Available for virtual visits in : Alberta, Quebec, the Kootenay’s (B.C.) and the Yukon
Craft: Author
Genre: Picture Books/Chapter Books/Middle Grade Fiction
Target Audience: Ages 9 -14
Cost for School and Public Virtual Presentation with CCBC subsidy: $200.00, plus applicable taxes
Website: www.mahtabnarsimhan.com
Virtual Writing Workshop Information:
My workshops and presentations are tailored to the age of my audience and peppered with personal anecdotes about the challenges I face as a writer. I like to have a fun and interactive session and encourage participation. My books include a strong element of my Indian roots and I discuss the inspirations for my stories. I also welcome discussions and questions on how to mine your own background for story ideas and inspiration. I immigrated to Canada in 1997 and I share the struggles I faced while trying to fit in, and what I did to overcome these challenges. I’m comfortable with Zoom or Skype but am happy to work with the school’s or library’s preferred technology platform.
Details of my workshops for grades 4-6 (ages 9-12) and grades 7-8 (ages 12-14) are:
The ideal audience size in order to maximize participation is one class (~ 25 students).
Workshop 1: Character:
1 hour
We will start by discussing some favourite characters in middle-grade/upper middle-grade fiction (Eg: Harry Potter, Charlie Bucket, Lucy Pevensie) and why they are so beloved by readers. What is it about these characters that makes readers want to know more, to identify with them, and root for them? Next, we will discuss the types of characters you find in novels and what are their functions in making a story move forward. Do we need them all? Is it better to have a wide cast of characters or fewer? Once the participants understand the basics of character, we’ll figure out the elements that make a character appealing and three-dimensional. Special emphasis will be on the main character and the villain. Finally, participants will fill up a worksheet to create their own character and share with the class for constructive feedback. If time permits, I will share seven important tips to improve your writing.
Bonus:
1) Each participant will get a personalized Certificate of Completion. I will email these to the class teacher who can print them out for students.
2) I will also mail four autographed books (Tara Trilogy (3) + Mission Mumbai (1) to the teacher for their classroom or school library after completion of the workshop and at the end of CCBC Book Week.
Workshop 2: Plot:
1 hour
We start by discussing what is a plot arc and why stories need them. We’ll move on to discussing the elements of a good plot. What does every story need to make it fast-faced, fun, and with multiple plot threads? How can we raise the stakes and increase the tension in a plot? I will show the participants how to make a story more exciting. I will also discuss the types of plots you normally find in middle-grade/upper middle-grade fiction and what are the key elements of those plot structures to make them work. Finally, the participants and I will plot out a story together so they can put their knowledge to practical use and will be ready to plot their own stories. If time permits, I will also share seven important tips to improve your writing.
Bonus:
1) Each participant will get a personalized Certificate of Completion. I will email these to the class teacher who can print them out for students.
2) I will also mail four autographed books (Tara Trilogy (3) + Mission Mumbai (1) to the teacher for their classroom or school library after completion of the workshop and at the end of CCBC Book Week.
Book List
Picture Books:
Chapter Books:
Middle-Grade Novels:
Hi-Lo Novels: