Author Michele Torrey

Michele is a regular presenter at writers conferences, including the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the extension program for Children's Literature at the University of Washington.

“Thanks so much for all you did to make the conference such a success! I so appreciated all that you did to make participants feel special!!” – Judi Gardener, Coordinator, SCBWI Oregon Spring Conference

“Thanks so much for the terrific presentation. So thoughtful, well-prepared and presented. A nice gift of your expertise to an eager group of emerging writers . . . Great hands-on stuff.” – Brenda Z. Guiberson, Instructor, UW extension program on Children’s Literature.

“Very organized and clear, excellent handouts, information interesting – so good I want to line her up for a local SCBWI meeting.” – Meg Lippert, Chairperson, SCBWI WA

“She’s no fluff, just good solid info.” – Attendee, Write on the Sound, Edmonds, WA

“Very coherent, interesting, she knew her stuff.”

“Very well organized, great info, very personable and knowledgeable.” – Attendee, Write on the Sound, Edmonds, WA

“Great seminar, great handout, very explanatory, complete with examples which were in handout – good presentation – best one.” – Attendee, Write on the Sound, Edmonds, WA

“Great info, learned a lot and look forward to reviewing my own writing and inspired me to write more.” – Attendee, Write on the Sound, Edmonds, WA

“Very organized, helpful info, generous in answering questions, inspirational.” – Attendee, Write on the Sound, Edmonds, WA

“Good animation, info, really great class.” – Attendee, Write on the Sound, Edmonds, WA

“Excellent, a tough topic but she did it well.” – Attendee, Write on the Sound, Edmonds, WA

ONE HOUR FIFTEEN MINUTE PROGRAMS:
Child’s Play?: Writing for children is particularly demanding, and is certainly not “less than” writing for adults. Marketability, audience, do’s & don’t’s—these are just some of the aspects that will be explored in this workshop aimed at those who want to try their hand at writing for children.

Everything You Thought You Knew About Point-of-View and More: From the outer limits to deep penetration, understanding POV can mean the difference between a story that sizzles and a literary mishmash. Learn the secrets of this complex foundational skill.

The Pleasures and Pitfalls of Writing Historical Fiction: The road to writing believable and engaging historical fiction can be tricky and filled with pitfalls. Learn to recognize and avoid the pitfalls, and to instead experience the pleasures—from generating an abundance of ideas, to conducting accurate research, to creating memorable characters, setting, and story.

Researching the Novel: Whether your novel is historical or contemporary, solid research is vital. Learn the basics of research including: how to find what you’re looking for, how to file your research so it’s accessible when you need it, and how to enrich your story with research tidbits.

To Market, To Market: Successfully marketing your manuscripts without an agent is an amazing feat that can be accomplished! Learn from an author who successfully marketed eight of her books to such publishers as Penguin/Putnam and Random House. You’ll learn the secrets of creating top-notch cover letters, query letters and proposals, plus how to stay organized, deal with rejections, and get your manuscript out of the slush pile.

Writing That Sizzles: Does your writing bore even you? Do you want to keep your readers turning the page, but don’t know how? Learn the secrets of creating an under-the-covers-with-a-flashlight page-turner.

THREE HOUR WORKSHOPS:
So, You Think You Want to Write for Children? Have you always wanted to write for children? Do you have an idea for a children’s story but don’t know how to get started? Writing for children is not easy, and is certainly not “less than” writing for adults. Explore the craft, the publishing aspects, and the realities of writing for children, with an emphasis on chapter books through young adult novels. Bring plenty of sharpened pencils, your notebook, your favorite book as a child, and your imagination. (NOTE: Though the emphasis will be on chapter books through YA, certain aspects of the picture book industry will also be explored. Fiction only.)

Children’s Book Critique: (Chapter-Books to Young Adult) -- Is your children’s book manuscript sounding flat as the ink itself? Is there something wrong with your manuscript, but you don’t know what, much less how to fix it? Or do you simply want to hone your masterpiece? Whatever the reasons, come join this intimate children’s book critique where participants learn the do’s and don’ts of fiction critique, along with the elements of writing for children—characterization, plot, pacing, dialogue, and more, using submitted manuscripts as the basis of discussion. [Participant number limited to eight.]

Negotiable. Please contact me.