I love speaking to both large and small groups of adults—teachers, writers, quilters, parents, librarians and just plain readers—here or abroad. My topics are geared to the audience and can include a one hour or longer talk or one-day or weekend workshops. Here are some titles of previous talks.

  
     
 

FOR TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS AND READERS

RACE INTO READING—about the importance of rhythm and rhyme to entice pre-readers into reading.
CONNECTING KIDS TO POETRY—ways to make poetry an integral part of a classroom.
IN PRAISE OF GIRLS—celebrating the contributions of girls and women in America.

  
 

FOR WRITERS

 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: How to Make a Good One—about the importance of a strong opening.
FINDING THE ANGLE: BAITING THE HOOK—about different approaches for your non-fiction book.
MAKING A DUMMY: It’s the Smart Thing to Do—about the structure of a picture book.
PRIMING YOUR INSPIRATION PUMP—finding ideas where you least expect them.
 
 
 
   
 

Here are just a few of the groups where I have enjoyed making presentations.

 

California Reading Association
National Conference of Math Teachers
The International Reading Association
The National Conference of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
National Conference of Teachers of English.
Haystack Writers’ Conference, Cannon Beach CA.
Whidbey Island Writers’ Conference

UCLA EXTENSION

Several times a year, I teach writing children’s books at UCLA. For further information on my classes, please go to www.uclaextension.org

 
 
     
 

REACTIONS TO MY PRESENTATIONS AND CLASSES

  
     
 

“I can’t tell you how impressed I was with your teaching—clear, organized, supportive, funny—everything a teacher should be and more.”
L. Zuckerman, coordinator, Haystack Children's Book Conference, Cannon Beach, Oregon
“The audience was pleased at your naturalness, the information you gave and the wonderful way you have of being yourself in front of a group.”
J. Matheson, Librarian, L.A. Public Library
“Your presentation was absolutely wonderful. I watched people as you spoke—they were so engaged in your speech, taking notes, enjoying every moment. You’re a star.”
M. Nethery, National Conference of the Society of Children’s Book Writers
“How you scrunched the essence of “poetriness” into that short amount of time is beyond me!”
E. Fine, San Diego Society of Children’s Book Writers
“Excellent . . . I love how she showed value for being a mom and homemaker as well as showing courage and the desire for adventure at the “child” level.”
Evaluations California Reading Association
“A warm heart, a wonderful instructor . . .a hard worker, dedicated teacher and outstanding and generous with her comments . . . Best teacher I’ve had at UCLA . . . Ann Paul is a gem. She is the embodiment of a children’s book writer: wise, charmed by life, reaching for excellence and loving children’s minds through her work . . . The instructor is excellent! (And I’ve had some bad ones so I know) . . . Ann was wonderful and warm. I could hardly wait to do the homework . . . Please ask her to teach again.”
UCLA student evaluations

  
     
 

For further information on presentations, fees and availability, please contact me at    ann@annwhitfordpaul.net.

 
 
 
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