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The Distant Shore was designed as a unique creative writing instructional tool for middle and high school
students. The Tampa
Tribune – Brandon News described The
Distant Shore as “A fun-to-read book with a twist: A novel that teaches
kids how to write!”
“Break it Down,” a section beginning on page
255 of The Distant Shore, includes creative writing training questions for each of the 25 chapters, and application exercises for such aspects
as POV (point of view), voice, literary and stylistic devices, dialogue, subplots, narration, plot and character development,
exposition, dialect, and power phrases. Professional tips are sprinkled profusely throughout the user-friendly, how-to
section with the goal of encouraging and developing writing skills.
Three instructional options are offered for presentation by the
author:
1. A Writer’s Journey
My dynamic 45-minute PowerPoint presentation, A Writer's Journey: Traversing Pinnacles and Potholes on the Road to Publication is a unique look at what it takes
to become a writer, incorporating humor, hard-knocks wisdom, personal anecdotes, instruction, and tips for aspiring writers.
An additional 15-minute period of Q & A may round out this entertaining and educational program appropriate
for ages 8 and above. A popular option for public library presentations, writer’s groups, adult civic organizations,
and Christian school chapel programs.
2. Break
it Down
Your choice of an intensive one or two-hour group discussion and
hands-on creative writing instructional unit tailored to the age and knowledge level of the students (an expanded version
of the “Break it Down” section included in The Distant Shore, cited
above). It is recommended that the students purchase and read The Distant Shore prior to this presentation (because passages are used as reference for instruction.) Books are available through my website, www.DeboraCoty.com (a direct link to Amazon.com) or through the author at a reduced group rate by contacting: gracenotes@deboracoty.com. Recommended for ages 12 and above.
3. Combination
A 50 to 60-minute combination of abbreviated versions of A Writer’s Journey and Break it Down that includes discussion
and dynamic creative writing instruction tailored to the students’ age and level. Pre-purchase of books is not necessary
for this option. In addition to the middle and high school level programs, an elementary level program is available for grades
3-5. This is the most highly requested option by schools and educational organizations.
What
educators are saying about A Writer’s Journey (combination option):
“My
students raved about Debora’s enthusiasm when she presented “A Writer’s Journey” to 9th
and 10th grade English students. Her passion for writing, her quick
wit, and the tips she provided inspired many to begin writing their first novel. She
engages teens and encourages them to climb the writing mountain because they can. I
highly recommend Debora Coty as a speaker who helps teens connect with every step of the writing process.”
~Cheryl
Johnston
Writer
and English Teacher
Durant
High School, Plant City, FL
“Our
6 – 12th grade students were inspired and enlightened by Debbie Coty’s presentation of A Writer’s Journey. Using humor and practical information based
on her own experiences, she taught them about the joys and challenges on the road to becoming a published author. With examples from her first novel, The Distant Shore, she illustrated
such techniques as character development, point of view, conflict resolution and research. She also encouraged students with
suggestions to improve their own writing. I would highly recommend this fun,
informative and applicable workshop!”
~Elizabeth
Cuthbertson
Legacy Homeschool
Group, Tampa, FL
“Debora
Coty's presentation of “A Writer’s Journey” at our school was very engaging and informative. The third
and fourth-grade students’ response to her program was extremely positive. Debora generated excitement about writing
and reinforced the power of the written word.”
~Cindy
Lyons, teacher
J.S.
Robinson Elementary School, Plant
City, FL
“Debora M. Coty had an incredibly insightful presentation on A Writer’s
Journey for my sixth grade Language Arts classroom. She spoke to approximately 90 sixth grade students; she was
able to hold their attention for the entire class period—not an easy task for this age group! The students were
very interested in her presentation and many commented on it days later. Several students ordered her book, A Distant
Shore, and some have also borrowed the book from my in-class library. Debora is a talented writer of young adult
fiction—fiction that appeals to all age groups. I would gladly welcome her into my classroom again and would recommend
her presentation to other educators seeking to motivate their students to write with passion.”
~Diana
Napier, teacher
Mann
Middle School, Brandon, FL
“I
highly recommend Debora Coty's "A Writer's Journey" for young writers. Our fourth graders were truly inspired to write
their own stories and believe that they can be published! Debora held their attention with her humor and creative student
interactions. Teachers and students were equally motivated.”
~Kim
Greaves
Fourth
Grade Teacher
Bell
Shoals Baptist Academy,
Brandon, FL
"Imagine my surprise when I stepped in to Deb’s Young Writer’s Workshop for Grades 6-8 at
the Living Word Bookstore and found candies flying through the room! Students sat on the edge of their seats, trying
to be the first to offer a correct answer so they could get the prize candy. A power verb…hum…she’s
asking for a power verb to replace ‘she walked quickly across the room.’ “Darted,” I suggested.
Zing! A candy was flung in my direction. I missed the toss. It was unexpected. I didn’t know
I was part of the game. “Oh, this is fun,” I thought, and saw the others were equally engaged.
Deb’s passion for writing is contagious. Her fun and winsome personality keeps the class tuned in while
she offers helpful tips to improve their writing skills. She shares freely from her personal writer’s journey,
giving everyone the opinion that, “I, too, can do this!” There are practical suggestions like how to gather
data for your novel as well as information about what editors are looking for today.
I recommend this workshop to students who enjoy writing and those who do not. Deb’s presentation may be
the spark to get the fire going. Who can help but be inspired by her charming, authentic, and riveting enthusiasm?"
~Marjorie Bozer
Homeschool Mom
Director of Communications, Learning and Families
Sarasota, FL
“We
found Debora’s presentation of A Writer’s Journey to be a very educational
program. Debora awakened and excited the students about the fun of writing. During the interactive learning segment,
the students loved shouting out ‘power verbs’ in anticipation of rewards for correct answers. We are all
looking forward to Billowing Sails, the sequel to The Distant Shore, and plan to have Debora return next school year. I would definitely recommend this program
to any school.”
~Sandie Bundy, teacher
Temple Christian School, Titusville, FL
"Debora
was asked to speak to a group of girls aged 11-13 at Burnett Middle
School. Her presentation
was filled with vivacious enthusiasm. She interacted with the girls and held their interest throughout the presentation.
All of the girls were impressed that someone so talented and successful was willing to spend so much time sharing her life
experiences with them. This experience is one that will have a lasting effect on their own future paths to becoming successful
women."
~Sharon New, teacher
Burnett Middle
School, Seffner, FL
“While sharing humorous anecdotes of
her journey towards becoming a published author, Debora introduced our students to success strategies such as how to handle
rejection, persevering, doing research, and keeping a positive attitude. The following day, the students shared how energized
and inspired they were by her presentation. Using the six-word technique that Mrs. Coty had taught them, one student summed
it up best: "She came, She Spoke, She Inspired". Mrs. Coty is a genuine, caring and fun person that will be invited to return
to our school so that more of our students may benefit from her workshop.”
-Sonja Gissy, teacher
Dr. Phillips High School, Orlando,
FL
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