Catherine Rondina

Readings

Catherine is always thrilled to host author visits in schools, libraries and community centres. Her enthusiastic approach to reading and writing make for high-energy, fun-filled events. Topics often include Catherine’s latest book, the craft of writing, the world of publishing or the latest “hot” genre in the media.

*These speaking engagements run on average from 1 hour to 1 ½ hours.

*Each session provides the writers with time for instruction, discussion and creative writing opportunities.

Book Sales:

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

Workshops

Catherine’s high-energy workshops involve everyone in the audience, ensuring an inspiring experience for all. Her over 19 years of experience as both a writer and a researcher give her presentations a unique edge. Catherine’s vast knowledge and work in the Canadian and U.S. educational market has allowed her to develop a keen insight into working with children of all ages. Whether talking to a group of aspiring young writers or an audience of elementary school children, Catherine’s sure to entertain and educate.

The Good Idea Workshop
This unique workshop focuses on helping young authors develop their skills as both writers and researchers. With the use of Catherine’s specially designed workbook, participants are taken through the entire writing process. Writers learn about developing a “good idea,” writing for a particular genre, specialty markets, and the world of publishing. With an emphasis on non-fiction writing, budding authors are taught how to develop a “good idea,” research it, write and revise it for publication. The program also includes an interesting look at evaluating what genre your writing talents are best suited for.

The program explores key questions many emerging writers ask:

• Can anyone be a writer?
• Where do ideas come from?
• How do you choose a topic to write about?
• Where do you find information from to write a book or an article?
• How long does it take to write a book?
• How do I get started?
• Who will read my work?

* Individual workbook provided for each participant
* Program runs on a 1 ½ hour to 2 hour basis.

The Internet–Friend or Foe?
Based on Catherine’s 2008 book, The 10 Worst Things About the Internet for Rubicon/Scholastic, this informative workshop takes a surprisingly, revealing look at the World Wide Web. Participants are lead through a series of eye-opening scenarios about what some call the greatest invention of modern society. But at what cost to the Web user? This program challenges participants to take a closer look at the Internet and how to use it wisely.

* Individual workbook provided for each participant
* Program runs on a 1 ½ hour to 2 hour basis.

The Conflict Resolution Workshop
Developed as part of the on-going issue of conflict and children, this workshop was designed by Catherine to help kids find some answers. Based on the highly successful “Deal With It” series, published by James Lorimer & Company, which include three titles written by Catherine: Gossip; Deal With It Before Word Gets Around, Rudeness; Deal With It If You Please, Lying; Deal With It Straight Up, this workshop gives kids a chance to work at solving issues that they often face on a daily basis. Through a series of specially devised segments, participants are taught how to “Deal With” different types of conflict in their everyday lives.

* Individual workbook provided for each participant
* Program runs on a 1 ½ hour to 2 hour basis.

Finding the Poet Within
Get your creative juices flowing in this unique, original poetry workshop. Author, Catherine Rondina invites poets to bring their imaginations and let the words take flight. By using Catherine’s distinctive style of finding your own creative voice, this workshop offers poets the perfect atmosphere to brainstorm, explore and create the ideal piece of poetry.

* Individual work sheets provided for each participant
* Program runs on a 1 ½ hour to 2 hour basis.

Stories Through Storyboards–“The Graphic Novel”
Do you enjoy graphic novels? Write your own after learning the technique of storyboards with author Catherine Rondina. Participants are shown the history of the graphic novel and how it has transcended into one of today’s most popular genre for readers of all ages. Writers take a step-by-step look at the process of being the author, illustrator in the process of visual story telling.

* Individual work sheets provided for each participants
* Program runs on a 1 ½ hour to 2 hour basis.

Book Sales:

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

Other Presentations

Catherine is also available for: Young Writers Workshops/Courses; Reading Clubs; Adult and children's literacy programs; non-fiction writing for children.

Biography

Catherine Rondina is a freelance writer, researcher with over 1,700 published articles to her credit. Born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1960, she grew up in a household of avid readers so it seemed only natural for Catherine to take her love of books, reading, and writing with her throughout her life.

She has spent over twenty-three years working with the Toronto Public Library in many different facets from children and young adult services to literacy and film. She began her writing career in the late 1980's in the magazine and newspaper trade. Her work has appeared in publications such as The Toronto Star, Canadian Living, Cottage Life and The Toronto Sun.

Catherine currently writes monthly columns for Good Times, City Parent and Post City Magazines. Her writing for children, from grades 3 to 12, has been published by Nelson Education Ltd., Pearson Education Canada, Prentice Hall Ginn, Gage Educational Publishing and Owl Communications, including two educational workbooks for Nelson Literacy, Literacy Power A and Literacy Power G.

Catherine has also published three children's books for James Lorimer & Company, Lying: Deal With It Straight Up! (2006), Rudeness: Deal With It If You Please (2005)and Gossip: Deal With It Before Word Gets Around (2004).

At present she is teaching Writing Non-fiction for Children at George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario. Catherine lives in Richmond Hill, Ontario with her husband and three children.