Paul Kropp now does only a handful of school presentations each year, so he expects that each visit should become a significant event for the schools he visits. Ordinarily, a school visit combines one or more large-group presentations on the “ingredients in writing a novel” with a small-group, hands-on workshop which focuses on creative writing skills. Sometimes Mr. Kropp is able to work with schools over a number of sessions, but this is always a special arrangement.

The large-group presentation: Five Ingredients in Writing a Novel: Reality, Imagination, Showers, Research and Sweat
Audience size: up to 300.
Format: interactive presentation with role-playing by students.
Time length: 45 to 65 minutes, to suit school timetable.
Equipment required: microphone, glass of water, three chairs, small table.

This talk describes the process of writing a novel--from the idea stage (in the shower) to finished book (two years, many rewrites later). The talk begins with Paul Kropp reading from one of his novels to show how real life and imagination come together to produce a book. Then student volunteers are invited up on stage to participate in a humorous “kidnapping” sketch which illustrates how plotting and ideas develop in creating a book. There is a brief question period, then a different group of students act out the roles in one of Paul Kropp's books, recapping the key elements of the talk.

For students in grades 7 to 10: Material is drawn from Kropp's novels The Countess and Me (Fitzhenry and Whiteside) or Moonkid and Liberty (Fitzhenry and Whiteside) and Tag Team (HIP Books)
For students in grade 4,5,6: A story is made up using members of the audience, followed by acting out a "kidnapping sketch" and then a dramatic portrayal of Tag Team (HIP Books)

For younger students: If Paul Kropp has made arrangements to visit a school to speak with intermediate and senior students, he can sometimes add a presentation for the K-3 group based on his Mr. Dressup and What a Story picture books. This presentation requires Powerpoint and usually lasts thirty minutes.

The writing workshop: Character, dialogue and point-of-view.
Participants: 20-30 students, selected by teachers for their interest and enthusiasm.
Format: interactive workshop that includes writing and role-playing.
Time length: 60 to 70 minutes.
Equipment required: glass of water, two chairs, and a flip chart or blackboard. Students must bring pencil and paper.

This workshop demonstrates a number of key ideas in creative writing: using real life for material, the importance of details, trusting one's eyes and ears, developing plot through dialogue. Students begin by describing a partner, then practice point-of-view and dialogue based on an improvised scene.

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