Event Reviews
"I attended Beckie's discussion of her novel Converting Kate at my town library and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Even though I am a published fiction writer, I learned from the follow-up writing exercise she assigned our group. She challenged us by making us write a first draft of a short story and then revise it using strong description for emotional impact. Afterwards, I invited Beckie to lecture to three English classes at Post University, where I teach. Again, she challenged students with an insightful give-and-take discussion of her novel. She also challenged us with another writing exercise--this time writing a paragraph for utmost descriptive impact. Beckie is certainly a seasoned writer and an effective teacher of fiction. She has dozens of writing lessons to impart, all of which have strengthened my own creative writing."
- Nancy Manning, English Professor and attendee of Beckie's discussion and workshops at Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut, in February 2009
"Beckie Weinheimer offered a fascinating author talk for teens and adults at our library, and her writing workshop made imaginative writing easy and fun. It was obvious that Beckie loves to write and would like to pass that passion on to others. She even stayed for a long time after the program to give attendees further writing advice!"
- Marissa Ciullo, Children’s Librarian, Oxford Public Library, CT, about author talk and writing workshop Beckie held in November 2008
"We were pleased to have Beckie Weinheimer conduct a writers’ workshop at the Algona Public Library in Algona, Iowa. The workshop participants appreciated Beckie’s expertise as well as her thoughtful and attentive critique of each individual's work."
- Jet Kofoot, former director, Algona Public Library in Algona, Iowa about a workshop Beckie held in October 2008
"I first met Beckie Weinheimer at a Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference in Arlington, VA, where she was a guest speaker. I had scheduled a manuscript critque, my first face to face, and was feeling a little nervous about my work. I quickly came to appreciate Beckie's impressive teaching style. She made me feel very comfortable right from the beginning. She has this wonderful ability to craft her comments in a positive, encouraging manner -- and communicate her ideas in a clear, reassuring voice. I came away refreshed and ready to get to work. It was no surprise later, as I read her YA novel, Converting Kate, that she is truly a gifted writer. Beckie continues to make herself accessible to answer questions - and share her expertise."
- Carol Larese Millward, Writer attending Mid-Atlantic SCBWI Conference in 2008
"Beckie's talk and writing workshop made a huge impact on the participants. She was so open in talking about her book, and the interactive writing workshop was very effective."
- Jane Babbitt, Youth Services Librarian at Rockport Public Library in Rockport, Maine, about a workshop Beckie held in October 2008
"I really enjoy Beckie's writer workshops because she manages to be completely encouraging to everyone. Her enthusiasm makes me think maybe I could write! She has done workshops for mixed ages, middle school to adult, with great success at our library in Southwest Harbor, Maine. I'm really glad I know her!"
- Susan Plimpton Children's Librarian at Southwest Harbor Library in Maine about workshops Beckie held there in July 2007 and October 2008
"The best and most useful writer workshop I have ever attended. Not only was the event itself packed with insightful information and probing activities, but an active, mutually enthusiastic correspondence with Beckie thereafter--including her painstaking and thorough review of my novel-length manuscript--has profoundly influenced my writing and my self image as a writer."
-Andy Golay, attendee at a workshop at Copper Queen Library in Bisbee Arizona, workshop in November 2007