Pamela Hickman

Readings

I begin my discussion with my motivation for writing non-fiction nature books, what is involved in finding my information and how I (and they) can go about gathering facts through exploration outside. I’ll read from one of my short books and discuss some of the extraordinary features of seemingly ordinary creatures. I will use a variety of examples of my own writing to illustrate some of the techniques I use to take writing non-fiction from a fact finding exercise into a creative, educational and entertaining form of writing.

Following that, I’ll show the students some special natural objects and then demonstrate how they can make a series of simple "gadgets" for outdoor exploration. If there’s time, I have a fun game to play, and I like to end with some questions from the students. If teachers would like a more in-depth review of the process of writing, editing and book production, that can be pre-arranged.

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed, if appropriate.

Workshops

I begin my discussion with my motivation for writing non-fiction nature books, what is involved in finding my information and how I (and they) can go about gathering facts through exploration outside. I will use a variety of examples of my own writing to illustrate some of the techniques I use to take writing non-fiction from a fact finding exercise into a creative, educational and entertaining form of writing. I will bring files of hard copies of photographs of different creatures and students will do a variety of writing exercises based on the photograph of their choice. We’ll share some writing on a voluntary basis. We’ll play a simple game that combines nature, senses and language and follow up with questions.

Special Equipment:

Chart paper and markers. Some basic reference materials on animals would be useful.

Book Sales:

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

Biography

Pamela Hickman was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. She holds an Honours Bachelor degree in Environmental Studies and Biology from the University of Waterloo. She was the Education Co-ordinator for the Federation of Ontario Naturalists for 7 years. During that period, Pamela wrote several education kits and other natural history material for children. In 1989, Pamela began a freelance writing career and has published over 32 books to date. She moved to Canning, Nova Scotia with her husband and three daughters in 1992. Pamela divides her time between her writing, family and volunteer work in her community.

Pamela won the 1995 Lilla Sterling Memorial Award, the 2007 Green Award for Sustainable Literacy (City of Santa Monica), and has been shortlisted for the Red Cedar, Silver Birch, Hackmatack and Ann Connor Brimer awards.

OTHER PRESENTATIONS:
My session will address writing non-fiction, with specific reference, but not exclusively, to natural history. I will discuss the purpose of non-fiction, the process and the many ways of approaching it in a creative and fun way. I will read from some of my own work, and some from others, to illustrate a variety of techniques and approaches to non-fiction. Non-fiction is fun!