character, problem, setting. The power of words. Use "active" words to bring a story alive. Middles are tough - HOW and WHAT NEXT. Moving the plot along. The end - like dessert, a satisfying conclusion to a literary meal. Editing - Yucky but necessary. Student Interaction, Visual Aides, Reading and question period.

Fantasy, Myth and Folklore: Grades 7 - 12
Myth and folklore transcend time. Fantasy - let your mind roam - but keep it logical. Elements of Fantasy writing with references to TruthSinger and The Three Wishbells. Includes the "writing process" as above. A collection of very cool t-shirts (dragons) jewellery, artwork and books accompanies this presentation.

Canada's Home Children: All Ages - Including Seniors' Centres, Church Groups, Heritage & Special Interest Groups
Black and white slides of photographs from the Barnardo Homes, letters penned by Home Children, statements from interviews with Home Children and diary excerpts all combine to bring a chilling yet realistic view of what it was like to be a Home Child in Canada between 1860 and 1930. Presentation ends with a reading and question time. Visit my website for Teacher/Kid’s Guide to Home Child including activities and research material. Feel free to print material.