Laura Shovan

Laura Shovan is a poet-in-the-schools for the Maryland State Arts Council, conducting poetry workshops for children and teens throughout Maryland. She is also a freelance journalist for the Baltimore Sun and Baltimore's Child magazine. Her feature articles cover education, the arts, religion, and community events.

Writing workshops for adults are forming now. Contact Laura for more information: www.laurashovan.com

Writers' Workshop on Characterization
"Animagi and Daemons and Turtles! Oh my! - Using animals to make your characters jump off the page"
Does your villain slither like a snake or prowl like a wolf? Do conflicts make your hero retreat into her shell like a turtle? From fantasy series like Harry Potter & His Dark Materials, to fiction as realistic as Because of Winn Dixie, children's authors often build character through animal metaphors.

Writers' "Retreat" on Using Poetic Techniques in Fiction
"Playing in the China Shop: A Poetic Workshop for Fiction Writers"
How can poetry help prose writers let our imaginations run wild, without making a mess of our stories? Find out in this workshop for fiction authors. Maryland State Arts Council Artist-in-Education Laura Shovan will guide you through writing prompts, selected readings and discussions that will breathe life into your characters and cut to the heart of your conflicts. Learn to use the poetic devices - economical language, detail, and imagination - that make fiction a joy to read and write!

Marketing Workshop on Creating Writing Workshops for Schools
"Working the (School) System"
Have you got the "My Advance Don't Pay the Bills" Blues? Many writers supplement their incomes by marketing themselves to schools. Schools are a lucrative market, and you don't have to be an educator to set up a visit. Learn how to translate your writing strengths into a hand-on classroom workshop. Get tips from Laura Shovan, Maryland State Arts Council Artist-in-Education for poetry, on making your author visit a success.

Learn more about Laura's work in the schools at www.laurashovan.com.