A passionate educator, Sheila O’Connor has taught fiction and poetry to writers of all ages—from kindergarteners to graduate students. Her novel Sparrow Road grew out of her work with young people and serves as a celebration of the power of art, arts education and imagination. Teaching creative writing has been her life’s vocation and remains among her first loves. A long time member of the Writers-in-the-Schools program, she is the editor of two collections of poetry written by young people—Come Home Before Dark, and In My Hand Forever. In addition to her work with young people, Sheila is a frequent guest lecturer at colleges and other venues. She is a professor of writing in the Hamline MFA writing program where she has been honored twice with the Outstanding Teaching Award
Choose a Teaching Visit that best fits your organization:
Schools • Libraries • Colleges • Educators • Skype • Other
Schools
Author visits are a great way for young people to experience first-hand the reality of an author’s work. For many students, meeting an author in person is the first time they realize “being a writer” or an artist of any kind, is a dream within their reach. In every classroom, Sheila’s goal is to empower all students to see themselves as writers and creators, to locate their own stories and poems, and to realize the power of imagination. Currently, Sheila’s work in schools will be done primarily in conjunction with Sparrow Road, her new novel for middle-grade readers. Presentations might include: Sparrow Road -- Creating a Book from Start to Finish; Where Does a Dream Begin?; What If or What Could Be--Imagining a World to Life; Inventing Characters; Writing from the Heart. School visits, particularly classroom presentations, work best when the students are familiar with Sheila and her work. Teachers and librarians are encouraged to make copies of Sparrow Road available to students in advance of the school visit. During her time in your school, she would be delighted to meet with book clubs, join students and staff for lunch or breakfast, or chat informally with students who are interested in writing.
Libraries
A life-long patron of public libraries, Sheila is always delighted to be a library guest. Her work in libraries includes readings, presentations, writing workshops and book club visits.
Colleges
Sheila is a frequent guest in classrooms and writing programs. Past visits include: University of Minnesota; St. Olaf College; St. John’s University; Minnesota State University Moorhead; St. Cloud State University; Anoka Ramsey Community College, Norfolk Community College, Concordia University, University of Kansas, and others. She is available as both a writer-in-residence and for short visits.
Educators
Sheila has extensive experience working with educators. She is available to present at both in-services and conferences. Past topics include: Inspiring the Reluctant Writer; The Power of Imagination: Bringing Our Stories to Life; Character and Place in Fiction. The presentation can be tailored to meet your educators’ needs.
Skype
Sheila can meet virtually with your students or book club for an interactive Q & A session. Requires an account with Skype.com (an online voice and video service).
Other
When her schedule allows, Sheila is available to present to audiences of all ages. Past presentations have included: keynote speaker, conference presenter, panel moderator and participant, and workshops on craft.
Availability and Fees
If you are interested in having Sheila as a guest please contact her for details on availability and fees. Please use the keyword Event in the subject line.