Inspired by a True Story

Do you have a favorite historical figure or a family member with a great story?

Maybe you've experienced something extraordinary that you think would make a great film, play, or other work of nonfiction. I like to write, but sometimes it can be hard to get the ideas in my head onto the page. Maybe you’re like me and need help getting started, or maybe you have so many ideas that you can’t wait to dive into the next great story you want to tell! 

I've done this workshop in-person with hundreds of students over the years, and I'm always inspired by the ideas and stories created by courageous young writers. Now, I'm trying something brave, and offering the workshop online so more people can experience it.

When you join me on this creative adventure, Inspired by a True Story for Emerging Young Writers (grades 4-8), you'll leave with the beginnings of a story based on something that actually happened!

I created this workshop so that you can learn on your own, or alongside your parent or guardian, a teacher, or your friends. I know first hand, how difficult it can be to figure out what story you want to tell, and how to find the right way to tell it.

For me, I like to tell a lot of different stories in a variety of ways. 

Sometimes my stories are funny, sometimes they’re tender, but they always come from my heart. Whether I’m writing in fiction or nonfiction, I like to write about people who’ve used courage or creativity to overcome obstacles or problems. I’m always thinking about what I can learn from my story, and how that story might make others feel more brave or courageous. 

One of the stories I’ve worked on for a really long time is telling my father’s story. My dad had a really exciting life before I was born that I wanted to learn more about, so I spent years and years learning about his life and decided to tell his story first as a documentary film, and later as a book. 

In this workshop I'll tell you more about how I've gotten closer to my father and my family history, and how prose, dramatic writing, poetry and other creative forms have helped me share this experience with others.

Whether you're someone who LOVES to write, or someone who isn't sure you're ready to call yourself a "writer," spend a little time with me in this workshop space to explore ideas, find inspiration, and experience some tools to help you explore your creativity! I believe in you!

Let's write,

Maya



Frequently Asked Questions

Is this live or online?

This is 100% online.

If you are a young writer, you could invite a friend or family member to take the course with you--so you'll see me online, but you can share the experience in-person with others if you'd like.

If you are a parent or guardian, educator, or facilitator, you can use the course to present to a group, or alongside an individual learner. The course includes a Note for Facilitators that provides a lesson plan and script.

Do I have to watch the Through the Banks of the Red Cedar film or read the book in order to take this workshop?

You do not have to watch the Through the Banks of the Red Cedar documentary or read the book, Through the Banks of the Red Cedar: My Father and the Team that Changed the Game, to get value out of this experience. I draw from the book and film as examples of how I've told my personal story in different ways to help inspire you to do the same in your own life.

I'm in 4th grade, will this be too hard? or,

Will this still challenge me if I'm in 8th grade or older?

I've taught this workshop in-person in classrooms and communities where learners of different grade levels and ages experienced the same lesson at the same time. If you are still developing as a writer and reader, you can learn a lot about different ways to tell a story and grow in your courage and confidence. You can get help from a teacher, parent or guardian, or a friend as well.

If you're an experienced writer and are looking to further develop your craft, you'll benefit from the writing exercises, examples, and other resources that you can use beyond this workshop. If you have an idea in mind but don't know where to start, this workshop can be a spark to boost your creativity and confidence. For example, if you usually write fiction, you'll be given an opportunity to explore nonfiction in a variety of forms.

Will this work for me if I don't know what story I want to tell?

Yes. The goal of the workshop is to come up with ideas and help you to start writing them down in the form of a story.

How long will this take?

When I've taught the workshop in-person, it usually takes about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes.

The online course can take as long as you'd like. I think it's ideal if you can give yourself at least an hour to do the writing exercises. It will be better if you work on the course when you don't have other things to do or somewhere else to be. That way, if you're REALLY inspired by a writing prompt, you're not rushed or forced to stop creating.

If you'd like more time to explore, you could spread it out over two hours, or over two different days. The first day, check out the introduction and all the resources. On the second day, spend about an hour or more with the videos.

What is the investment?

The course is offered at $50.00 USD

How long will I have access to the course?

You'll have access to the course for 1 year.

What other resources are available?

Through the Banks of the Red Cedar Discussion Guide (free)

You can download a free discussion guide suitable for all audiences is on teach:able or at throughthebanksoftheredcedar.com

Through the Banks of the Red Cedar Unit Lesson Plan ($10)

A full Unit Lesson Plan for the Through the Banks of the Red Cedar (book and film) suitable for high school and college classrooms is available for download on teach:able.

Classroom Visits and Screenings (prices range based on program)

You can request a screening or classroom visit with by submitting a request at throughthebanksoftheredcedar.com or by email to [email protected]