Workshops & Visits

The one thing I love more than writing for teens is writing with teens.

A former high school teacher, I’ve led writing workshops in a range of school, community, and online settings. One of the best jobs I ever had was as editor of Teen Voices, an internationally distributed magazine by and for teen girls. Currently, I’m on the faculty of GrubStreet, where I teach occasional creative writing classes for teens and adults.

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Current Offerings

In 2025, I will be launching a new book and will be available for traditional author visits as well as pop-in creating workshops and intensives. I’d love to design a workshop or series for your school or community!

Author Visits & Book Clubs

I love talking about stories with people of all ages. If your class or book club has read either of my young adult novels–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 Greater Boston area and am available remotely for others. My books make a great jumping off point for discussions about: forgiveness, healing, self-acceptance and flexible self-care, the ups and downs of being gifted, navigating family conflict, and embracing your inner truth. I also enjoy discussing the writing process and the particular joys/challenges of writing for young audiences and balancing plot, heart, and style.

Pop-In Workshops

Hire me to add some creative juice to your in-person or online curriculum! I’m an experienced group facilitator and have led hundreds (thousands?) of workshops for young writers in schools, libraries, and online. I’m available for author chats and lessons on specific craft topics. I’m especially excited to discuss plot and the ins and outs of turning the spark of a story into a novel. Tell me what your class is working on, and I’ll bring engaging, authentic exercises that get your students excited to write.

Intensive Workshops

I’m available for longer stints too. Think: A two-day creative writing intensive, a week-long summer camp, or an afterschool writing workshop series. I’m an experienced educator and have taught most writing genres to youth of all skill levels and abilities. I enjoy working with highly motivated students as well as teens who’ve struggled academically and may lack confidence in themselves and/or adults. 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 a story / your burning truth
  • Getting from story concept to a story plan
  • Creating characters with beating hearts
  • Crafting rich settings and layered plots
  • Infusing heart, suspense, and humor into scenes
  • Staying motivated and inspired as a writer

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“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. The 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
“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
“This 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
“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
“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)
“Katie offered new ways to think about stories and some cool ways to improve. I learned a lot.”
–Will, 10th grade
“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)

Let’s tell a great story.

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