Ever since her teacher, Mrs. Schardt, read one of her poems to the
entire third grade, Jeanie Franz Ransom knew she wanted to be a
writer. When she was seventeen, Jeanie sold her first story to
Seventeen magazine. Since then, she's been an advertising copywriter, an
editor and writer at a bed-and-breakfast travel magazine, and a
freelance writer for numerous regional and national magazines. Along the
way, she earned a master's degree in counseling and worked as an
elementary school counselor.
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Jeanie started writing for children when she had children. She now has
five picture books: What REALLY Happened to Humpty?, What Do Parents Do?
(When You're Not Home), Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal: A Tale of
Tattletales, Grandma U, and I Don't Want to Talk About It: A Story About
Divorce for Young Children. Jeanie's books have received starred
reviews and awards, and three have been translated into foreign
languages.
Jeanie enjoys speaking at schools and libraries, and her combined
author/school counselor experience makes her a qualified speaker who
knows how to engage students and keep them interested. Jeanie's goal is
to get kids excited about writing, and to empower and encourage even the
most reluctant writer. She offers a variety of presentations and
small-group writing workshops for grades K-8, as well as presentations
for educators and other professionals.
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Presentations for Schools and Libraries
I Don't Have a Clue What to Write About!
Kids aren't the only ones who get stuck when faced with a blank page. Writers of all ages sometimes struggle to find something to write about. And just like kids, adult writers often have to complete assignments on a deadline. During this presentation, students will put on their sleuthing hats and investigate two great ways to come up with ideas -- then brainstorm some possible story scenarios. Especially good for young or reluctant writers.
Presentation Length: 45-60 minutes
Suggested Audience: 1st Grade and up
How a Book Becomes a Book: From Inspiration to Publication
It takes more than a writer to get a book published. This presentation takes a look at all the "characters" involved in bringing an author's idea to life -- as well as the different steps involved in the process. This program can be tailored to any size audience, from individual classrooms to assemblies. Also good for evening events, such as PTA/PTO meetings, literacy night, book fairs, etc.
Presentation Length: 45-60 minutes
Suggested Audience: K and up
Classroom or Grade-Level Workshops
The Magic of Three
The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the Three Billy Goats Gruff. The number three is an important element in children's literature, as well as an important tool for writers. So what’s behind this "magic of three"? Find out, as Jeanie shares different examples – as well as the formula for creating conflict, maintaining tension, and holding a reader’s interest. Once you know the secret, you'll find that writing a good story is just about as easy as well, one, two, three!
Presentation length: 45-60 minutes
Suggested audience: 4th grade and up
Creating Characters Readers Care About
Would you like to read a book about a perfect person that has no problems? Of course not! That's boring. So how can your students avoid the cardboard character when writing their stories? Jeanie will share two techniques to help students create characters readers will care about. Reproducible handouts provided.
Presentation length: 60 minutes
Suggested audience: 4th grade and up
The Case of the Boring Beginning
How do you hook your readers right from the start of your story? Jeanie will share examples and discuss what works and what doesn’t, then show students five ways to give any story - fiction or non-fiction -- a strong start.
Presentation length: 60 minutes
Suggested audience: 5th grade and up
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Presentations for Professionals
Caring for Kids with Books
It's a challenge for anyone who works with kids to help guide and
support them in today's troubled times. Books are a non-threatening way
to introduce tough or tender --topics and open the lines of
communication. The right book in the right hands at the right time can
make the difference in the life of a child who may be feeling alone in
his or her situation. This presentation will take a look at
bibliotherapy, including the difference between niche books and trade
market books, a look at resources for a wide range of topics, and
real-life examples of how books can be used therapeutically, whether
working with an individual, or an entire classroom. Handouts are
included.
Presentation length: 60 minutes
Suggested audience: Educators, librarians, school counselors,
clergy,
mental-health professionals
The Path to Publication: One Writer's Story
So you want to write for children, but don't know where to start? You're
not alone! Jeanie shares what she's learned on her journey to
publication, from advertising writer to school counselor to children's
author. Learn how to plan your own journey, and what you need to pack in
your writer's suitcase. Handouts are included.
Presentation length: 60 minutes
Suggested audience: Educators, librarians, and anyone interested
in
writing for children.
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Writer-in-residence
Jeanie can spend anywhere from two
days to a week at your school, which offers an opportunity for more
in-depth writing instruction and experience. During a typical residency,
Jeanie leads classroom "mini" lessons on various writing topics, works
with students individually or in small groups, and facilitates critique
groups. Fees are based on Jeanie’s usual day rate, with travel expenses
if applicable.
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Fees
$350 half day, $600 full day, anywhere in the greater St. Louis, MO area, or within 75 miles.
Bookings outside the greater St. Louis area are always for a full day ($600) plus expenses, due to travel time.
Evening events (literacy nights, PTA/PTO meetings, book fairs, etc.): $200 unless booked in conjunction with a full-day school visit, in which case the fee is $150.
For more information, or to contact Jeanie about speaking at your school, library or conference, please visit her website:www.jeanieransom.com
or send her an email at jeanie@jeanieransom.com
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