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Events & Workshops

Michele is a popular speaker and teacher whose life experiences and literary expertise inspire and educate audiences. Noted for her preparation, insight, and enthusiasm, Michele is equally at ease whether teaching a workshop for aspiring writers or speaking before an assembly of librarians and educators. She has been a guest on television and radio, including TV talk show “Being in Seattle,” radio talk show “Introspect Northwest,” and NW Cable News. She is available as a keynote speaker, program presenter, or as a workshop teacher.

 

Please contact her for more information.

Kudos and Comments

“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!! . . . Everyone loved you and learned so much.” – Judi G., Coordinator, SCBWI Oregon Spring Conference

“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

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

“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 G., Instructor, UW extension program on children’s literature.

Sample Presentations

The Query and Onward

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.

Navigating the Rewriting Road

Rewriting can be a confusing journey filled with potholes, blind corners, and foggy dead ends. This session will help you navigate the “Rewriting Road” by providing you with the necessary signposts to ensure you arrive safely at your destination – with a polished manuscript ready for submission.

Past Workshops, Conferences, and Retreats:

 

  • Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA) annual conferences -- Seattle WA

  • Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) workshops, retreats, and meetings -- Washington and Oregon chapters

  • Romance Writers of America (RWA) meeting -- Silverdale, WA

  • "Write on the Sound" Writers Conference -- Edmonds, WA

  • "Write on the Beach" Writers Conference -- Ocean Shores, WA

  • Whidbey Island Writers Conference -- Whidbey Island, WA

  • Washington Organization for Reading Development (WORD) -- Puyallup, WA

  • University of Washington extension program for children's literature -- Seattle, WA

  • Timerland Library All Staff Training Day -- Olympia, WA

  • Numerous libraries and bookstores

 

References and Curriculum Vitae available upon request.

Faculty presenters at the 2011 SCBWI Conference, Silver Falls Retreat Center, Oregon:

(L to R)

Karen Grencik, co-Founder of Red Fox Literary

Emma Dryden, Founder and President of Dryden Books

Michele Torrey, Author

Suz Blackaby, Author

Ellen Hopkins, Author

Michele Torrey meets interviewer Don Riggs for his program, "Introspect Northwest," KMPS Radio Station, Seattle WA

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