Presentations and Workshops

Adult Programs

Civil War Round Tables, Historical Societies, Museums

Too Afraid to Cry: Maryland Civilians and the Battle of Antietam

"Thank you for the outstanding presentation. The organization of the talk, along with the contents and slides, were extremely well received by all in attendance. I've talked to many of our group since the meeting and have received nothing but superlatives for your efforts. You made us think about the Civil War in a different manner than we have in the past, and it was most illuminating and broadening."

-- Northern Illinois CWRT

"You were superb!  Your visit was a tremendous success.  The wonderful presentation was appreciated by everyone."

-- Howell, Michigan CWRT

Wisconsin Women in the Civil War

This slide-illustrated program shows how the social, political, and family roles Wisconsin women played evolved during the four long years of war. This program features highlights of the 6-hour course taught at Carroll College's Civil War Institute, and has been presented at the Veteran's Museum in Madison, Wisconsin.

Classes

The Building Blocks of Children's Literature

What makes a children’s book memorable? What makes young readers (and editors!) eager to keep reading? Spend a week exploring the building blocks of great juvenile fiction, including characterization, plot, point of view, voice and distance, and description. We’ll discuss diverse examples of successful children’s and young adult literature, and discover specific techniques to develop skills. We’ll also critique participants’ work in an empowering and nurturing environment.   This workshop was developed for the UW-Extension's Write-By-The-Lake Retreat.  (Note:  I am not teaching at WBTL in 2008.)  A shorter version was also offered at the Middleton Public Library in 2007.

"Kathleen was excellent!  She has incredible critique skills:  she can find the good in any work, be encouraging, but still be constructive."

If there is one retreat or class you're going to take this year--take this one!

Kathleen was phenomenal.  She was thoughtful and extremely encouraging.  What a great resource and journey this week has become.

It's impossible to say (even for a writer!) how much I've gained from this week.

Outstanding!  Kathleen was very in touch with the needs of the students.  I give her an A+!

--Student Evaluations, Write-By-The-Lake-Retreats

Writing Into the Past: Writing Historical Fiction

This hands-on, interactive workshop helps anyone interested in writing historical fiction. Topics include an overview of research methods and sources, using artifacts and photographs to develop story ideas, characterization, and plotting. This program was developed for the University of Wisconsin-Extension Division of Continuing Studies, and is ideal for any writers' conference, or high school or college level writing class.

"Very informational and inspirational!"

"Kathleen Ernst takes the participant "beyond the obvious."  The program format she uses is an excellent mix of lecture, brief exercises, discussion, and Q&A.  Her handout materials are extremely useful. She provides loads of good information.  If I get my work published I'll have to credit her!  She has a very pleasing style of presentation, too."

"Makes research sound as much fun as the writing.  Good job!"

Writers' Retreats

Historical Fiction for Children & Young Adults

Creating historical fiction for young readers has unique challenges and rewards.  How do we balance modern sensibilities with period realities?  What are the ramifications of fictionalizing real people?  This workshop explores our choices, and offers specific strategies for creating historically accurate characters and plots that will satisfy modern kids.

"What a resource Kathleen offers!  She answered so many questions of mine without my having to ask, and gave such non-didactic insights on the writing of historical fiction--a real pleasure."

Revision

Kathleen's talk on re-visioning was most helpful.  I loved her examples from literature and the way she used them to make points and inspire.  I came home and dug immediately into my revision of a novel with new energy and excitement about it.

Attendee, SCBWI-WI Fall Retreat, 2004

OR...

Looking for a panelist or speaker?  Let me know what you need!

Educators' Conferences, Meetings

From Reader to Writer:  Making the Most of Historical Fiction

In addition to helping students gain insight into the past, a good period novel can also provide a model for their own personal exploration of historic people and events.  Intended for educators, this interactive session is about researching and writing historical fiction.  Learn how easy techniques for research and plotting can be applied in the media center and classroom.  In addition to addressing Wisconsin’s Model Academic Standards for Social Studies and Language Arts, these activities can help students develop an appreciation for the values identified in WDPI’s “Teaching Character Education Using Children’s Literature.”  Also supports national standards for social studies.  First presented at the Wisconsin Educational Media Association Conference.

OR...

Looking for a panelist or speaker?  Interested in a specialized teacher training session?  Let me know what you need!

Children's Programs

School Programs

Book Discussions

Historical Fiction Workshops

"Behind the Scenes" Presentations

I can provide programs for assemblies, and presentations or workshops for individual classrooms.  Click HERE for more detailed information on school visits.

"I enjoyed how the presentation brought to life the writing process for my students.  The presentation also made history truly come to life for many of my students."

--Mrs. T., 4th grade teacher

Library Programs

American Girl Events

These events focus on my American Girl mysteries about Kit, Josefina, and Kirsten.   I bring props and photos to pass around, and take-home craft and activity pages.

"Behind the Scenes" Presentations

I can provide slide- illustrated programs for families, writers, and children.

Book Discussions, Reading Programs

I facilitate an interactive discussion about researching, writing, and reading.

I'm also happy to do two programs, such as having an American Girl after-school event and an evening slide program aimed at a broader audience.

Bookstore Programs

Book/Writing Discussions

American Girl Events

I can provide engaging discussions and book-based activities for readers in second grade and up.  We won't have a signing, we'll have an event!

"Thank you so much for visiting our store last night and mesmerizing our young audiences and their parents.  As people checked out they raved about the program and thanked us for having you to our store.  Your visit created a lot of good will in the community."

--The Book Barn

To Arrange A Presentation

For more information, or to arrange a presentation, please contact me at 1-608-836-9218 Central US time zone (GMT -6) or via email at k.ernst@distaff.net