The one thing I love more than writing for teens is writing with teens. A former high school teacher, I’ve taught writing in school and community settings. One of the best jobs I ever had was as editor of a girl-generated magazine. Currently, I’m on the faculty of GrubStreet, where I teach in-person (currently remote) and on-line writing classes for teens and adults.
***CURRENT OFFERINGS ***
ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT (ages 11-18): I provide one-on-one Zoom coaching to teens and tweens with an itch to tell their stories. We can use the time to develop your creative voice, finish that novel you’ve been dreaming about, or polish up your best material to submit to contests and scholarships. I can help with essays and academic assignments too! (See my rates.)
POP-IN WORKSHOPS (for groups/schools): Hire me to add some creative juice to your online curriculum! I’m an experienced group facilitator and have led tons of workshops for young readers and writers schools, libraries, and online. I’m available for author chats and lessons on specific craft topics. Tell me what your class is working on, and I’ll bring engaging, authentic exercises that get your students excited to write. (See my rates.)
BOOK CLUBS & SCHOOL VISITS: I love talking about books and writing with people of all ages. If your class or book club has read A Psalm for Lost Girls–or you’re planning to–I’d love to speak with you! I make in-person visits to schools, libraries, nonprofits, and book groups in the Boston area and am available by Skype for others. My book makes a great jumping off point for discussions about: forgiveness, healing, and self-acceptance, the ups and downs of being gifted, navigating family and community conflict, and embracing your own truth.
SCHOOL & LIBRARY WORKSHOPS: I’m an experienced educator and have taught most genres to youth of all skill levels and abilities. My approach is highly interactive—lots of sharing, experimenting, and exploring craft ideas through different modes. My favorite workshop topics include:
Finding the spark of your story
Creating characters with beating hearts
Crafting rich settings & layered plots
Staying motivated & inspired as a writer
I’d love to design a workshop or series for your teen, school or community.
Katie is highly skilled at crafting a workshop that is both collaborative and inspiring for all in attendance. I was so impressed with her ability to lead the teens to dig deeper, evaluate their work, and consider its impact. Both workshops she led were rich with activities and resources, plus just plain fun! She had an *amazing* rapport with the teens; they felt comfortable and at ease with her right away!
–Renee Smith, Teen Services Librarian, Reading Public Library
This class was by far the best class I have taken at GrubStreet. The class was loaded with excellent reading examples, in class exercises, take home exercises, resources for present and future, in addition to being a very well-held space — meaning, the instructor created an atmosphere that brought out the best in everyone. Katie is an excellent teacher. Her skillful attention to detail, sensitivity to individual needs and time management cannot be overstated.
–Maura Cunningham, student, Young Adult/Middle Grade Novel in Progress
Katie Bayerl’s craft lessons were GOLD. I liked the authority with which she spoke and the range of resources she suggested. From the very beginning I could tell this course was working for me because she introduced the terminology of the Third Rail (the main character’s “misbelief”); this was shorthand that resonated with me—so the lessons allowed me to access areas in my story that needed work… I was very impressed with this course, and I’d take another one with Katie in a heartbeat.
–Katherine Wolff, student, Young Adult/Middle Grade Novel Builder (online)
The constructive, encouraging tone that Katie set, the resources she chose, and the writing exercises she gave were powerfully inspiring. She was encouraging but pointed and clear in her feedback.
–Anne Cadigan, student, Young Adult/Middle Grade Novel Builder (online)
Katie’s one of the most amazing teachers I’ve ever had. She understands when life gets in the way but always pushes you to do your best.
–Jessica, 12th grade
Katie offered new ways to think about stories and some cool ways to improve. I learned a lot.
–Will, 10th grade
There is a lot of sharing amongst each other, which is good because you learn what works for your writing and what can be improved.
–Johnny, 10th grade
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To set up a workshop, school visit, or book club conversation
