Bonnie Farmer

Readings

For each book, I discuss how I started writing. I show examples of rough drafts of the books, rejection letters, dummy copies, etc. I also discuss, according the level of the audience, the process of publishing the book, and the book’s physical characteristics (how the book is divided into multiples of 8; hardcover versus softcover or paperback; the dedication page, etc). After the reading, I answer questions from the audience. For each book, I bring props such as dreamcatchers and an alphabet quilt, which I pass around to the audience for a ‘hands on’ experience.

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed.

Workshops

Isaac’s Dreamcatcher Workshop: I start by a reading Isaac’s Dreamcatcher, I discuss the dreamcatcher legend using puppets, which is followed by a demonstration on how to make a dreamcatcher. The children then make their own dreamcatchers with the materials supplied.

ABC Letters in the Library Workshop: After reading the book, I discuss other places for which you can write an alphabet (cafeteria, gymnasium, playground, etc), let the children choose one, and then, with the children’s participation, generate a new alphabet using the chart paper and markers. Then, I distribute paper and crayons and children choose one of the alphabet words to illustrate. Once the pictures are completed, they are stapled together to make a classroom book. If this workshop takes place in a library, the pictures are mounted on individual backing paper to make a frame and the child can take his/her own picture home, or, if permitted, can be displayed in the library.

Special Equipment:

For Isaac’s Dreamcatcher, I require art supplies: pipecleaners, feathers, string, beads, glue, scissors, etc. However, if the school/library cannot supply these, I’m willing to bring them myself provided I’m reimbursed in my workshop fee for these materials. For ABC Letters in the Library, I require an easel and chart paper and construction or drawing paper, markers and crayons. Again, if necessary, I can supply the paper, markers and crayons. The easel should be provided or at least a blackboard or wall space for mounting the chart paper.

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed.

Biography

I am an elementary school teacher, a children’s author, and a playwright living in Dorval, Quebec. My latest children’s book, ABC Letters in the Library, was a Canadian Children’s Book Centre Our Choice selection and is distributed in Canada, the US, and the UK.

Over the past 6 years, I have lectured about the writing process to children and grownups. In May of 2007, I was invited to speak to teachers at the annual Springboards Conference in Montreal about how to motivate children to write their own books and stories.

I wrote, directed and starred in my first play in Grade 7, which my teacher was kind enough to videotape. My first books were written in high school, in Hilroy exercise books. I enjoy scrapbooking, sewing, and, of course, making dreamcatchers.

OTHER PRESENTATIONS:
I am available for panel discussions and solo presentations on writing for children.