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Presentations by Jan Seale


General Information

Suggested venues: universities, schools, cultural centers, libraries, clubs, senior centers, conference centers, churches, bookstores, festivals, and poetry gatherings.
Terms: Negotiable. Basically, expenses for travel, lodging and food - with the possibility of sharing these with other entities in the same area or along the travel route; a small honorarium and/or opportunity for book signing; all-day workshops are $400-500.

Presentations

A Visit with Jan Seale, 2012 Texas Poet Laureate

Some autobiographical and poetry commentary along with a reading of poems, or a combination of poetry and short prose. Subjects may be of a general nature at the discretion of the poet, or requested on a particular theme, such as writings about parenting, the writing life, nature, women's lives, spirituality, or children's interests. Presentations are geared to the audience and age-appropriate. Question and answer session and book signing if desired. 1/2 hour, 1 hour, and 1 1/2 hours)

The Joy of Writing Poetry

A new idea, a persistent rhythm, or an original refrain may be the beginning of a poem. Poetry writing can be enjoyed by anyone who has a yin to shape words into this form that's as old as humankind. Elements in this presentation may include techniques for writing narrative poems, writing naming poems, writing poems of wit and humor, shaping the beginnings and ends of poems, and working with metaphors. (1-3 hours or 1-day workshop)

Writing for Pleasure

You may be your own best therapist. "Writing for Pleasure" is for people who enjoy writing and want to explore the powerful effects of getting their thoughts on paper. Stressing process rather than product, "Writing for Pleasure" shows you how writing is a natural outgrowth of your mind's activity, and how writing can actually help you think better. A bevy of suggestions - from finding subjects to write about, to modifying ideas, to keeping yourself motivated - will equip you to make writing a lifelong joy. (1-hour overview or 1/2-day workshop)

Real Life to Real Stories

This presentation helps you discover how to use the elements of ordinary existence to your writing advantage. Whether you want to stay close to the truth, or use your personal experience as a launching pad for a piece of fiction or a poem, real life material needs the touch of art. Choosing the right medium, learning to pace, plot, show emphasis, use dialog, and find the theme will help you move "just the facts" into the realm of art. (1-day workshop)

Writing Your Life Story

With many years of teaching this subject, the instructor can help you with basic structuring, what to include, and what pitfalls to sidestep. Many writing tips can be applied immediately to capture reader interest and enhance your story. Writing one's memoirs not only blesses your family and acquaintances but leads you to new discoveries about the meaning of your life. (1-hour overview or 1-day workshop)

Preserving Family Stories

Whether you want to write a book-length account, or just tell a few good stories, there are skills you can gain to create a precious record out of your family's lore. Want to capture on paper the personality of an eccentric aunt, the influence of a loving grandparent, the amusing childhood of a son or daughter? Perhaps it's the passages of your family - holidays, moves, setbacks, miracles, disasters, serendipities - that beg to be preserved. (1-hour overview or 1-day workshop)

Journaling

Louis Rubin said, "Writing is a way of knowing, and those who do so do it to find out what they know." Whether you want to write for a wider world or simply keep up with your own mind and heart by journaling, here's a chance to explore the process. Come get inspired to keep a general journal, or a specific one about such things as dreams, parenting, travels, or hobbies. A journal may serve you as psychologist, exercise trainer, and friend. (1-hour overview or 2-hour workshop)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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