Gretchen Woelfle

I love to talk with children about writing, books and using our imagination. I bring props, pictures, and lots of enthusiasm to schools and libraries. Here are some of the things I talk about.

• Jeannette Rankin: Political Pioneer: bringing a life to life. "Jeannette" -- Gretchen in disguise -- talks about Rankin's life and writing her biography.
What goes into a biography? What is left out? How do you find the facts and the theme for your subject? Where do you find illustrations?

o From the page to the stage: children join in a reader's theater and act out the adventures of Katje the Windmill Cat.
Learn how true events can blend with your own ideas to create historical fiction.

o Animal Music: Honk like a goose, and chatter like a chimp as we read Animal Families, Animal Friends, and learn how animals live together and help each other.
Then learn about all the friends an author needs to turn a story into a finished book.

o Travelling around the world and back through time: Where I get my ideas.
o Imagination, rejection, and not giving up: how a book comes to be.
o What's in a story? Every story has many elements. Any event can inspire many stories. We look at how only you can write your story.
This writing workshop shows you how to find your story.

I present different programs for different grade levels, but all involve student participation. Contact me for schedule and fees.


Teachers:
For classroom activities to accompany my new middle grade biography go to My Books, Jeannette Rankin: Political Pioneer.


What Kids Say About Gretchen Woelfle’s Programs

"We’ve had a lot of authors come and talk, but your visit was probably the most interesting so far."
Andrew

"I love to write and I do more because you came."
J.J.

"The story writing process really encouraged me to start writing stories. Be prepared for some e-mails because I might ask you if the story is OK or not."
Charles

"It was really interesting, learning about the long, involved process an author’s story must go through before it’s finally published….I will send my prize-winning story to an editor as soon as possible."
Melissa

"I enjoyed your lecture at the middle school. Unfortunately, you broke one of the basic rules – it wasn’t boring."
Steve

"If I was the first editor you sent Katje the Windmill Cat I would have taken it in a heartbeat. That story just plain rules."
Chris

"I really want to be an author when I grow up. You coming to our school made me really want to become an author even more."
Claire

"I’ve already added you to my buddie list."
Hannah