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PRESENTATIONS

I love to present at schools (grades 4-8), libraries, homeschool groups, and book clubs (tween or adult). All presentations can be tailored to your group's needs. Some choices:

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  • “The Story Behind the Story”—Introduces kids to the fascinating true story that inspired Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt. Ideal for students learning about 19th-century America, the presentation includes plenty of archival photos. I also cover my journey from “lightbulb moment” to published book. The presentation is highly interactive and includes time for Q &A.

  • “So You Want to be an Author”—A lightning tour of the book-writing and publication process, from finding your "what-if" to developing a character, to research and revising. Highly interactive with time for Q and A.

  • "How to Plot and Plan your Story"--Offers practical tips on how to structure a book or story. Includes: what's the problem? what are the obstacles? what's the "oh no!" moment? and more. Includes a handout with fun exercises. 

  • "Writing Scenes that Sing”—Offers practical tips for writing engaging scenes. Covers how to implement the classic advice, “Show, Don’t Tell” by using active verbs, specific details, etc.  Also covers how to write the most difficult scene of your story or book: the first one! Includes a handout with fun exercises.

  • Book club discussion: I use my experience as a certified English/language arts teacher as we discuss things like themes, symbolism, character development, and historical context in Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt. There’s also plenty of time for student questions and their own reflections on the reading experience. I OFFER BOOK CLUB DISCUSSIONS FOR NO COST AFTER THE PURCHASE OF AT LEAST 10 BOOKS.

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Please contact me for prices and details: 

Click here for a Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt educators' guide: 

Click here for a Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt book club discussion guide: 

Recent presentations and workshops:

  • Bernardsville Public Library

  • Bernards Township Public Library

  • Classical Conversations of Green Pond

  • Hunterdon County Libraries

  • Thomas More Prep, Hays, Kansas

   

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Kathleen's Wilford's "So you Want to Be an Author" series was wonderful. Kathleen is a well prepared presenter who kept the children engaged with writing prompts that got their creative juices flowing and provided many ideas for writing their own stories beyond the program.”

Ellen Ryan

Children's Services Supervisor

Bernards Township Library

The tweens at our program enjoyed learning about the ins and outs of the writing process from a published author! Kathleen's presentation was very helpful and allowed the children in the group to learn about the skills they'll need to develop characters and plots in their own writing. The children in the group were able to work on the ideas for stories that they brought to the program and were able to get feedback both from their peers and from Kathleen, which was beneficial for developing their skills as young writers.”

Rachael O’Dell

Hunterdon County Library System

Kathleen did a wonderful job of engaging our students and helping explain and excite them about the writing process. She also helped share a strong message of the importance of reading and how reading is one of the best ways to become a good writer; I loved how she explained the connection!

Brenda Rose

6th grade ELA

Thomas More Prep, Hays, Kansas

At the National Book Festival in D.C.

I loved meeting kids in Kansas!

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