Teaching & Appearances
In addition to readings and signing sessions at bookstores, I can provide a variety of programs for schools, libraries, and reading groups:
- Straightforward readings and ask-the-author sessions
- Presentations on aspects of writing
- Brainstorming sessions to create story ideas
- Classroom activities to build basic fiction-writing skills
- Multi-day residencies that cover the basic four Ps of fiction:
People, Place, Plot, and Purpose
- Co-teaching 8-week units in creative fiction writing
- Leading a writers workshop
I enjoy introducing young people to the excitement of storytelling through the written word. I also enjoy working with people of all ages who are seriously interested in learning to write fiction or who want to polish the skills they already have. My focus as a writer is fantasy literature, but the skills I teach apply to any genre.
In the classroom, I try to engage every student, using a lively question-and-response dialog mixed with group and solo exercises that give everyone a chance to write, read, speak up, and stretch their imaginations.
When leading adult groups, I enjoy a format where the participants actually have time to write, so I can work with them as teacher, mentor, editor, and literary critic.
As a co-teacher for longer time periods, I add a writers workshop section, where everyone gets to comment, but no one gets to abuse, where criticism includes not only critique, but also praise for the parts that work.
A cancer survivor of 20-plus years, I can also present an engaging and enlightening "lecture" on how humor helped save my life. The message is serious, but everyone gets a chance to share a favorite joke.
Please feel free to CONTACT ME at any time about fees, scheduling, and workshop ideas.
"Thank you again for coming and spending your time with us. I loved it!!!!!!!"
–elementary school student
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"More classroom time – this is where you excelled."
–fourth grade teacher
"The children were captivated, involved, and by the end of the session attached to their story."
–grade school reading teacher
"What I love about Dean's coaching is that he takes the least skilled writers just as seriously as the self-confident, committed ones. The students can feel this."
–high school teacher
"I like how he told us to be creative. He inspired me to add a lot into my writing."
–fifth grader
Carver in the Classroom
Thoughts from a teacher.
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