Classes & Events

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.

***SPECIAL STAY-AT-HOME OFFERINGS ***

  • ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT (ages 11-18): I’m expanding my one-on-one coaching schedule to teens and tweens during the quarantine. Let’s use this 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.)

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Regular non-COVID Offerings

I’m available for book clubs and 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
  • What it means to be a good girl/bad girl/real woman
  • The ups and downs of being gifted
  • Navigating family and community conflict
  • Embracing your own truth

I’m available to lead workshops too.

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 school or community.

Get in touch.

What my students say…

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

Book an Event

To set up a workshop, school visit, or book club conversation

contact me

2020 Workshops & Events

GrubStreet (teens)
Novel Writing Immersion Week
June 29-July 2

Reading Memorial Library
So You Want to Write a Novel (teens)
July 27 and 30

Reading Memorial Library
Activate & Amplify (teens)
Oct 13 and 20

GrubStreet (online)
Jumpstart Your YA/MG Novel
6 weeks, starts Sept 26

Recent Events

I’ve been honored to lead workshops & participate in events at:

Boston Teen Author Festival

Cape Cod Teen Writers Conference

The Muse & the Marketplace

NYC Teen Author Festival

Pacific Coast TeenSpeak Novel Workshop

Texas Book Festival

Thousand Islands Book Festival

The Work Conference

The Writing Barn

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826 Boston/O’Bryant HS

Acton-Boxborough High School

Community Day Charter School

Alan Shawn Feinstein Middle School

GRLZ Radio

Highland Park High School
Ron Farrell Lecturer

Fenway High School

St. Mary’s/Bay View Academy

Topeka West High School
Michael L Printz Author-in-Residence

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Connolly Library

Derry Public Library Book Fest

Hopkinton Library

Mansfield Public Library

Providence Public Library

Reading Memorial Library

Shrewsbury Public Library

West Roxbury Library
Lois Lowry Fellow

Wilmington Memorial Library

Winthrop Public Library

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Andover Bookstore

Brookline Booksmith

Books Inc, San Francisco

B&N Boston

B&N Peabody

B&N Framingham

B&N Worcester

Porter Square Books

Tres Gatos JP

Trident Books & Cafe

Resources