Writing workshops for kids of any age
2022-2023 Menu of Workshop for Kids and Adults Currently All on ZOOM
Please click the LET’S TALK button in upper right corner to find out more)
WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS (Ages 8 and up)
Group Workshop
Writing becomes a fun and exciting event, something the kids all look forward to each week. Group workshops have the added benefit of socializing and seeing how other young writers work. The kids inspire each other, and everyone loves hearing a dramatic reading of their work. I provide a LOT of encouragement and praise for what they are doing right, and as I gain their trust, I begin to slip in gentle notes for improvement.
Workshop level: Writers are grouped according to age and writing level.
Workshop time: 60 minutes once a week. Outside-class writing is encouraged!
Private Workshop
Some students prefer private sessions, and in these I use a guided writing method in which I help them plan a story and then model strategies and offer craft suggestions as they write in real time in a shared document. My teaching is customized to each student -- strategies may include writing games to help them learn structure, punctuation, and other standard English conventions, as well as graphic novel software, movie clips, classic literature, and sometimes just a goofy hat and a dance!
Workshop level: All.
Workshop time: 30 or 60 minutes once a week. Outside-class writing is encouraged!
WORKSHOPS FOR TEENS
COLLEGE ESSAY GUIDANCE
They come to me in tears, they leave with huge grins—and a skill set that will serve them for life. Our brains are wired for stories, and there is nothing like a good one to help you achieve your goals, whether it is college acceptance, landing that first job, selling a widget, or changing national policy!
Workshop level: All.
Workshop time: Varies, according to need and application submission deadlines.
WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S BOOK IN 6 WEEKS!
Writing for children is not quite the same as writing for adults. Sure, there are obvious similarities, but writing for children is a unique honor. Of course, it is super fun to create cats that fly and toddlers who moonlight as mad scientists, but it's also deeply impactful. Think back to when you were a kid. Most likely, you were obsessed with the hero of a book, and you loved that book because it was hilarious, or thrilling, or made you feel as though you weren’t a weirdo living on the wrong planet. Maybe it taught you things you didn’t realize were possible. Maybe it even helped you survive. Human brains are wired for story, and story is the path to comfort and change.
In this workshop, you will learn how to create narratives that both inspire and delight today's impressionable young minds. Among other things, you'll learn the 5 Must Haves: memorable characters, unique voice, strong plot, deep emotion, and a big idea.
Workshop level: Beginners. Best for non-writers/writers new to the children's literature genre OR artists who want to add text to their illustrations.
Workshop time: We meet once per week for 90 minutes. Outside-class writing time is optional, but suggested if you want to keep up with assignments.
Though this class is introductory, the pace will be fast as we wrap our heads around some general children’s-writing rules, learn from mentor texts and student work, write from prompts as needed, then workshop a draft of a 500–1500-word picture book or early reader (or one chapter of a middle grade novel). The final class will explain how to find the best agent for you and detailed instruction on how to write a query letter that will sell your story as an absolutely irresistible read!
All manuscripts and query letters will receive detailed feedback (even if you do not submit work during class, you have a credit for at least one draft and one query letter’s worth of promised comments until the end of time, barring any environmental disasters, acts of supreme beings, bed bugs, you get the idea).
Handouts will be given each week, so you don’t need to go crazy with notetaking. Short make-up sessions will be offered when possible if you are unable to attend each class. Workshops may be recorded in some circumstances as needed.
Talking story is my happy place and this workshop will be jam-packed and full of passion. I give each student a ton of customized instruction, market advice, and endless nagging…er…encouragement!
In the words of a current student: “I’m having a blast!”
Children’s Book Manuscript Workshop
Two writers will submit each week (either a picture book draft or a chapter of an early reader, chapter book, or middle grade novel) and we will discuss in workshop feedback format, with potential mini author craft tips and tricks thrown in as appropriate. As usual, I send written comments and everyone will have the chance to submit twice within the scope of the workshop.
Workshop level: Intermediate through Advanced. This workshop is for writers who have taken the Beginning level workshop or have similar experience.
Workshop time: Workshops meet either 6 or 8 weeks for 90 minutes per week. Outside-class writing and reading/commenting time required.
Agent Search and Query Letter Workshop
Ready to submit your story? Then it’s time to put on your marketing suit and tie! Or at least some sweat pants! Query letters are your “first date,” with agents and publishers, and you want to show up with all your razzmatazz and teeth that are spinach-free! This workshop will provide tools for finding the best agent for you, and we will also do in-class writing and revising of query letters.
Workshop level: All. Best for writers who have polished work to submit and are seeking representation or publication.
Workshop time: 60 minutes once a week for 4 weeks. Some outside research and writing may be needed.
Private Consults
I am currently working solely with writers creating children’s books. Please reach out to see if I can be a good fit for your project.
Workshop level: All.
Workshop time: Generally, my one-on-one sessions are 60 minutes on Zoom and I provide detailed written feedback on one picture book or early reader, or one chapter of a longer work.
About me: I have been writing ever since I could hold a pencil. I have published hundreds of children's books and online stories for major educational publishers like Scholastic, IXL, and McGraw Hill. But even professional writers face thorny writing problems, and sometimes it just means being brave enough to start over. After I finished my first novel, JUST LIKE BEAUTY, I realized I hadn't told it in the right voice. I literally threw all 422 pages in the fireplace, tearily watched it burn, and began anew. One year later, I sold the manuscript to Farrar, Straus & Giroux and it became a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. 19 years later, it has become a movie shooting in 2022, produced by Lars Von Trier and Patriot Pictures. When I’m not mud-wrestling characters into plots or helping others mud-wrestle characters into plots of their own, I’m writing stories and textbooks for English teachers. At this point, I’ve written so many lessons about how to teach writing, I can now do that in my sleep. With almost no snoring!
Currently, all writing workshops are on Zoom. Please reach out for current rates, and I always try to offer a pay-what-you-can option for those in need. Note: I give full refunds up to one week before workshop starts and if you cancel after that, I always give a credit for either private sessions or another workshop. I aim to please 🤓 Another Note for adult workshop participants: I spend many hours outside class thinking about and giving comments to student manuscripts, so I cannot guarantee that I have time to do that for scholarship students if class is full. BUT -- scholarship students have access to all craft talks and handouts and I will do my best to give comments to everyone!)
Testimonials
“Writing IS magic with Lisa — a gifted, generous teacher.”
“Lisa’s writing class was so fun and I learned so much! When I first started the class, I wasn’t really that comfortable sharing my writing with others. But now, months after I took my first class with her, I’m much more willing to share and am open to constructive criticism and feedback (Which I never would’ve imagined). She is such a funny, open, fun person and a great writing teacher! I look forward to my sessions every week and after I leave the zoom room, I’m always so pumped and happy. On Fridays, the first thing my family and I discuss at dinner is what I did in the writer’s workshop this week. Lisa’s classes are very educational and eye-opening, but at the same time, never lost that spark of fun! I had such a good time in the writer’s workshop zoom room and I look forward to hopefully getting to take more classes with Lisa again soon!”
“My daughter looks forward to Writer’s Workshop more than any other after-school activity (except maybe movie + ice cream night). She’s learning to think about and follow story logic; revise; and develop and demonstrate character in her writing, all while having a rollicking great time every week. I love seeing how engaged and delighted she is during the workshops!”
“Lisa is a way-shower.”
“Lisa’s gentle touch and sharp insights were exactly what my writing project needed to get to the next level. A brilliant writer and editor, Lisa will go the extra mile for her clients.”
“I took “How to Write a Children’s Book” with Lisa Lerner and learned so much! She is an incredible teacher who is very experienced, lively, and really gets children and what makes a great children’s book. She provided great examples, excellent handouts that were clear and useful, and gave detailed feedback. She’s obviously a great children’s book editor and writer. I had never delved into this genre before and give her a humongous, ginormous, fabulicious thumbs up!”
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Lisa provided me with invaluable help in writing my college essays. She took my “diamonds in the rough” and turned them into high quality essays. Thanks to Lisa’s help, I was accepted to Cornell University, University of Wisconsin - Madison, University of Washington - Seattle, UC San Diego, and the University of Colorado - Boulder. Lisa can make all the difference!”
“I will be attending my dream school UPenn in the fall! Thank you so much for helping me find my writing voice again. It really means the world to me. ”
“When I started writing my personal statement, I didn’t know how to go about it at all. With Lisa’s personalized guidance through every step of the process, I was able to write a personal and striking essay that I think was instrumental to my success in college admissions.”
“We’ve loved having Lisa as our son’s writing teacher. She includes so many different kinds of writing prompts and activities, and has really helped our child to develop their author’s voice over the past year. Wednesday afternoons are the highlight of my son’s week!
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“I like the way she gives suggestions to make my writing better, and the way she shared my writing with the rest of the class, so they can give suggestions, too!
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“I’ve also enjoyed your teaching for the past few years. You’ve been a VERY good teacher. From your funny jokes all the way to punctuation and editing, you have given me more than enough confidence to help me improve my writing.
With many thanks,
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“Lisa ACTUALLY TAUGHT us something — nothing “clever,” no “tricks,” just a real solid approach to writing — and she gave us thoughtful feedback on our work. From my experience, this is a rare occurrence in continuing education.”
“My daughter has been writing with Lisa for about a year now and Lisa has piqued her interest and kept her excited about writing. She started in a workshop with 4 or 5 other kids and they have maintained a majority of the same students renewing now 3 or 4 times because they just don’t want Writing is Magic with Lisa to ever end!”
“Lisa Lerner infuses her children’s book writing course with her humor, warmth and vast knowledge of the writing process, the audience and the market. Her passion for the subject shines brightly—even over Zoom! The course was fun, full of useful information and clear, personalized encouragement and feedback. In all, I learned a ton and highly recommend this course!”
“Lisa’s support and encouragement was incredibly helpful to my son as he crafted his personal statement, and he was able to channel that momentum to write numerous additional essays for college admissions and scholarships. From a parent’s perspective, I found Lisa to be responsive, caring, conscientious, and delightful to work with. I highly recommend her!”
“The class exceeded my expectations. You covered so much, so specifically and provided such personal and insightful feedback - definitely the best writing class I’ve ever taken.”
“No matter what kind of story you write, Lisa is super excited about it. She always has good things to say about your writing.”
“Lisa helped me navigate the structure of children’s books and gave me essential tools for my writing future.”
“I particularly appreciated how Lisa tailored the class to meet the needs of the participants. Lisa came prepared to address whatever issue she found in the drafts she read each week. It felt relevant and informative.”
“It was impressive how much Lisa was able to “grok” the book’s strengths and challenges just from reading a synopsis. I got as much value out of our conversation as having a developmental editor read the whole manuscript. Perceptive critical eye!”
“Lisa Lerner is not only a deft and versatile writer, but she is a crack editor, able to get to the heart of narrative issues with speed and ease. As a reader she is diligent, incisive, and empathic. As a bonus, she came up with a brilliant subtitle for my book Inventing Niagara after dozens had been floated and sunk. And she’s fun to work with!”
“Lisa is a very special teacher. Not only are her lessons fun and interesting, she cares about her students and develops them as writers even from a young age. From their first week, my boys were inspired to write a novel and their love of this creative process continues to develop through their lessons with her. She is such a blessing to our family!!!”