DEBORAH MORRIS is the best-selling author of 15 books, including the Real Kids Real Adventures book series (adapted as an Emmy-nominated TV series on the Discovery Channel) and Teens 911: Snowbound. Deborah has also co-produced two reality-based TV movies and ghosted/co-authored the Christian bestseller and Gold Medallion Finalist What Would Jesus Do? She is the co-founder/executive director of the Writers' Roundtable Conferences. She lives in Texas with her husband, her Harley, and her own "real kids".

Grades 3 - 5

"Adventures in Writing"

A humorous, fun-filled presentation that challenges kids' ideas about writing-and writers! Using a variety of props and visuals, including video clips from her Emmy-nominated TV series, Deborah gives students an inside peek at a real writer's life and inspires them with true stories about kids just like them who have saved people's lives, survived deadly perils… and even had books published! (1 hour)

"Tell Me a Story"

A paperless writing workshop! Students are led through an interactive, real-time process of creating a story on the spot, incorporating their own unique thoughts, outlooks, and experiences. Stresses that reading good books can influence and improve students' writing styles. Video clips from the Real Kids Real Adventures TV series are used to demonstrate written scenes coming to life. Writing tips are organized into an easy-to-remember acronym: S.T.O.R.Y. (1-1/2 hours)

Grades 6, 7, 8

"Who'd Want to Be a Writer??"

A fast-moving, humorous look at writing as a career choice. Deborah will talk briefly about how she got started writing, then will challenge your student's ideas about writers' boring lifestyles and working habits. Video clips from the Emmy-nominated Real Kids Real Adventures TV series and other visuals will be incorporated into the program. (1hour)

"Turning Thoughts into Books"

A step-by-step look at how books are made, from the conception in the author's mind through the research, writing, editing, submission, and publishing process. Includes examples of published books written by kids and teens, and marketing advice for young authors with completed manuscripts. (1-1/2 hours)

Grades 9 - 12, Adults

"Creative Non-Fiction" (Can also be adapted for Middle School)
Do your students think writing non-fiction is too stifling... even boring? If "non-fiction" conjures up images of dusty reference books and fine-print footnotes, it's time to take another look at this highly marketable field. In this interactive workshop, students will learn how to stick with the facts without sacrificing their own creative voice. (1-1/2 hours)

"The S.E.C.R.E.T. of Storytelling"

A fast-moving, interactive writing workshop that explains six key elements involved in "telling a good story", whether fiction or non-fiction, for novels, short stories, magazines, movies, or television. Great characters, gripping dialogue, or funny scenes cannot alone make a great story without a solid foundation. Includes examples from popular literature and a handout with key points organized in an easy-to-remember acronym: SECRET. (1-1/2 hours)

Any Age/Grade Level

"Lunch with the Author" (Can also be adapted for any age group)
A casual luncheon with a smaller group of students selected by their teachers based on interest, reading scores, a school writing or poetry contest, etc. Deborah and the students generally eat in the library or an empty classroom, then adjourn to the floor, couches, or a reading pit to relax and chat, ask questions, etc.

"Walk-Around" (Can also be adapted for any age group)
This works best if Deborah visits classrooms where the students have already been to her presentation(s). Students have an opportunity to ask questions and make comments they might not have been comfortable voicing in a large session.

Special Presentations

Upon request, Deborah Morris can provide reading presentations for K - 2, Teacher In-Service programs, parent programs, and community (mixed age group) programs. Fees will vary depending on the requirements.