Other and Writer
| Region: | Wisconsin |
| Age Levels: | 5-10, 11-13, and 14-17 |
| Will Travel: | Anywhere in the world |
| Skype Visit: | Yes |
| SCBWI Profile: | Member Profile |
| Speaker Email: | sheri@willowwords.agency |
| Publications |
Bio:
Sheri Bestor's experience
in the writing world began as an author. She is an award winning published author, writing for several genres. She has sold work to national magazines, including Highlights for Children, Weekly Reader, Read, and Yoga International. She has
vast experience writing business content for various companies as well
as curriculum for educational programs. She has earned a MA in
Curriculum and Instruction, a BA in education and has over 30 years of
teaching experience. She is the founder of North Shore Academy of the
Arts,a non-profit organization that offers arts programming, including
literary arts classes and workshops, to the community. As an award winning author, Sheri has experiential knowledge about
the writing and publishing process which helps the writers and authors
she works with accomplish their writing and publishing goals and dreams.
Presentation Description:
Menu of Presentations/Workshops:
1. Building Your Writing Tool Box
Students
will discover the secret tools that will help them to become avid and
inspired writers! Kids will have fun while learning during the
interactive approach to this hands-on workshop, where they’ll engage in
discovery, problem solving, critical thinking and doing a bit of writing
on their own! Each student will leave with 12 ideas of tools that they
can equip their own “writing tool boxes” with. Unlike many author
workshops, in this session, students will go beyond the steps of writing
and hone in on the creative process of writing. Author,
teacher and literary agent, Sheri Bestor, will share with students what
it’s like to be a published author through the use of her upcoming book,
“Good Trick Walking Stick.” This inspirational workshop will not only excite kids to
write, but will leave them with valuable tips on writing (both fiction
and non-fiction) that are in keeping with common core standards.
Target
Audience: 2-5th grades. This program, more effective for individual
classrooms vs. an all school assembly, is written for groups of 30
students or less per session. ( If this does not fit your current
student body needs, please contact me for other options.)
2. Title: Posing as an Author-the Yoga of Writing (workshop structured after the book with the same title, written by Sheri Bestor)
Description:
The idea of writing a book to be published can be daunting, and many
talented writers never accomplish their goals simply because they don’t
have the practical tools needed to carry through and stay focused. Being
an author takes strength, balance and flexibility-not unlike the
benefits derived from a yoga practice, an ancient and proven method of,
in part, accessing creativity and becoming centered and focused. This
workshop will give writers insider strategies on developing a
yogic-writing “practice,” with concepts derived from yoga to unleash
creativity and transform the words and stories hidden deep within onto
paper and into published form. For more information on the specific
topics covered within the workshop, inquire with Sheri.
Target Audience: This
workshop works well with both adults and children. When presented in a
school setting to students, it is geared for grades 2nd -high school and
the yoga component helps kids to use movement as a way to become more
creative, imaginative writers. Students will participate in writing
activities and gain valuable tools to help them achieve success as a
writer and student.
When
presented to adults, it works well as a breakout session at SCBWI
events or at writing/yoga retreats. Option available as a two part
session which includes a yoga class structured after the workshop and
designed to foster creativity.
3. Title: Non-Fiction Fun
Description:
Research can be fun? Learn how to make non-fiction writing an exciting
adventure as students journey with author/agent Sheri on this hike
through the wilderness of facts. Students will learn how to discover
facts and weave them into their writing. In line with common Core
Standards.
Target Audience: This workshop works well with students grades 2nd -8th.
4.Title: I want to become an author!
Description:
An honest yet inspiring inside glimpse of the life of an author, from
applying what you learn in school all the way to publication and
beyond! Insights from the published author, teacher and agent, Mrs.
Bestor will help you understand what
it takes, and inspire you to keep writing. Sheri will use her most
recently published book as an example of the path from idea to
publishing.
Target Audience: This
workshop works well with first through 8th grades, yet can be adapted
for high school and adults. Students will leave with a clear
understanding of one author's journey, with stories about other
authors, while having the opportunity to explore their own interests in
writing during the workshop.
5. Title: Agent Input
Descriptions:
I'm available to serve on panels at SCBWI events, and to give critiques
and one on one feedback on manuscripts. I am also available to speak
with students about the role of agents.
Target Audience: Adults: SCBWI events or other adult writing gatherings. Students-school settings, career day for high schools, etc.
Biography:
I
am the founder and agent for Willow Words Literary Agency. I am a long
time member of SCBWI. I am an author, with work published for children,
teens and adults. I have been published in both fiction and non-fiction,
both books and magazine articles, with my next book to be released in
the spring of 2016. I am a contributor to Yoga International. I have
my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and a BS in Education and
am the Founder of a non-profit arts organization. I am the Owner and
Instructor for Balancing Arts Yoga and Well Being Studio, where I
practice and teach yoga, somatics, meditation and yoga nidra. In
addition to her writing, Sheri’s yoga practice has informed her other
creative endeavors, including her painting and jewelry line, “Moon Tide
Designs.”
If you are interested in scheduling Sheri, please send dates and needs and she will respond.
262.719.4633 or sheri@willlowwords.agency
Publishing History:
The Mindfulness Journal, Peaces of My Day
Substance Abuse, The Ultimate Teen Guide
On With the Show
How to Organize Your Classroom
Good Trick Walking Stick (to be released in spring of 2016)
Writing also sold to:
Yoga
International, Highlights Magazine, Weekly Reader/Read, Story Friends,
Family Fun, Various Wisconsin Newspapers and Magazines
“Posing as
a Writer,” (article published in Yoga International) and “Posing as an
Author” (ms) are what the workshop is structured after.
"Weekly Reader, Read."
"Highlights Magazine."
and more.
Teaching Experience:
I’ve
been a teacher at various capacities for over 35 years for all ages of
individuals, from young children through adults. I have earned a
teaching certification from UW Madison, and a Masters in Curriculum and
Instruction. I have founded an arts school, a yoga studio, and a
literary agency, all of which have given me opportunities to teach
and/or speak.
Sheri
is available to give presentations on writing to both children and
adults in settings such as classrooms, school assemblies,SCBWI events
and writing/arts retreats. As an agent, she is available to participate
on panels as well as critique and review manuscripts. To find out about
her availability, pricing and to book her, please contact,
Sheri@willowwords.agency.
I’ve
been a teacher at some capacity all of my adult life. With a Masters in
Curriculum and Education and a BA in Education, I am at home in the
classroom or with groups of adults wanting to learn. I’m a published
book author, with my upcoming picture book being released in spring of
2016. I’ve sold work to newspapers, magazines, and publishing houses,
have published in a variety of genres including children's, young
adult and adults. I am the founder and literary agent with Willow Words
Literary Agency. I have also founded a non-profit academy in the arts,
where I have directed musicals for close to two decades. I tend to
integrate drama related activities into my presentations to keep kids
interested and engaged. (Sometimes, I even bring it into my adult
workshops!)
In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, nature, kayaking, painting, creating jewelry, teaching yoga and being a mom. I am passionate about fostering creativity and inspiring young writers. For more information, visit www.willowwords.agency.
Menu of
Presentations/Workshops:
1. Building Your Writing Tool Box
Students
will discover the secret tools that will help them to become avid and
inspired writers! Kids will have fun while learning during the
interactive approach to this hands-on workshop, where they’ll engage in
discovery, problem solving, critical thinking and doing a bit of writing
on their own! Each student will leave with 12 ideas of tools that they
can equip their own “writing tool boxes” with. Unlike many author
workshops, in this session, students will go beyond the steps of writing
and hone in on the creative process of writing. Author,
teacher and literary agent, Sheri Bestor, will share with students what
it’s like to be a published author through the use of her upcoming book,
“Good Trick Walking Stick.” (perhaps a guest, live walking
stick will accompany Sheri, but shhh…don’t tell the students-it’s a
surprise!) This inspirational workshop will not only excite kids to
write, but will leave them with valuable tips on writing (both fiction
and non-fiction) that are in keeping with common core standards.
Target
Audience: 2-5th grades. This program, more effective for individual
classrooms vs. an all school assembly, is written for groups of 30
students or less per session. ( If this does not fit your current
student body needs, please contact me for other options.)
2. Title: Posing as an Author-the Yoga of Writing (workshop structured after the book with the same title, written by Sheri Bestor)
Description:
The idea of writing a book to be published can be daunting, and many
talented writers never accomplish their goals simply because they don’t
have the practical tools needed to carry through and stay focused. Being
an author takes strength, balance and flexibility-not unlike the
benefits derived from a yoga practice, an ancient and proven method of,
in part, accessing creativity and becoming centered and focused. This
workshop will give writers insider strategies on developing a
yogic-writing “practice,” with concepts derived from yoga to unleash
creativity and transform the words and stories hidden deep within onto
paper and into published form. For more information on the specific
topics covered within the workshop, inquire with Sheri.
Target Audience: This
workshop works well with both adults and children. When presented in a
school setting to students, it is geared for grades 2nd -high school and
the yoga component helps kids to use movement as a way to become more
creative, imaginative writers. Students will participate in writing
activities and gain valuable tools to help them achieve success as a
writer and student.
When
presented to adults, it works well as a breakout session at SCBWI
events or at writing/yoga retreats. Option available as a two part
session which includes a yoga class structured after the workshop and
designed to foster creativity.
3. Title: Non-Fiction Fun
Description:
Research can be fun? Learn how to make non-fiction writing an exciting
adventure as students journey with author/agent Sheri on this hike
through the wilderness of facts. Students will learn how to discover
facts and weave them into their writing. In line with common Core
Standards.
Target Audience: This workshop works well with students grades 2nd -8th.
4.Title: I want to become an author!
Description:
An honest yet inspiring inside glimpse of the life of an author, from
applying what you learn in school all the way to publication and
beyond! Insights from the published author, teacher and agent, Mrs.
Bestor will help you understand what
it takes, and inspire you to keep writing. Sheri will use her most
recently published book as an example of the path from idea to
publishing.
Target Audience: This
workshop works well with first through 8th grades, yet can be adapted
for high school and adults. Students will leave with a clear
understanding of one author's journey, with stories about other
authors, while having the opportunity to explore their own interests in
writing during the workshop.
5. Title: Agent Input
Descriptions:
I'm available to serve on panels at SCBWI events, and to give critiques
and one on one feedback on manuscripts. I am also available to speak
with students about the role of agents.
Please visit www.willowwords.agency for more information.