Simon Rose

Readings

For schools and libraries, I offer a wide variety of presentations for grades three to eight, but can work with grades one and two as well. I cover such topics as where ideas come from, story structure, editing and revision, character development, time travel stories, history and research, plus many other aspects of the writing and publishing world. I will present to around one hundred students at a time, although the smaller the audience the more participation from children, as a rule. We can also look at workshops with smaller groups or individual classes. I am very flexible and able to modify material in consultation with teachers and librarians.

For my Author in Residence program, I can be at your school for a week or longer. This allows me to cover certain topics in much more depth than would be possible during a regular author visit. We can also look at working with the students on a specific project. For example, I was the Author in Residence at Nellie McClung School in Calgary and worked with students on scriptwriting during the creation of the annual operetta.

For a list of available presentations, visit the Presentations and Workshops page on my website. However, please note that this list is by no means exhaustive and I am very flexible. I am always pleased to work with teachers and librarians to build a group of sessions best suited to your students.

Special Equipment:

Whiteboard or flipchart.

Book Sales:

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

Workshops

For my Author in Residence program, I can be at your school for a week or longer. This allows me to cover certain topics in much more depth than would be possible during a regular author visit. We can also look at working with the students on a specific project.

A week in residence can be designed however you would like, to best meet the needs of the students. Here's what a week could look like, based on a school where I spent five days working with students from grade one through seven. However, this is just an example and I am very happy to discuss your schools unique requirements with you.

K/1/2 Story Creation
This highly interactive workshop explores story structure relating to the creation of a well-defined beginning, middle and end. Students participate in creating a story in what is always a lively and fun filled session. Although this exercise is done as a group, afterwards students create their own illustrations to go with the story and expand on the narrative that we have crafted together. Some schools have added the children’s pictures to the story, as they create their own books and design covers for them. These have often been displayed in the classroom or sent home to parents.

Grade 3 Fantasy Realms and Creatures
We discuss the elements of fantasy and the many creatures and characters that inhabit the fantasy realm. Most students are very familiar with monsters and strange creatures from mythology, books and movies and really enjoy the workshop where they get to invent their own unique mythological creature along with its powers, enemies, diet, habitat and the fantasy kingdom where it lives.

Grade 4 Superheroes
The Emerald Curse involves a young boy who is propelled into a strange comic book dimension, to save his grandfather, the world's greatest comic book artist and writer. The novel was influenced by the comic books and superhero adventure stories I read whilst growing up. In these workshops, we explore the superhero genre, before students create their own superhero, complete with costumes, powers, secret identity, headquarters, friends, family and one or more archenemies. They are also encouraged to draw their creation and some may even write a short story.

Grade 5/6 Time Travel, Historical Fiction and Writing Strategies
These workshops look at where ideas come from and how writers turn them into stories. We examine how history has served as inspiration for authors and filmmakers and learn about the importance of historical research. Students will then invent their own time machine or device, paying attention to detail and to the need for authentic historical settings. We also explore how to write gripping fiction and cliffhanger endings.

The above scenario is merely a guideline as to what a week in residence could look like and I am very happy to discuss your school’s unique requirements with you.

Special Equipment:

Whiteboard or flipchart.

Book Sales:

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

Biography

Simon was born in Derbyshire, England. He graduated from university with a degree in history and has lived in Canada since 1990. He is also a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature of West Redding, CT. Simon and his two children, dog and cat live in Calgary, where he is active in the local community as a junior soccer coach,

Simon’s first novel for young readers, The Alchemist’s Portrait, was published in 2003 and The Sorcerer’s Letterbox followed in 2004. A third novel, The Clone Conspiracy, was published in 2005, followed by The Emerald Curse in 2006 and The Heretic’s Tomb in 2007.

Simon offers a wide variety of presentations, workshops and author in residence programs for schools, libraries and summer camps, along with a range of writing and editing services and is also available for children’s parties. Full details can be found at his website www.simon-rose.com.