School Visits
Over the years I have visited many primary and high schools in my local area, namely Logan, the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Redlands. Next to actual writing and drawing, visiting schools is my favourite thing about being a children’s author and illustrator. In my presentations I talk to students about a host of topics ranging from generating story ideas to developing unique characters, plus plotting, story arcs, pacing and more. I explain whats it’s like to be an author and illustrator, where my own ideas come from, and how a book is published.
There is nothing better than seeing kids get excited about books and writing! I always leave a school exhausted (teaching is hard work!) but elated. It’s incredible fun.
Creative Writing Workshops
Creative Writing Workshops can be tailored for any grade, and structured to suit current curriculum or assessment. I can cover a range of topics, including:
- Generating ideas
- Plotting
- Character development
- Style
- Pacing
- World building
- Picture Book writing
- Short Story writing
Illustration Workshops
I’ve also run several illustration workshops for students, covering all aspects of illustration from story-boarding to developing final artwork. Students get to see lots of my work from concept sketches to final published illustrations, which helps them see just how much work is involved in every picture.
- Story-boarding
- Concept sketches
- Character design
- Backgrounds
- Establishing a personal style
- Book layouts and design
Professional Development for Teachers
Teaching creative writing can be difficult as it’s an imaginative and subjective skill. I can provide teachers with the tools to craft unique and engaging stories, focusing on exercises that can be easily re-taught in a classroom environment. This workshop runs for about 90 minutes and can be run any time, during or outside school hours.
Availability
All states and territories except NSW: If you would like to arrange a workshop or training session, please make an enquiry using the form below.
NSW: For events in NSW, please contact CKT Speakers Agency.
What people say about my workshops …
“Thank you so much for visiting Nudgee College yesterday and speaking with our Writers’ Circle boys.
I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. The boys – particularly the Years 5-7s – absolutely raved about your presentation.
Thank you again.”
– Mr D, Nudgee College