on teaching, Readings and more....

TEACHING NEWS --

Mount Mary College now offers a master of arts in English with an emphasis in writing. I teach Novel Writing, Writing and Teaching the Memoir, Research and Workshop in Short Fiction, (and my favorite topic) Writing for Children and Young Adults. Click on MMC for more information.

Check MMC's web site for author panels and editor visits each semester.

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-- photo, RedOak Young Writers' Creative Writing Camp

LET'S GET TOGETHER

Isn't technology amazing! Catherine Balkin thinks so. She created Balkin Buddies to connect teens, teachers and authors. If you'd like to organize a Skype Visit with me for your classroom or library, please contact Catherine at www.balkinsbuddies.com

 School Library Journal review of Such A Pretty Face

This collection of short stories challenges the myths and expectations surrounding the stronghold of physical beauty and leads readers to consider the genuine essences of loveliness and personal power. A balanced cast of new names in young adult literature and those readily recognized, such as Ron Koertge, Lauren Myracle, Chris Lynch, Ellen Wittlinger, Jacqueline Woodson, Norma Fox Mazer, and Tim Wynne-Jones, explore these themes in a diverse gathering of quirky, serious, humorous, enticing, and, most importantly, thought-provoking tales from many perspectives. A girl seeks both uniqueness and acceptance by dying her hair blue and piercing her nose; a boy bravely approaches the girl of his dreams despite being embarrassed by his excessively hairy adolescent body; a tiny young man fantasizes about rescuing a gorgeous girl from her suicide; a Homecoming queen sprouts an unstoppable chin hair and fears disgrace; and a paralyzed boy is taken aback by his stunning nurse. The stories are all carefully crafted with messages more inherent than blatant, encouraging some enjoyable second readings to appreciate a few of them fully. As with Donald R. Gallo's Destination Unexpected (Candlewick, 2003), this collection will encourage readers to consider and explore new dimensions in human experiences and relationships. -- Diane Tucillo

Additional Recognition for

Such A Pretty Face

-- Nominated for ALA's 2008 Best Books List

-- Horn Book Guide's 2008 Recommended Reading List

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July 23, 30 and August 6, 2009

RedOak Young Writers' Creative Writing Camp

March 14, 2 - 4 pm

Evantson, Ill. Evanston Public Library

Past Events:

November 2007, NCTE and ALAN Workshops in New York City.

In November 2006, my good friends J. Irvin Kuns, author of While You Were Out and Sharon Darrow, author of Trash, nominated a best book for reluctant young adult readers by the ALA, were in Wisconsin for the annual fall SCBWI retreat. To learn more about this annual retreat, go to www.scbwi-wi.com.

I headed to Nashville where I moderated two panels at ALAN 2006. The first panel, "YA Anthologies: Diverse Views on a Single Theme," included Candlewick and Goth anthology editor Deborah Wayshak and anthologist Don Gallo.

I also moderated a breakout session on "The Essence of Beauty: Character Journeys from the Physical to the Spiritual." Panelists seen here include me, Ellen Wittlinger (Hard Love, Sandpiper), J. James Keels (whose short story appears in Such A Pretty Fac),Jamie Pittel (Such A Pretty Face), and Lauren Myracle (TTYL, Rhymes with Witch).

The Art of Teaching Writing

Anita Riggio, An Na, me, and Jacqueline Woodson at ALAN 2004 together for a panel on the Art of Teaching Writing for Children. We agreed that to get students writing, we need to make them feel safe even when they're writing about scary topics.

Some Suggestions:

• Give students a private place in their journals for difficult topics.
• Tell them that no one will read their work if it's in this section.
• Let students write about what they want and need to write about.
• Encourage students to write by making it a regular part of their day.
• Have students read everyday.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS:

The Perfect Marriage of Detail and Story

Listen to the Voices: Filtering Story through Character

Every Writer has a Story

These writers' workshop analyze the many ways we use details of character and setting to develop a character of depth, to offer insight into our characters' needs, to establish theme, and to develop mood or tone. Every Writer has a Story is Ann's writing story.

Contact Ann to find out about availability and prices.

>>Read more about Ann's teaching experience