I’ve given writing workshops and presentations at schools, libraries, and literary festivals across Canada.
Whether you want one “Story Starter” workshop in your library, an online author visit to your writing group, or several days of workshops to get all the students in your school writing stories, I’d love to work with you.
Contact me about virtual and in-person workshops in 2025-26. I love meeting readers and writers.
And be sure to look into funding for author visits — if you apply in time, my workshops could cost you nothing.
Writing Workshops
I offer writing workshops for all ages, focused on one or more aspects of short fiction (e.g., characterization, setting, plotting, etc.). From generating ideas to revising drafts — and everything in between — my workshops will help you write strong stories.
Single workshops typically run from 45-75 minutes, but can be adapted to shorter or longer periods. Check out a few of my tried-and-true topics or contact me to discuss your needs.
I also offer a 3-session series of connected workshops for classes and writing groups aiming to start and finish their stories step by step. Mini-lessons and writing exercises in a series are tailored to the type of story you’re studying (e.g., open-themed, flash fiction, fractured fairy tales, memoir, myth, etc.). Workshops in a series are typically scheduled over several days or weeks, but I’ve also done full-day events at festivals. If you’re willing, I’m willing.
All of my workshops include mini-lessons, handouts, prompts, writing time, sharing time, and feedback.
Check out a list of some of my most successful Writing Workshops.
Presentations
I offer presentations for all ages about writing, publishing, and the benefits of literacy. Whether you want to show your kindergarteners how picture books are made, introduce older students to writing as a profession, or engage your writing group in a discussion on characterization in different genres, I can offer an entertaining presentation.
My talks run from 30-60 minutes and can be extended with a follow-up writing exercise or mini-workshop.
Check out a list of my most popular Author Presentations or contact me to discuss your interests. I love developing new talks on new topics.
Do-It-Yourself Workshops
If you can’t have me into your school or library, you can still enjoy a taste of my workshops with my step-by-step DIY Writing Workshops. Feel free to adapt these for use in your own classes or writing groups.
If you can’t wait for a workshop and you need to write now but don’t know how to start, you can try one of my tarot prompts for writers.
Or you can listen to my evergreen creative writing podcast, Cabin Tales for Young Writers, which I developed to replace school visits in 2020-21 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The podcast includes stories, writing exercises, and tips and ideas from dozens of other Canadian children’s authors.
Good Company
I’ve thrice been a presenting author at MASC’s Young Authors and Illustrators Festival, an annual three-day Ottawa event that provides writing workshops to hundreds of keen students in the region.
At left, the presenting authors and illustrators from my first MYAIF in 2015: Kate Inglis, Matt James, Genevieve Despres, Catherine Austen (me), Tim Wynne-Jones, Rina Singh, Sydney Smith, and Monique Polak.
The featured image on this page is the introductory slide to one of my writing workshops. The gorgeous fist logo belongs to the Ottawa Public Library — I’ve been a judge of their annual Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest for several years, and every winter I give a writing workshop to contest hopefuls at an OPL branch.
Catherine Austen 