Programs Offered For Children

If you'd like to book Kelly for an author visit or writing workshop, please send a note to email@kellystarlinglyons.com.

Bringing Black History to Life

How many times have you heard kids groan about history lessons? In this multimedia workshop, students get plugged in. Kelly shows a slideshow of images from the Million Man March and shares how that historic event inspired her picture book, One Million Men and Me. Then, she takes students on an inspiring journey through her writing process from story idea to publication. She gives them a peek at her first draft, revisions and engages them in discussing why particular editorial decisions were made. The session ends with a freedom song, interactive reading and Q&A. For upper grades, Kelly can also incorporate NEATE: Eddie's Ordeal into the presentation with a slideshow that shows the role young people played in the civil rights movement.

Mine Your Life For Story Gold – A Writing Residency

In this five-day residency, Kelly uses the analogy of panning for gold to teach students that moments and memories offer inspiration for personal narratives. Through writing and discussion, students learn how to infuse their stories with heart, meaning, cohesion, voice and sensory detail. Through lessons on revision, they gain skills in strengthening and polishing their stories and giving constructive feedback to peers. The last day features readings and a celebration of the story each has written. 

Finding Your Voice

Kelly has dreamed of being an author since she was a child. In this workshop, she takes young people on her journey from writing poems in school to becoming a freelance writer and children’s book author. Kelly talks about finding ideas, overcoming writer’s block, writing a draft (includes a fun story prompt activity), revising stories and understanding publishing. She shares early drafts, rejection letters and more to give kids a peek into a published writer’s world. Just as Kelly’s stories are inspired by moments, memories and history, students learn how to mine their lives and surroundings for ideas too. Kelly leads them in a free writing exercise. Then, she leaves them with a list of kid-friendly markets they can try.

Reader’s Theater

Watch your students take NEATE: Eddie’s Ordeal, from the page to the stage in an exciting Reader’s Theater workshop. What will it include? History lesson. Check. Fun with props and music. Check. Kelly talks to students about the story behind the book and encourages them to explore connections between themes and their own lives. This workshop requires at least two sessions.

Programs Offered For Adults

Kelly has led workshops at Central Carolina Community College and Duke University's Continuing Education program.

So You Want to Write a Children's Book

Have you always wanted to write a children's book? Start the journey with author Kelly Starling Lyons in a class designed to introduce you to the field. In this one-day workshop, you'll get a basic understanding of children's book genres, mine your life for story ideas, gain insight into the business of children's book publishing and learn about resources and tools of the trade. By the end of the class, you'll be steps closer to making your dream come true.

Parent Talk

Do you want to build a home library that includes African-American children’s books? Invite me to your meeting, library, church or school for a multimedia presentation that introduces you to some of the wonderful literature created by black authors and illustrators. I’ll read excerpts from the books, answer questions, give each attendee a book list full of great titles to consider adding to their collections and a guide to resources such as helpful web sites and books.

Children's Book Club Consulting

For the past four-and-a-half years, I’ve facilitated children’s book clubs that celebrate literary treasures by black children’s book creators of today and the past. I continue that advocacy as a member of The Brown Bookshelf, a team of authors and illustrators dedicated to raising awareness of the many African-American voices creating books for young readers. Would you like to start a book club for kids that introduces them to children’s books by black authors and illustrators, but don’t know where to begin? I can help. We’ll discuss themes, reading level, mission and then I’ll create a year-long reading list for your club complete with fun extension activities and links to reviews, discussion guides (if available) and author and illustrator web sites.

Custom Workshops for Children or Adults

Kelly can customize presentations or workshops for your class, community group, book club or church. She enjoys exploring black history and family history and talking about how to write personal essays, children's book stories and feature articles.

Fees

Please contact Kelly at email@kellystarlinglyons.com for information on scheduling and rates. For locations outside of the NC Triangle area, travel and lodging fees may also apply.

Book Orders

You can order books from Just Us Books (Willie Hudson, Director of Sales - 973-672-7701 or willie_hudson@justusbooks.com), online booksellers such as Amazon.com or local book stores.