Children's Author Launches 2010 Book Tour, Writing Workshops, and Creative Writing Contest For Kids!

Jan. 12, 2010 - PRLog -- In a time when educators are finding it more and more difficult to captivate and maintain the focus and interest in student learning, author Melissa M. Williams adds a creative twist to her presentations, which inspires children to not only participate within writing exercises, but encourages them to use their creativity to break free from the monotony of standardized learning.

“I am not afraid to have fun with the students,” Melissa M. Williams says. “They see that I am professional, but yet they trust me to teach them something and still have fun, especially after performing various voice-overs of my book’s characters, such as the “cool surfer dude”, Snap Shell the box turtle.”

Having presented to children in classrooms at over 100 Texas schools in 2009, Melissa M. Williams works to incorporate her own childhood stories of the various animals and reptiles of her upbringing, into a relatable “tale of a different kind.” Every presentation offers a reading from one of her books in the Iggy the Iguana chapter-book series, followed by an open impromptu style character development exercise. The presentation is closed with encouragement and advice to help the students not only find cause to read more books, but to write their own stories.

“Ms. Williams developed an immediate rapport with our 4th graders which led to a very positive reception of her presentation. She gave them a specific writing tool. She encouraged them to ask and answer questions when developing characters for their own stories. Students were able to form an idea of the kinds of problems this character could have, and how the character would most likely solve the problem. One of our teachers said, "Ms. William's presentation was right in line with my writing lessons about character development." The students still remember the character, Bailey, who was created with Ms. Williams during her visit to our school. I have only received positive comments from both students and teachers."

~Beverly Wiley, High Country Elementary School (Saginaw, TX) Librarian

In addition to author school visits, Melissa M. Williams offers children a chance to learn the writing process, outside the traditional school environment. The creative writing workshops offer fun techniques for creating characters, establishing a storyline and producing a finished product, which can then be submitted for publication. The camps are offered at various times throughout the school year, the first of 2010 being held this January the 16th and each subsequent Saturday in January.

“Thank you so much for everything!!! My son really enjoyed your camp. To see him get excited about reading-writing is great!!! Now drawing has always been a love of his! But, I think after this class----he has non-stop talked even about adding more characters to his story he wrote. He has really has struggled at reading over the years -- so to see him excited about writing thrills us all and brings tears to my eyes. Thank you!!!!!”

~M. Rodd, Parent in Houston, Texas

About the Creative Writing Workshops:

Parents and students are invited to choose from each of the three workshops and are encouraged to register early as seating is limited. Lunch will be provided and each attending student will receive one autographed copy of a book within the Iggy the Iguana children's chapter-book series. Each student will also be encouraged to submit their final story to the upcoming READ3Zero short-story contest: "I Write: Short-Stories By Kids, For Kids." Each student must submit a registration form, which is available directly from the author, Melissa M. Williams via email or by her homepage: http://MelissaMWilliamsAuthor.com.

Topics Include:

  * How to create a memorable character
  * Process of developing a storyline and plot
  * What you must ALWAYS include in your story
  * Different character types presented in best seller movies and literature

A Chance To Be Published!!!!

All attendees will be able to enter their finished stories in the "I Write Short Stories by Kids for Kids Project" presented by Read3Zero! See http://www.Read3Zero.com for details! Class Schedule

Saturday January 16th 10am-2pm
How to Create a Memorable Character
Grade Level: 3rd-6th
Location: Hobby Lobby
16011 FM 529 Rd
Houston, TX 77095
(Near Hwy 6)


Saturday January 23rd 10am-2pm
How to Create a Memorable Character
Grade Level: 7th-12th
Location: Tomball Harris County Public Library
30555 Tomball Parkway
Tomball, TX 77375
Room: L129


Saturday January 30th 10am-2pm
How to Create a Memorable Character
Grade Level: 5th-8th
Location: Tomball Harris County Public Library
30555 Tomball Parkway
Tomball, TX 77375
Room: L129


Get your child ready and excited to write for the TAKS test!

Cost per workshop: $50
(Free Autographed Book Included)
Lunch Provided
Seating is limited
Each student must submit a registration form, which is available directly from Melissa M. Williams and her website, http://www.melissamwilliamsauthor.com.

About The Books:

Iggy the Iguana

Iggy the Iguana is the first book in the Iggy Chapter Book Series for ages 7 to 11.  The story focuses on the major themes of acceptance, friendship, and diversity while Iggy starts a brand new school.  The transition from a private "all-lizard" school to a public "all-animal" school is eye opening, as Iggy soon accepts that just because other animals are different doesn't mean they can't be your friends.  By the end of Iggy's 4th grade year, he realizes that changing schools was the best move he could have ever made!

Pages: 180 pages
Publisher: LongTale Publishing Inc. (August 1, 2008)
Language: English
Paperback: ISBN-13: 978-0981805405
Hardcover: ISBN-13: 978-0981805412

Summer League (Sequel)

Summer League is the second book in the Iggy the Iguana Chapter Book Series for ages 7 to 11.  After an exciting school year, Iggy and his friends kick off their summer vacation with some fun in the sun and ... baseball!  While playing on his All-Star little league team, Iggy faces a very difficult situation that could change his future in sports forever.  Iggy learns many valuable lessons during the summer, most importantly, it is not wise to keep secrets from adults and we can't judge others on the outside.

Pages: 210 pages
Publisher: LongTale Publishing Inc. (August 1, 2009)
Language: English
Paperback ISBN-13: 978-0981805429
Hardcover ISBN-13: 978-0981805436


About the Author:

Melissa M. Williams is an advocate for literacy and creativity in children. While finishing her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling, Melissa started substitute teaching for elementary schools in order to understand the daily life of her young audience. The students helped her create realistic stories while including lessons, values and acceptance within the story-line.  The Iggy the Iguana Chapter Book Series was also inspired by real life experiences with childhood pets she owned while growing up in Houston, Texas. In addition to writing, Melissa spends most of the school year speaking to students about her own journey as an author and the process of creative writing, while encouraging each student to think outside the box, follow their inner passion, and write their own stories.

For news, updates and a schedule of author visits and presentations, visit the official homepage for Melissa M. Williams: http://www.MelissaMWilliamsAuthor.com. To book your school’s author visit, contact Bobby Ozuna, Online Marketing Manager, LongTale Publishing at bobby@longtalepublishing.com.

# # #

LongTale Publishing and CEO/Founder Melissa M. Williams represent the children's chapterbook series: Iggy the Iguana.