I am more than happy to speak with you about scheduling a workshop or book reading at your school, library or event! Please see below for a description of each of the workshops I offer and we can also customize a workshop together based on the type of event you are looking to organize.
How to Write a Dystopian Novel Workshop *Nassau & Suffolk BOCES registered:
Dystopian literature is a huge trend right now, from The Hunger Games to the Divergent series. But how do you create your own dystopian world? I will speak with students about how to write a dystopian novel by describing my journey creating my dystopian/fantasy series, The Hypothesis of Giants. The workshop will be interactive and we will discuss character development, setting and the various conflicts found within dystopian novels. I will also put the students in the driver’s seat and have them take a stab at writing their own dystopian novel through fun and engaging writing exercises. Workshop 40 minutes-1 hour
How to Create a Magical World Workshop *Nassau & Suffolk BOCES registered:
From Harry Potter to Percy Jackson, magic in literature is something readers are drawn to. But how do you start writing your own fantasy novel? I will speak about writing my magical YA novel series, The Hypothesis of Giants, and how I incorporate magic into my writing. This workshop will be interactive and students will get the opportunity to try their hand at writing their own magical story. Workshop 40 minutes-1 hour
My Author and Publishing Journey Workshop:
So many times I hear from teens and adults, “How did you do it?” This workshop will focus on my own writing and creative journey. I will discuss how I started writing since I was in the 3rd grade and the struggles and successes I encountered throughout my writing journey. I will discuss how I was inspired to write The Hypothesis of Giants series and discuss how I created my characters, plot and setting. I will also discuss the traditional and self-publishing routes and the pro’s and con’s of each to help guide new authors ready to take that next step. We will also include some fun writing exercises to get the creative juices flowing. Workshop: 1 1/2-3 hours
TESTIMONIALS
“In an effort to reach out to the creative teens at my library, I booked a Saturday afternoon workshop with Melissa over the summer. The afternoon was part discussion about her journey as a writer, part talk about the rather complicated world of publishing, and part writing exercises and readings. Her talk about becoming a writer and eventually self-publishing her books was both inspiring and very informative. The writing prompts were fun and it was great to hear the teens read their work aloud to the group. After the program, several teens thanked me for scheduling Melissa, and were excited to read her books. The teens left feeling inspired and encouraged to continue on their writing journeys. I highly recommend Melissa’s workshop in any educational setting!” – Lisa Zuena, Teen Librarian, Massapequa Public Library, NY
“My student’s loved Melissa’s student-centered writing workshop. As a dystopian literature writer who uses a teenage girl as a protagonist, Melissa was a perfect choice to join our middle school’s annual Dystopian Literature Day. During this event, my students took part in a series of workshops centered around concepts presented in a dystopian novel. In Melissa’s workshop, my middle school students not only furthered enhanced their understanding of this popular genre, but got a chance to create their own dystopian writing. Melissa explained and modeled effective writing techniques using her own work as a model text. In addition to the writing workshop she presented, my students had the opportunity to interact with a writer and gain an inside look into writing as a career. Students asked her questions about her own process as a writer and gained valuable feedback to enhance their own writing during her writer’s workshop. Not only could my students relate to the characters in her fiction-based novels, but they were encouraged and motivated by Melissa as an author and as a teacher of the writing process.”-Teacher from Bergen County School District
If you are interested in reaching out out to me about doing a book reading or one of the above author workshop programs, please click here to contact me for more information:
Additional Testimonials:
“The 5th grade students of PS134 truly loved Melissa’s magical writing workshop. It was a fantastic journey from getting to know the author to hands on writing activities for all of our 5th grade writers. She excited the students who already love to write to possibly turning it into a career like her one day. She motivated students that often complained, and most of all, Melissa’s workshop inspired all students that writing is possible for anyone and everyone. Melissa’s techniques helped to build creativity and imagination in our students. Students who often do not raise their hand in class, were on the edge of their seats to be called to read their stories. Melissa presented a lot of valuable tools that has not only helped with our students’ writing but valuable life lessons that they will be able to carry across all aspects of their lives. Thank you so much for such an inspirational workshop Melissa Kuch!” – 5th Grade Teachers of PS 134, New York, NY 10002
Please check out the following media links associated with my workshop programs: