Teaching and Speaking
Workshops, Conferences, and Writers’ Retreats
Ongoing & Upcoming
Deborah moderates the Forum on Writing for Children, where authors and publishing professionals talk about their work and answer questions from the audience. Eight programs a year, four each semester, are open to the public.
Forum on Writing for Children, Fall 2008
Tuesday, September 16
Jane Yolen, award-winning author of almost 300 books for children, teens, and adults
Tuesday, November 4
Trish Marx, author of Elephants and Golden Thrones: Inside China's Forbidden City and Steel Drumming at the Apollo: The Road to Super Top Dog
Tuesday, October 28
Getting Published Panel: Sarah Davies, literary agent, Greenhouse Literary; Kenneth Wright, literary agent, Writers House; Harold Underdown, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books
Tuesday, December 2
From Student to Published Author: New School MFA graduates talk about the experience of getting published
Tickets at The New School Box Office, Mon–Fri 5–8 p.m.;
call 212-229-5488. $16.00 for 4. Single admission $5.00
Readings at 66 West 12th Street, Room 510.
For more information: 212-229-5611.
Go directly to Room 510, mention this website — and come as Deborah’s guest!
Deborah teaches the Writing for Children Workshop during the first three weeks in June. For 2008, the dates are June 2–19. In the mornings, students write and attend special programs. Then the class meets for the workshop from 2:30–5:00 p.m. Gentle, constructive critiques encourage writers to try new ideas, formats, and age groups. Deborah leads group writing exercises and meets with individual students.
Luis Jaramillo, Associate Chair, Writing Program, The New School:
“I couldn't hope for a more professional, enthusiastic, knowledgeable colleague. Deborah Brodie is an untiring editor and champion of student work, and I know from the career trajectories of some of her former MFA students that not only is Deborah encouraging and tough, but she also gets students published.”
Two students reflect on their experiences in the 2007 Summer Colony workshop:
Charlotte Doyle:
“Deborah forged a workshop atmosphere of respect and trust that allowed us to become a loving and supportive group—despite our differences in age, culture, and writing experience. As we listened to her comments, we learned to do close, respectful readings without losing a sense of overall intent and shape. We learned to cheer each other on as the evident progress appeared.”
Margaret Crocker:
“Under Deborah's guidance, our workshop and Salon buzzed with creativity, commentary, and camaraderie. I was sad to see it end!”
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings, 6:00–8:00, the Literary Salons consist of discussions of works by particular writers. Then that Thursday, the author comes to the Salon and participates in the discussion, providing personal insights into the writing and publishing process. This year’s Salon guests are Patricia Reilly Giff on June 5 and Bruce Coville on June 19.
One of last summer’s Salon guests was Ann M. Martin, bestselling author of the wildly successful Baby-sitters Club series, as well as the Newbery Honor winner A Corner of the Universe. She says:
“I found a roomful of students who were enthralled not only by the material and their experiences in the course thus far, but by Deborah herself. She had clearly captured her students and fanned their interest in the subject matter. Deborah is a highly respected and sought-after editor, and her students are lucky to learn from one of the best.”
Those who choose to take the course for credit will earn 6 credits.
For more information about academic credit, tuition, and housing, please visit www.newschool.edu/summerwriters.
Deborah is also an MFA Mentor at Simmons. Elaine Dimopoulos worked on a novel for her fall 2007 mentorship. She says:
“I came to Deborah Brodie with 54 pages and a very particular idea of what I thought my novel was about. She pushed me to defend my choices and to reexamine my characters and plotline. The process was, at times, quite painful — at other times, exhilarating. Ultimately, though, I love the story that fought its way onto the page and that continues to emerge.
“Deborah helped me learn about myself and how I work. Lessons learned, a list of mantras:
- Not every project is publishable. I may have to write 100 pages to produce ten good ones; likewise, I may generate five novels before the sixth is publication-ready.
- Dessert first! I ought to write first the parts of a story that are the most vivid in my head, the parts I am most excited to write.
- When creating character, avoid clichéd extremes — e.g., the cynical teen, the out-of-touch mom. Character ‘happens’ best when I’m not forcing it.
- Many children’s books are serious; too few are humorous. One of the semester’s especially interesting discoveries: If I strive for hilarity when writing a scene, it comes out only mildly (but satisfyingly) amusing, and the writing has a light and lively quality (if I, and Deborah, do say so!).”
Recent Highlights
Jean Feiwel, Senior Vice President and Publisher, Feiwel & Friends and Square Fish Books:
“The art and craft of a Book Editor is something that — within the context of a publishing house — is not taught anymore, and what a loss that is for editors and authors, and for their books.
“Deborah’s Master Class was a deep, instructive, nurturing, and comprehensive tutorial on the editorial process in its many facets. It should be required for people embarking on and truly interested in a publishing career.”
Mary Ann Sabia, Vice President and Associate Publisher:
“The time that Deborah Brodie spent with our staff was inspirational and informative. Deborah is a natural teacher and moderator. One of the things that impressed me most was her ability to take individual concerns and questions and respond to them within a relevant big-picture context.
“Deborah is not only warm and caring, but also extremely knowledgeable and passionate about this industry. She understands and appreciates the challenges and benefits of both small and large houses.”
Yolanda LeRoy, Editorial Director:
“Deborah is a consummate editor. She possesses that rare blend of exceptional intelligence, creativity, business acumen, and people skills.”
Neil Watson, Executive Director, Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah, New York:
“Deborah Brodie happens to be one of those genius editors who can both communicate and inspire. For our ‘How To Get Published in Children's Books’ panel at the Katonah Museum of Art, she gave practical advice, warm encouragement, and in-the-trenches anecdotes—all of which left the audience feeling a little dizzy with new knowledge and raring to go.”
Robin Koontz, SCBWI Oregon Regional Advisor and author:
“We had the good fortune to have Deborah as part of our conference faculty, and in fact, we invited her to come back! She is truly a warm and giving person with a relentless passion about the craft of writing and doing it well. Her experienced advice and encouragement left us all feeling ‘We can do this!’”
Anna Olswanger, conference coordinator, author, and literary agent at Liza Dawson Associates:
“When Deborah Brodie spoke at the Jewish Children's Book Writers Conference at the 92nd Street Y, she talked about the difficult goal of balancing life and work. She urged writers to stay centered without losing the joy in writing. ‘Write your favorite parts first,’ she said. ‘Don't be afraid.’ The audience quickly discerned that Deborah does what she says. She is centered. She is joyful. She is, unsurprisingly, an excellent speaker and teacher.”
Elizabeth Partridge, author of the Printz Honor Book John Lennon: All I Want Is the Truth:
“Our small writing group invited Deborah Brodie to come and teach us for a week. We each ponied up a sixth of her fee, and stayed at the largest house belonging to two of our members. Half of each day was devoted to writing, the other half to prompts and manuscript critiquing. Deborah’s insights were incredible, and put many of us into a flurry of new work, as well as ah-ha! revising. In the evenings we ate, laughed and relaxed. I have high regard for Deborah’s ability to critique, as well as to lead group workshops. Two thumbs up!”
Tom Birdseye, author of Airmail to the Moon:
“Although a fiction writer by trade, I have to make nothing up when it comes to the benefit of a retreat with Deborah Brodie. Not only does she bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, but — most important — complete commitment. You will grow as a writer. That's a fact!”
Patricia Wittmann, author of Go Ask Giorgio!
“With her extensive editorial experience, Deborah knows how to ask the ‘right’ questions to encourage you to view your manuscript with new eyes and take it to the next level. Most of all, Deborah is passionate about good writing. Passionate in a way that is invigorating and highly contagious — attending one of her workshops is a rare experience indeed!”
Gary Hines, author of Midnight Forests:
“Deborah’s review of my manuscripts proved invaluable! There’s nothing like having a world-class editor right at your fingertips. Too bad it couldn’t have been longer than a week. She also held lively discussions with us and passed on writing exercises and techniques that I’m still finding helpful.”
Suzanne C. Johnson, author of Fribbity Ribbit!
“The group segments were fresh and productive, and even more so, for me, were the private sessions. Deborah’s coaching was insightful, specific and frank. She was clearly committed to guiding me into tapping my own writing potential—some of which I truly did not know existed. Retreats with Deborah Brodie are empowering.”
Anna Grossnickle Hines, author of Pieces: A Year in Poems and Quilts, winner of the Lee Bennett Hopkins Award for Excellence in Poetry:
“At the two retreats I did with Deborah, we did a great deal of laughing and a lot of hard work. Her encouragement to open possibilities and explore by writing snippets, scenes, bits of scenes, the parts that most appeal to you — ‘Dessert First!’ Deborah calls it — is invaluable in getting a story started or, if you are further along, ‘unstuck.’ And if you need a little help finding your dessert, Deborah is generous with stimulating prompts and questions.”
For more information on speaking engagements, including fees, please e-mail Deborah via her contact page.