Workshops

Paul R. May is available for author readings and writing workshops. He has experience working with kids at elementary, middle, and high school levels. For more information, contact him at paul@paulrmay.com

"And the faces of the children in my class light up! I have just told them Mr. May is coming tomorrow to share one of his wonderful stories. Paul May has a daughter in my room of fourth graders at Gateway Charter School located in Fort Myers , Florida and has been donating his valuable time each Thursday this school year. An accomplished children's author, dad, story weaver and just nice guy Mr. May has shared stories, helped the children develop their writing skills and supported this teacher throughout the past school year. As a teacher with thirty-seven years under my belt I have worked with many parents in my schools and classrooms and have so enjoyed having Paul May in my room every week!!! Working alongside Paul has been one of my more enjoyable experiences!"

"On a visit to my seventh grade classroom, writer Paul May shared two chapters from his manuscript, “Cousins.” His story reading provided a nice segue into a discussion with my students on the importance of using action verbs, vivid examples and lots and lots of dialogue to season bland writing. Students worked with their own pieces of writing to see how much of a difference showing, not telling, can really make.

In sharing his own background as a writer and his tenacity in getting published, May inspired my students to look for their own opportunities to get published, and to start now at a young age.

§ Look for characters everywhere, and keep a journal of the interesting people you see and know.

§ Build your stories around the interesting characters you create—people want to read about unusual characters.

§ Don’t tell your story, show it. Make your reader see the places and people you are writing about.

§ Keep a journal or idea book—you never know where a good book or short story idea might pop up.

Students came away from the workshop with an understanding of the process of writing and the doggedness required to really “make it” in the business."

-Kelley Kaminsky, 7th grade Reading and Language Arts Teacher, Gateway Charter School

2003/2004 - Ongoing writing workshop with students at Bevis Elementary School, near Tampa, Florida