SPEAKING & EDUCATION
Photos from Retelling Workshop with the Girl Scouts
Writing & Publishing Education with Rachel Menard
I love visiting schools, bookstores, and libraries and inspiring kids and adults alike to tell their stories. I’m available for in-person presentations throughout Southern New England (MA, RI, CT) and can book sessions via Zoom for other locations. I have several 60-90 minute speaking presentations and workshops listed below, but I’m always happy to tailor my presentation to your audience!
PRESENTATION TOPICS
Craft: Draft the First Pages of Your Novel
Walk through the steps to writing your first novel. Learn the basics from sourcing ideas, developing a plot line, and creating fully-developed characters with character worksheets. We’ll also look at some examples of first pages that work and discuss what makes an enticing novel opener.
Craft: Let your Characters Drive your Plot
Every story begins with the characters. Discuss tips for building fully-developed characters and how those characters can drive your plot. We’ll talk about developing character profiles, motivation, and include some fun, writing prompts to help reveal your main character’s true personality.
Craft: Creating Tension in Action Scenes
What does it take to create a heart-pounding action scene? Break apart examples of expertly crafted action scenes and explore the elements that go into writing fast-paced, high-tension pages that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Publishing: How to Break into Publishing with a Captivating Query
Walk through the process of creating an engaging query. Discuss the best places to source literary agents, what your query letter should and shouldn’t include, and talk about when to make a change.
Marketing: Strategies for leveraging bookstagram and booktok to launch your book
In today’s market, an online presence is essential for new authors, and with already cultivated subgroups, it’s even easier to reach booklovers. In this presentation, we’ll talk about how you can connect with book influencers on instagram and tiktok and create meaningful content, even if you’re camera shy!
Workshop: Write Your Own Retelling (11-18)
How would you rewrite Cinderella? What would a modern day Rapunzel look like? In this 90-minute guided workshop, students will learn techniques and strategies for modernizing or reworking a classic fairy tale or folk tale to create their own unique story. They will build characters and plot lines, and work on the first pages of their new story. At the end of the workshop, students can share their stories and show how they twisted a classic tale.
PRICING
$250 per 90 minute session
$500 for a half day school visit
$1000 for a whole day school visit
