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.
Click here to invite Michele to speak at your event
Michele is a regular presenter and speaker at literary events, including:
- Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Seattle, WA
- Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
- University of Washington, Extension Program for Children’s Literature, Seattle, WA
- Write on the Sound, Edmonds, WA
- Romance Writers of America, Silverdale, WA
- Write on the Beach, Ocean Shores, WA
- Timberland Library All-Staff Training Day, Olympia WA
- Washington Organization for Reading Development, Puyallup, WA
- Numerous Libraries
- Numerous Elementary and Middle Schools (Click here for information on school visits)
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 Gardener, 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
“Wowie – Zowie! . . . Thank you for an excellent, informative talk!” – Rebecca, SCBWI Bellingham, WA
“She’s no fluff, just good solid info.” – Attendee, Write on the Sound, Edmonds, WA
“Thank you so much for bringing your fine message to our Research Club Tea. You were a huge hit and the ladies are still chatting about our local notable.” – Rick, President, Ladies’ Research Club Tea Society, Raymond, WA
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Keynote Addresses
Keynote addresses are individually tailored to meet the needs of the audience and to fulfill the expectations of program coordinators. Contact Michele for more specific information.
Sample Programs and Workshops
FIFTY-MINUTE PROGRAMS:
The Inside Scoop: An Author Tells All: In a lively presentation complete with slideshow and show-n-tell, author Michele Torrey will share about how she generates ideas, her writing process, and some surprising tidbits she unearthed while conducting research.
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’ts – 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.
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.
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.
Savvy Conferencing: The Ins and Outs & Dos and Don’ts of Marketing Yourself at a Writing Conference: Not sure what to expect at a writing and illustrating conference, or how best to pitch your work to an editor or agent? This session will provide you with the savvy you need to market yourself effectively at conferences. Learn the etiquette and tips for pitching your manuscript, networking, and following up.
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.
NINETY-MINUTE WORKSHOPS:
“Blah, Blah, Blah” – How to Beat the Dialogue Doldrums: Is your writing suffering from the dialogue doldrums? You know-stilted, boring dialogue that sounds like its being spoken by cardboard character cutouts? May it suffer no longer! In this hands-on, interactive workshop, participants learn how to create great dialogue using “tricks of the trade,” from dialogue tags to character voice, including a list of do’s and don’ts. Participants will study dialogue examples plus write a few of their own.
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 pre-submitted manuscripts as the basis of discussion. (Participant number limited to eight.)
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. (Expanded from 75-minute program to include writing workshop and feedback.)
Fees
Negotiable.
