Speaking and Workshops

Melissa is available for speaking and conducting workshops for libraries, schools, and other organizations. Examples of engagements include author talks, memoir workshops, writing for children, and special programs.

Past venues include Nashua, Burlington, Boxford, Peabody, Haverhill and Hampstead Public Libraries; Westside Writes in Springfield, Mass.; City of Newburyport; Pollard Library in Lowell; The Emma Andrews Library in Newburyport; Massachusetts Society of Genealogists Merrimack Valley; The Book Rack in Newburyport; professional development retreats and private book clubs.

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE:

So many of us have a special place in our hearts for children’s literature, yet many people don’t realize what a powerful, vital and contentious body of literature it is, constantly adapting to reflect and challenge the society that produces it. Whether you would like to take a look at the world of children’s literature, review its history, or more closely examine an individual children’s book, author, or illustrator, Dr. Juchniewicz will be happy to tailor her talk to the interests of your audience. She has taught courses in children’s and young adult literature for more than 20 years, has been a member of the Foundation for Children’s Books, a Book PALS volunteer, children’s book reviewer, and columnist for The Journal of the New England Reading Association.

MEMOIRS:

You are the only one to tell the stories that have made you who you are; no one else has seen the world through your eyes. Maya Angelou cautioned against “…bearing an untold story inside you.” But where do you start? What do you need to begin? Do you have to be a great writer? What if others don’t like what you have to say? Melissa Juchniewicz will show you that with just your memories, a pencil and paper or keyboard, you can begin to voice your wonderful stories. She will provide ideas in structure and techniques for results worthy of your experiences. Dr. Juchniewicz has facilitated memoir writing workshops for more than 20 years around the Merrimack Valley and founded the long-running Newburyport Writers’ Group. She has overseen the production of thousands of pages of people’s life stories. Bring something to write with to her workshop and you’ll leave with something written that may be the start of a great journey.

SPECIAL TOPICS:

Melissa also speaks on a variety of topics, including history of her hometown, Concord, Massachusetts, and censorship of children’s literature.

Her essay about Walden Pond and global warming is included here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7021987-thoreau-s-legacy