Upcoming Conferences

Race to the Finish - Jacksonville

Date: Sat, 01/07/2012 - 8:00am - 5:00pm

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Airport

Intensive Florida Writes Prep with Melissa Forney!

It's not too late to make an impact on your scores!

Review new state requirements and scoring.
Renew your passion and zeal for teaching writing.
Recharge your engine to gear up for the final sprint to FL Writes!

Race to the Finish - Miami

Date: Sat, 01/14/2012 - 8:00am - 5:00pm

Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel and Conference Center - Miami Airport

Intensive Florida Writes Prep with Melissa Forney!

It's not too late to make an impact on your scores!

Review new state requirements and scoring.
Renew your passion and zeal for teaching writing.
Recharge your engine to gear up for the final sprint to FL Writes!

Race to the Finish - Tampa

Date: Sat, 01/21/2012 - 8:00am - 5:00pm

Hilton Garden Inn Tampa North

Intensive Florida Writes Prep with Melissa Forney!

It's not too late to make an impact on your scores!

Review new state requirements and scoring.
Renew your passion and zeal for teaching writing.
Recharge your engine to gear up for the final sprint to FL Writes!

You Can Become a Children's Book Author!

Date: Sat, 01/28/2012 - 9:00am - Sun, 01/29/2012 - 5:00pm

Melissa Forney's Home in Deland

Two Day Seminar with Melissa Forney, an award-winning children's book author with a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Writing for Children.

9:00-5:00 P.M.

Outstanding Training, Seminar Materials, Two Free Books, Continental Breakfast, A Light Lunch, Unlimited Beverages

How to write a picture book
The Dos and Don'ts of writing
To rhyme or not to rhyme?
How to write a chapter book
Who will illustrate?
Writing an intriguing query letter
How to present your book to a publisher
Writing for specific age groups
Seasonal and specialty books
Marketing your books

Pre-seminar Assignment That Will Be a Great Help to You:

Please read 30-50 picture books (some that have been published within the last 5 years) and at least one or two juvenile chapter books. You can get all of these from your local library or read them at Barnes and Noble (no need to purchase).

Answer these questions:

How long is the book?

What is the main "problem" the main character has to face?

What does the author do to keep your attention?

What is the main character's personality like?

How is the "problem" resolved?

Who is the publisher of the book?

Was the book written in poetry or prose?

What did you like or dislike about the book?

*Pre-registration required. Dress will be casual.

This seminar is open to persons 18 years of age or older.

Please Note: This seminar registration and payment are nonrefundable and nontransferable to another seminar date. If you are unable to attend for any reason, you may send someone in your place. We are unable to offer refunds or transfer your registration to a different seminar date due to the high demand for this training.

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Here's what conference participants are saying:

Help Your Students Score More than ever before!

“Your conferences are packed with power and have helped my students reach the stars! My class had TEN 6.0’s.”

—Nancy Prizito, Beachland Elementary, Vero Beach

“I want to thank you for helping me lead several of my kids to writing. One boy is learning disabled. He went from a bare beginning 1.0 to a resounding 4.0! Another ES/Gifted student moved from a 3.5 to a strong, incredible 5.0!”

—Ilah Breen, Ridgeview Elementary, Orange Park

“The students thoroughly enjoyed your silly and adventurous clues. It motivated them! My fourth graders are truly prepared for the FCAT Writes and I am expecting great things from them.”

—Suzanne Mulcahy, Pine Trail Elementary, Ormond Beach

“My team and I wanted you to know that what you taught us has paid off. Keystone Heights Elementary was the highest scoring school in all of Clay County! We could not be more thrilled.”

—Donna Waters, Keystone Heights Elementary, Keystone Heights

“Finally, something that made writing fun! I am sure their writing scores will soar and I thank you for a wonderful writing workshop. Here are my terrific writers.”

—Debbie Greenbaum,Palm City Elementary,Palm City

Take home lesson plans to get your kids excited about writing!

“Your lessons gave me direction in preparing my students not only for the FCAT, but to be lifelong lovers of writing! We now reach outside the box to be creative and write with imagination the way you do.”

—Sarah Evans, Highland Elementary, Lake Worth

“What a FANTASTIC experience we all had! Writing is no longer a ‘dreaded’ task but a sensational, captivating learning experience.”

—Michelle Stewman, PV/Rawlings Elementary, Ponte Vedra

“My students loved the challenge, worked hard, and became super writers. We all had fun learning more about Florida and traveling in fantastic modes of transportation.”

—Carolyn Umberhauer, Indialantic Elementary, Indialantic

“My class and I all enjoyed participating in the race! What fun! We found it very motivational.”

—Carol Campbell, PV/Rawlings Elementary, Ponte Vedra