Speaker Topics
Brenda Haas has presented numerous writing workshops (both fiction and nonfiction) at libraries, schools, and private social clubs. She is available for online or in-person author/writer presentations, book club discussions, and book signings. Presentations may be customized to meet your needs.
Careful, or you’ll end up in my novel: a debut author’s reflections
Every person, place, and experience we come in contact with leaves an impression. Brenda reflects on creatively documenting her past by putting memories on the page via writing nonfiction personal essays and incorporating aspects of real-life and its “characters” into fiction plots.
Getting published in today’s market: a writer’s journey
Brenda discusses her winding path from journalist and public relations consultant to debut novelist (finally). Presentation touches on the basics of traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, and self-publishing.
Memories on the page: writing the personal essay
Everyone has a story to tell. This interactive presentation explores writing slice-of-life moments in personal essay format. Discussion will cover essay structure, themes, and preparation for possible publication submission.
National Novel Writing Month: take the challenge
Creatives strive to write 50K words in one month. This presentation outlines how to prepare for writing a first draft OR for editing a drafted project. Customize for any time of the year and as a 1-day/3-day/week/month-long session.
Spread the word: publicity for nonprofits
Learn best practices for making a good public impression (without a lot of $$$). Presentation includes basics of writing effective press releases, posting on social media, drafting newsletters, etc.
Stages of editing: improving a writer’s craft
What editing is necessary to elevate a novel or other writing project? This session, appropriate for anyone with a work-in-progress or first draft, will dive deep into developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, and proofreading.
Agents, query letters, rejections ... oh, my!
Presentation will include the nuts and bolts of submitting your work for publication, with a specific focus on literary agents and the querying process.
Surrounded by characters
Get to know the many “characters” in your life. Put pen to paper while creating character sketches of someone from your imagination, someone from your past, or even someone influencing you each and every day.
Writing the Lake Erie story
Lake Erie provides the setting for stories of community, adventure, family tradition, and even romance. Writers will learn how to creatively document and structure lake stories for historical record or to pass on to the next generation.