This ongoing class is designed as a creative writing workshop for the young writer looking for inspiration and willing to share their writing. 

Students write in class inspired by creative writing prompts after a brief lesson about the elements of one genre, including but not limited to SciFi, fantasy, dystopia, and creative nonfiction. Students share and receive feedback within a positive group dynamic. 

The focus in this class is on imagination, not spelling or grammar. I encourage enthusiasm for creative writing, reading, and supportive, specific feedback. 

Class structure

Check-in Question 5 - 10 minutes
Brief Lesson 10 minutes
Creative Writing Prompt with Writing Time 15-20 minutes
Share & Feedback 15- 30 minutes
Check-out 2 - 5 minutes
Total class time: 60 minutes 

After Class: Optional time to play online quiz games such as Kahoot, Blooket, or Gimkit. 
Online quiz games support lessons and off-topic shares during our check-in, such as favorite books, foods, pets, etc. 

Experience: 
As an educator, I bring 15 + years of professional experience working with stories/literature and storytellers/writers as an editor, writer, librarian, and educator.  I've authored three children's history books for Flash Points (Full Tilt Press, 2020). Other publications include short stories and various creative nonfiction, such as book and theater reviews, artist and author interviews and profiles, architectural criticism, essays, humor, and public radio.

I currently teach as faculty for a university's graduate program in English Literature and Creative Writing.  I also serve as a judge of the young adult fiction category for the Pacific Northwest Writers Association's Annual Writing Contest. I have an MFA in Creative Writing and MLIS in Library and Information Science from the University of British of Columbia. 

How I teach:  I use creative writing prompts, questions, readings, slides, quiz games, and sometimes video clips.  

Teaching style:  I encourage a positive, reflective, and curious group dynamic. I come to class with a lifelong enthusiasm for kids, the craft of story, and creative writing. Questions and suggestions from students are encouraged. I believe students learn best when they feel welcome in the group. All learning styles and abilities are welcome. 

Interaction with teacher & students: Students interact throughout class through check-in and feedback time. Students are invited to stay after class to socialize or attend a social story game class I host on Sunday evenings on Outschool called Story Geeks: Story Games & Social Club. 

Any student required experience or knowledge: None! 

Example of a weekly class topic, theme, and reading

Week of March 12 -Week 1 
Topic: Story Element: The Beginning
Science Fiction 


Week of March 19 -Week 2
Topic: Story Element: Turning Points
Humor 

Week of March 26 - Week 3
Topic: Story Element: Characters
Historical Fiction 

Week of April 2 - Week 4
Topic: Story Element: Narrators & Voice 
Middle Grade Fiction

Week of April 9 - Week 5
Topic: Story Element: Climax
Adventure Stories 

Week of April 16 - Week 6
Topic: Story Element: Point of View 
Poetry