What is Writers in the Schools (WITS)?
“Writers In The Schools (WITS) is the most public educational outreach program of the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS), bringing award-winning Nova Scotian authors into elementary and secondary schools to provide presentations, workshops, and readings for students of every grade. The program encourages students’ enjoyment of reading and writing and engages them in the development of literacy skills.” (from the WFNS website)
What’s your involvement with Writers in the Schools?
I’ve been a proud participant in the WITS program for over 15 years, and I’ve visited dozens of classrooms around Cape Breton and eastern Nova Scotia. I’ve had such fun and meaningful engagements with students and educators in that time that I dedicated my book of short stories for younger readers, Beacon and Other Stories, to them!
What does a WITS visit with you look like?
For Grades P-3, we might do an interactive visual presentation on storytelling or how books come into being. This usually includes a brief storytelling session or reading. For older students, we’ll do some interactive idea brainstorming, character creation, descriptive writing, or other writing exercises. My talks usually revolve around at least one of the following topics: how to build interesting stories and characters; creating vibrant backdrops for stories; exploring the stages of writing as they apply to both students and professional writers; and other topics around writing speculative fiction and poetry.
How do I book a WITS visit for my school or classroom?
The booking guide and all the information you’ll need can be found right here.
Be sure to click my profile and add me to your cart! And check out some of the many other wonderful Nova Scotia authors who might visit your school.
