Mary Ann has been a school teacher for 25 years, and previously worked as a children's librarian, directing the St. Joseph Co. Public Library's "Ghost Story Writing Contest" which won the Public Library Association's National Achievement Citation. She has assisted at Indiana regional Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conferences.
These school visits and presentations can be tailored for Grades 6 through adult and are available both in person or virtually.
*If schools need writing sessions for younger students, we can develop ideas/topics together.
One Author’s Journey 30-45 min. Travel with a 4th grader who wanted to be an author, through decades of adventures and frustrations, to finally publishing Mandy’s Song. The theme of perseverance would apply to aspiring athletes, scientists and musicians, along with artists and writers. Appropriate for large group or classroom setting, with lecture, discussion and visuals
Find Creative Zest 45-60 min. When students have passion for what they're writing about, it's like a new romance. They think about it all the time and grab every chance to work on it. We'll explore their interests and ponder themes that matter to them, to spark stories they’ll love. (Presented at Get Inked! Teen Writing Conference 12/22; and St. Joseph Co. Public Library 2/24) Appropriate for classroom or casual setting, with lecture, discussion, visuals & personal reflection “Mary Ann Moore's program, Find Creative Zest, was informative for young writers and was paired with fun materials to help visualize the writing process. Mary Ann had great personal experience to pair with her presentation and her love for writing showed.” Haylee Lau, Youth Programming, St. Joseph Co. Public Library
Arguing With Yourself 45-60 min. We will consider ways writers self-sabotage, creating internal barriers to accomplishing writing projects; then shift to how main characters thwart their goals by giving too much power to their inner critics. (Presented at Get Inked! Teen Writing Conference 12/21) Appropriate for classroom or casual setting, with lecture, discussion, visuals & personal reflection
Writing Contests Mary Ann can offer support with school or library writing contests: i.e. helping with judging criteria, making it fun for all entrants, and how to decide winners when the best entries are so unique.
Cost: negotiable, depending on travel expenses For example, the above workshops would be $75 for one virtual session, and local St. Joseph County IN destinations would be $200 for one session. She has a close relative near Indianapolis, so lodging would not be required for Indianapolis events.
