Upcoming Workshops

Book Bytes Virtual Reading: Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild
August 19, 2020, 12:00 noon
Marie will read from her hew series, Last of the Gifted

When Words Collide Online Conference, Calgary AB: Virtual Book Launch and Science Writers Panel Discussion (Times and Dates TBA)

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, whether 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. Whether 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 — 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.

Due to Covid-19, in-person workshops, panel presentations, readings, and public appearances for have been cancelled.

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

“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.

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!

“Marie was an excellent instructor: funny, informative & intelligent. A stellar performance!”
“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


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!

“How do you know when a writer has made an impression on your kids? Well, after a workshop when teenagers go off quietly just to write, and they write for days afterward? That’s motivation! The kind that every parent wants to see in their teenagers. Thanks Marie.” – Jill Taylor, Windthorst Librarian and parent of participant

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.

“When we booked Marie Powell to facilitate our workshop on blogging, I had intended to remain on the sidelines and watch. But I soon found myself drawn into the activities she presented, writing the prompts along with the workshop participants — and enjoying it. Normally I write academic work and reports, but this workshop offered a chance to write more creatively. Marie was a skilled and inspiring workshop leader, and offered more content about the writing craft in her presentation than I had anticipated. It was fun too. I would highly recommend Marie as a skilled and knowledgeable writer and workshop leader.” – Addison Meredith, Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan

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.

 “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