Upcoming Workshops
Living History: A Research Workshop for Writers
Friday December 4, 6:30-8:30 pm – Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild Virtual Workshop Series
It’s a basic tool in a writer’s toolbox, to deepen a wandering point-of-view, strengthen a sagging plot, draw atmosphere into a bland setting – or just cure temporary writer’s block. What is it? Research. Castle-hopping across northern Wales, being escorted by armed guards through the Che Guevara memorial, or finding yourself trapped by an elephant at Buckingham Palace — I have the photos! — it’s all research. Join me to explore the art of mining for details through examples, discussion, and hand-on exercises that will prove useful across genres.
While we are all working and studying from home, I’m happy to video-chat or “zoom” with students or virtual classrooms, as my schedule allows.
Grades: 3-5; 8-10 – With books from middle-grade to young adult, I can tailor my presentation to your needs, ranging from readings to writing techniques. My published books include fiction, nonfiction, and historical fiction. I am happy to discuss historical research, the craft of writing, or the writing life, and to provide hands-on writing activities to inspire creativity with fun prompts and exercises.
Kindergarten to Grade 2: As well as reading from my popular children’s series, I use puppets, finger-plays, and songs in short readings for younger children. As a former children’s library programmer, I am happy to include pre-schoolers and to gear my presentation to your specific needs. See my children’s book page or Reviews for ideas and contact me to discuss the possibilities.
Recent Workshops and Panels
Creative Academy Indie Author Day Book Reading
Saturday, November 7
https://creativeacademyforwriters.com/indie-author-day-book-reading/
Wood Dragon Books YA Author Reading
November 14, Penny University Bookstore
Featuring Marie Powell and Maureen Ulrich
Readings from Last of the Gifted and Jessie Mac Hockey Series
Penny University Bookstore (audience limited to 10 people at a time)
Funded by The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC), Canada Council of the Arts, and Creative Saskatchewan
Last of the Gifted: Water Sight (Book 2)
November 25 – Virtual Reading and launch
Funded by The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC), Canada Council of the Arts, and Creative Saskatchewan
Surrey International Writers’ Conference: Showcase!
SiWC at Home, October 23, 2020
Book Bytes Virtual Reading: Spirit Sight
Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild
August 19, 2020
When Words Collide Online Conference, Calgary AB: Virtual Book Launch: Friday August 14, 2020
Writing Science Books for Youth – Panel Discussion: Sunday August 16
“Sense and Sensitivity” Panel Discussion:
Renaissance Press Virtual Conference, June 7
Panelists discussed why own-voice beta readers and editors are so important to successful reader experiences.
Making Time: Deciding to Write – Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild
Regina, SK: Overwhelmed by juggling a day-job, family, and other responsibilities — while trying to find time to write and market your creative work? This workshop focused on how to manage your time and deadlines, how to overcome procrastination, and how to make time to get the writing done.
The Art of Interviewing panel discussion –
When Words Collide International Festival for Readers and Writers, Calgary AB:
Interviewing is important for writers of all genres. It provides the fuel for investigation and research in non-fiction, but it can also be useful for fiction authors researching any topic from plot points to settings. Interviews can also form the basis for a podcast or blog. These experienced panelists offered tips and tricks to dig deeper into the issues facing today’s readers.
“From the outset, Marie was brimming with ideas for the children’s writing panel at our Writes of Spring event. She was able to give expert advice to the participants, and use her experiences to make suggestions about how they might complete their work and take it on to publication.” – Diana Cook, Library Assistant, Connaught Branch Library
“Marie used photographs and other items from her trips to Wales, which gave the audience a little geography and history mixed in with the reading. The students paid attention well and asked questions about the book and about writing. Marie was encouraging and was happy to discuss the writing life with them…. We would highly recommend Marie as a reader for young audiences in elementary or high school.” – Christine Judy, Librarian, Broadview Public Library
Panels, Talks, and Readings
Marie loves to discuss writing and to share the experience of writing or being a writer. Her passion for the written word spills over into everything she does. She enjoys the opportunity to give school readings and workshops tailored for all grades and ages. She gives workshops and talks to groups, libraries, and corporations across the province. As well, she is happy to provide presentations for such events and conferences as CANSCAIP Prairie Horizons, Fan Expo Regina, the Regina Public Library, When Words Collide International Writers’ Conference in Calgary, the Canadian Creative Writers & Writing Programs Conference, and the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas Conference.
Contact Marie to discuss your needs today!
Writing and Creativity Workshops
You CAN get there from here!
You’re so close! As NaNoWriMo enters its final phase, why not look for inspiration from a new direction? Dig deeper into point of view, world building, and story sense for your next writing sprint. Join Marie Powell to find your second wind and cross the finish line in style!
http://www.skwriter.com/about-the-swg/calendar/2018/11/27
I gave this workshop for the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild, and enjoyed sharing some favourite writing ideas and prompts with local Nano-writers.
Channeling Your Creativity
Group Size 5-15: Available in one-day, half-day, and one-hour formats
This workshop will provide an opportunity to generate writing in multiple genres: poetry, fiction, and short creative non-fiction. Using a combination of presentation, discussion, and hands-on writing activities, we work with writing prompts and resources to inspire writing and stimulate the participant’s writing life.
I’ve enjoyed giving this workshop for Prince of Wales branch library, for When Words Collide International Writers’ Conference in Calgary, for Assiniboia Public Library, and for North Battleford Public Library. I have also presented it to teen groups as a week-long workshop, as a one-afternoon workshop, and as an online 50-minute format workshop. Contact me for more details!
“Best program ever!!! Marie is always well prepared; every session is fun and full of learning curves.”
“Excellent facilitator, knowledgeable and accomplished, motivating. The positive, supportive group surprised me.”
– Participant comments from workshop evaluation forms, 2018
Write Now!
Group Size 5-15: Available in one-day, half-day, and one-hour formats
Do you enjoy playing with words? Want to try your hand at writing? Join award-winning author Marie Powell to explore writing short fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Explore the world of writing to inspire yourself or your writing group. Or ask Marie to tailor the content and activities to meet the particular concerns and needs of your group or association.
I gave this workshop twice a month at the Prince of Wales branch for three years, leading to the formation of the writing group, Ink Print. I’ve also given it to young adult and adult groups at the Central, Connaught, and Regent Place branches, at When Words Collide in Calgary, and as a four-week Lifelong Learning Centre course. As well, by expanding the content and tailoring the activities, I have used these techniques to explore health-and-wellness issues and social activism.
Fantasy Foundations
Group Size 5-15: Available in half-day or one hour formats — but I’m flexible!
Fantasy worlds fascinate our imagination. From landscapes to technologies, these worlds seem so complete we could practically catch the next shuttle there! Have you ever tried to create a fantasy world? Who lives there, and how do they relate to each other and their environment? Join award-winning author Marie Powell to explore fantasy world building and create a map of your imaginary destination.
I’ve taken this workshop to the recent CANSCAIP Prairie Horizons conference in Lumsden, SK, and to Regina’s Connaught branch library.
