Welcome to the website for the Local Author Workshop Day at Wellesley Middle School!
WMS is collaborating with the Writers’ Loft, a non-profit community of local writers in Sherborn! The Writers’ Loft and WMS Library have teamed up to offer workshops to help engage students with local authors who write a variety of books. The books range from picture books to non-fiction to graphic fiction and everything in between! The goal of this program is to allow students and authors to connect and for students to learn about the many different aspects of writing and being a writer. The books vary in content and reading level, enabling all students to find a book that matches their interests and needs. 
Please read the workshop and book descriptions, and author bios below and then fill out the Google form with your top three choices! We will do our best to make sure everyone gets their top choice!

Nancy Tupper Ling

WORKSHOP: Storing Up Treasures
Writers are like detectives, practicing the art of observation. As students learn to jot down their own “treasures,” they’ll become better writers. Ling will share how a simple visit with friends became the spark for her own book, My Sister, Alicia May. Then we’ll do some observation exercises that relate to writing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Tupper Ling is the winner of the prestigious Writer’s Digest Grand Prize and the Pat Parnell Poetry Award.  She draws her inspiration from the multicultural background of her family and the interwoven fabric of familial culture which is, on the surface, seemingly everyday. Currently she resides in Walpole, Massachusetts with her husband, Vincent, and their two girls.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Double Happiness tells the story of two siblings who are moving with their parents across the country, away from the home they’ve grown up in, away from their other family members, away from everything they’ve known. To help with the transition, they start gathering up small treasures to put into a Happiness Box, so they can bring their joy with them no matter where they go.

Laura Wollett

WORKSHOP: Exploring the Hartford Circus Fire
Do you have a burning desire to know more about the Hartford circus fire? Laura Woollett is an expert and is willing to share her knowledge with you! This presentation will discuss the events of the 1944 disaster and its ongoing mysteries: Was the fire an act of arson? Who is the unidentified victim, a child nicknamed Little Miss 1565? This presentation is based on research conducted for her fascinating book, Big Top Burning.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Laura A. Woollett is the author of the middle-grade book Big Top Burning: The True Story of an Arsonist, a Missing Girl, and The Greatest Show On Earth. She is also a contributor to The Great Connecticut Caper, an online, serialized mystery for kids. Laura has a Master’s degree in Children’s Literature from Simmons College and is a full-time writer and editor of literacy curriculum for children. Originally from South Windsor, Connecticut, Laura now lives in Massachusetts with her husband, daughter, and two cats.
ABOUT THE BOOK: With primary source documents and survivor interviews, Big Top Burning recounts the true story of the 1944 Hartford circus fire—one of the worst fire disasters in U.S. history. Its remarkable characters include Robert Segee, a 15-year-old circus roustabout and known pyromaniac, and the Cook children, Donald, Eleanor, and Edward, who were in the audience when the circus tent caught fire. Guiding readers through the investigations of the mysteries that make this moment in history so fascinating, this book asks: Was the unidentified body of a little girl nicknamed “Little Miss 1565” Eleanor Cook? Was the fire itself an act of arson—and did Robert Segee set it? Big Top Burning combines a gripping disaster story, an ongoing detective and forensics saga, and World War II–era American history, inviting middle-grades readers to take part in a critical evaluation of the evidence and draw their own conclusions. 

Anna Staniszewski

WORKSHOP: Creating a Character
What makes us love a character? This interactive workshop will ask students to examine beloved and memorable characters. Students will create their own characters and give them distinct traits, wants, needs, and goals. At the end of the workshop, students will come away with one-of-a-kind characters whose stories are waiting to be told.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Born in Poland and raised in the United States, Anna Staniszewski grew up loving stories in both Polish and English. Currently, Anna lives south of Boston with her husband and their adopted black Labrador, Emma. She teaches courses on writing and children’s literature at Simmons College. When she’s not writing, Anna spends her time reading, daydreaming, and challenging unicorns to games of hopscotch. She is the author of the My Very UnFairy Tale Life series, the Dirt Diary series, and the Switched at First Kiss series.
ABOUT THE BOOK: When she’s dared to kiss the adorkable Marcus Torelli at a party, Lena thinks it’s the perfect opportunity to cross First Kiss off her list of “Things to Accomplish Before I Turn Fourteen.” It’s only when she gets sent on an assignment the next day that she realizes something went horribly wrong. That ZING she felt wasn’t the thrill of her first kiss–she and Marcus have swapped powers! Lena is not your average eighth grader; she’s a soul collector with a serious job to do. And Marcus turns out to be a supernatural matchmaker (like Cupid, but without the diaper). Now logical Lena finds herself with the love touch, and sweet, sentimental Marcus has death at his fingertips. The truth is that Lena should never have taken that dare…because one little kiss has Lena and Marcus in a whole lotta trouble.

Kristine Carlson Asselin

WORKSHOP: Just the Facts, Ma'am: Writing Nonfiction (for kids)
Kris has written books on everything from astronomy to ancient history. During this session she talks about the creation of these fascinating books, from first draft to final product! She shares information about writing, revising, the publishing process, and everything in between. Nothing is off the table. Bring your curiosity & questions! 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kristine Carlson Asselin has always been a -- first with short stories in elementary school and then as a tragic poet in high school.  She spent about twelve years as a student activities professional and then started writing picture book manuscripts. She has had much success in the nonfiction world, having written fourteen books for Capstone.
She loves books--mostly middle grade and YA. She is a sucker for a good love song, and can't resist an invitation for Chinese Food or Ice Cream.  But not together. 
ABOUT THE BOOK: This title examines the various roles women played in the war effort, as well as the new opportunities and societal changes they faced during World War I. Compelling narrative text and well-chosen historical photographs and primary sources make this book perfect for report writing. Features include a glossary, a selected bibliography, websites, source notes, and an index, plus a timeline and essential facts.

Greg Fishbone

WORKSHOP: The Science of Galaxy Games
Kids will learn about the search for extraterrestrial life, the discovery and cataloging of exoplanets, and the techniques that authors use to create memorable and realistic aliens for their stories.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Greg R. Fishbone is the author of books for children, teens, and penguins of all ages includingThe Penguins of Doom. A lawyer by day and writer by night, Greg fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice, and fun. He lives in the Boston area with his wife, baby, and two cats of varying temperament.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Things are looking up for Tyler Sato (literally!) as he and his friends scan the night sky for a star named for him by his Tokyo cousins in honor of his eleventh birthday. Ordinary stars tend to stay in one place, but Ty's seems to be streaking directly toward Earth at an alarming rate. 
Soon the whole world is talking about TY SATO, the doomsday asteroid, and life is turned upside down for Ty Sato, the boy, who would rather be playing hoops in his best friend's driveway.
Meanwhile, aboard a silver spaceship heading for Earth, M'Frozza, a girl with three eyes and five nose holes, is on a secret mission. M'Frozza is the captain of planet Mrendaria's Galaxy Games team, and she is desperate to save her world from a dishonorable performance in the biggest sporting event in the universe.

What will happen when Ty meets M'Frozza? Get ready for the most important event in human history--it's off the backboard, around the rim, and out of this world!

Andrea Wang

WORKSHOP: It’s All in the Details
Beyond providing the general facts, good nonfiction makes the topic lively and interesting. Details can give depth and richness to a piece, as well as inspire further research. Examples from Gorillas, The Science of an Oil Spill, Malala Yousafzai, and fiction books will be given. Students learn how to find, choose, and add details to their writing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Andrea Wang is the author of debut picture book, The Nian Monster, and has written seven nonfiction books!
ABOUT THE BOOK: This book discusses the science behind oil spills and their effects. The chapters examine history's worst oil spills, explain how oil spills happen, and show how scientists are developing safer ways to collect and transport oil. Diagrams, charts, and photos provide opportunities to evaluate and understand the scientific concepts involved.

David A. Kelly

WORKSHOP: Writing a Ballpark Mystery
In this workshop, author David A. Kelly talks about how he became an author, as well as how he writes the sports book series the BALLPARK MYSTERIES. In the workshop he will discuss specific techniques he uses to write the Ballpark Mysteries (setting, character, plot, suspense, etc.), as well as the writing and editing process (with examples of what his editors at Random House do to his stories!). There will be time for questions at the end. 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David A. Kelly is the author of the Ballpark Mysteries series. He was born in New Hartford, New York where he worked many jobs, including at a lumberyard, delivering newspapers, at a cowboy restaurant, and finally in computer software. He works in technology consulting and writing and as a travel writer (which is super cool!). David A. Kelly lives in Newton, Mass. with his wife and two sons. 
ABOUT THE BOOK: Thanks to Kate's mom, a sports reporter, cousins Mike Walsh and Kate Hopkins have tickets to the Red Sox game and All Access passes to Fenway Park. But as they're watching batting practice before the game, the lucky bat of Red Sox star slugger Big D is stolen . . . right in front of dozens of people. Without the bat, Big D can't seem to hit a thing. Can Kate and Mike figure out who pinched the bat before Big D and the Sox chalk up a loss?

Erin Dionne

WORKSHOP: ​Making Mysteries With Erin Dionne
What are the parts of a mystery? How is writing one different from other types of stories? Using examples from Moxie and the Art of Rule Breaking, which is a mystery set in Boston and based (sort of) on true events, and writing exercises, Erin will show you!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Erin lives outside of Boston, where she writes, reads, teaches, and juggles family life. She’s wanted to be a writer ever since she was six years old, and is happy to report that it’s just as awesome a job as she thought it would be. Some days, she even wears her pajamas while working! Erin has two young kids at home, so she writes most of her books in her local coffee shop or a local library. When she’s not writing or teaching, she’s having dance parties with her kids, spending time with her husband, or managing the expectations of their disgruntled family dog.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Thirteen-year-old Moxie Fleece is in big trouble. She has two weeks to find something that Boston’s most powerful gangster, Sully Cupcakes, wants—or Sully will take his anger out on her family. It’s a race against the clock as Moxie and her best friend, Ollie, try to follow decades-old clues to solve one of Boston’s biggest mysteries: the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art heist. What Moxie has going for her: Her Alzheimer’s-ridden grandfather, who knows more than he lets on, Ollie’s passion for urban treasure hunting, and a geometry proof that might hold the key to $5 million in reward money.

Nandini Bajpai

WORKSHOP: Books Without Borders: A World of Stories
Most children in the US will mostly have read books set in North America or Europe. Even the ones about the past or the future and even ones set in magical or fantastic worlds. But should there really be more books about Greek Gods, Magical Creatures, or Dystopian Futures than about Asians, Africans, or South Americans? In this workshop Nandini starts a conversation about books set in other countries that have characters with fascinating stories to tell. She shares the books she grew up reading, talks about visiting classrooms in India.  
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nandini Bajpai grew up in New Delhi, India, one of four sisters and many cousins in a family that liked to read. She lived and worked in India, Australia, and the US, before settling in the Boston area with my husband, kids, and a fluctuating number and variety of pets. Although she's dabbled in corporate finance, business analysis, and fostering shelter animals, her first love is writing.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Rishi and Karishma are living a routine life in the US with nothing more exciting to deal with than middle school—until their cat starts talking. He reveals that he is Acharya Vidyasagar, master of an ancient order, and that they need to find the Jiva Sutra—the ancient Book of Life—before it falls into evil hands. Could they really be the chosen ones entrusted centuries ago with the book, born again to restore it for the benefit of all beings? Will the lizard-born Hiramani, an enemy from that past life, seize it before them and use its powerful life force for his own nefarious ends? Teaming up with a host of wild creatures and the world’s oldest trees, Rishi and Karishma set off on a dangerous quest that takes them from America to India and Tibet. From the ruins of an ancient university in Nalanda, to the forests of Gir, and the Temple of the Saffron Cats in Tibet, the brother and sister must battle the evil Hiramani in their bid to save the Jiva Sutra and restore balance to the earth.

Josh Funk

WORKSHOP: How to Cook a Book from Scratch
How do you get from an idea in your head to the library shelf? In this workshop we'll discuss the entire publication process from idea generation, revision & critiques, and submitting to publishers to working with illustrators and promoting the final product. While it's no easy path, if this software engineer by day can learn how to write a book...anyone can do it!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Josh grew up in New England and studied Computer Science in school. Today, he still lives in New England and when not writing Java code or Python scripts, he drinks Java coffee and writes picture book manuscripts.
ABOUT THE BOOK: A thoroughly delicious picture book about the funniest "food fight!" ever! Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast have a beautiful friendship—until they discover that there's ONLY ONE DROP of maple syrup left. Off they go, racing past the Orange Juice Fountain, skiing through Sauerkraut Peak, and reeling down the linguini. But who will enjoy the sweet taste of victory? And could working together be better than tearing each other apart? The action-packed rhyme makes for an adrenaline-filled breakfast . . . even without a drop of coffee!

Jen Malone

WORKSHOP: Show Don’t Tell
Get ready to play oddball Pictionary and taste weird things!  This workshop uses active participation from the audience to show readers (instead of telling them) exactly what “show don’t tell" means. After looking at some written examples that demonstrate how showing through detail can enhance a story, we'll try out our theory by blindfolding and clamping headphones on the teacher so s/he can't hear us while we draw characters in specific environments. Based on visual clues (like what the character is wearing, what he is holding, or where she is hanging out) we'll have the teacher guess who we've created. Then we'll observe volunteers expressing emotions by subjecting them to a zany challenge, while the rest of us try to describe their reactions in a “show don’t tell” manner!  To say more would give too much away, but this one is full of fun… 
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Jen Malone writes sweet and funny books about tweens and teens for readers of all ages. Her middle grade titles include At Your Service, the You're Invited series (co-written with Gail Nall), and the upcoming The Sleepover, all with Simon & Schuster/Aladdin. Her Young Adult titles (with HarperCollins/HarperTeen) include Map to the Stars and the forthcoming Wanderlost. Jen's a former Hollywood movie executive who once spent a year traveling the world solo, met her husband on the highway (literally), and went into labor with her identical twins while on a rock star's tour bus. These days she saves the drama for her books. 
ABOUT THE BOOK: Chloe Turner has pretty much the BEST life. She gets to live in the super fancy Hotel St. Michele, New York City is her home town and her dad Mitchell Turner, concierge extraordinaire, is teaching her all the secrets of the business so she can follow in his footsteps. Chloe is appointed the official junior concierge tending to the hotel’s smallest, though sometimes most demanding, guests. Her new position comes with tons of perks like cupcake parties, backstage passes to concerts, and even private fittings with the hippest clothing designers. But Chloe hasn’t faced her toughest challenge yet. When three young royals, (including a real-life PRINCE!) come to stay, Chloe’s determined to prove once and for all just how good she is at her job. But the trip is a disaster, especially when the youngest disappears. Now it’s up to Chloe to save the day. Can she find the missing princess before it becomes international news?
ABOUT THE BOOK:​ This graphic novel follows the story of Masha, a young teen. After the death of her grandmother, Masha doesn't know what to do with her life. Her father is absent, more involved with his fiance than his daughter. When Masha discovers an ad seeking an assistant for Baba Yaga, she ventures into the woods to apply. But once there, Masha must pass three tests handed down from the terrifying witch, the last of which is cooking children for dinner.

Marika McCoola

WORKSHOP: Graphic Novels: Text and Image
In this workshop, students will learn about visual literacy, analyze the relationship of words and text using the elements of writing, and practice drawing and descriptive writing to reach a better understanding of how graphic novels are created. Students will be shown examples of graphic novels and panel descriptions. Through a variety of writing and drawing exercises, students will create panels and panel descriptions with an eye to understanding how words and pictures work together to create characterization, setting, mood, point of view, plot, tension, and pacing. 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marika McCoola is an illustrator, educator, and the New York Times bestselling author of Baba Yaga's Assistant. She studied illustration, art history, creative writing, and ceramics at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. In addition to writing and illustrating, Marika teaches Studio Art, Illustration, and Children's Literature online for the State University of New York, Empire State College, works as an indie bookseller, and teaches classes through the Emerson Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, Mass. When not in danger of being squashed by books, Marika may be found skiing or contra dancing.

Fill out the Google form with your top three choices!
​We will do our best to make sure everyone gets their top choice.