|
|
Welcome!
Are you looking for an author to visit? A speaker on writing, publishing, marketing?
Lisa Saunders, Speaker & Workshop Fascilitator
 |
|
LISA SPEAKS TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS |
Lisa has spoken on a variety of topics at venues including Cornell University, grade schools, USA 9 News, Fox CT, West Point Museum, The Washington Independent Writers Association, and to international audiences at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). See her Speaker's Resume with references at:http://authorlisasaunders.blogspot.com/2016/05/need-speaker-on-health-history-or.html
See upcoming events.
Contract her directly for school or adult group programs at LisaSaunders42@gmail.com
Lisa presented her children's novel, Ride a Horse Not an Elevator to the Riverfront Children's Center, Inc.(7/11/13):
Testimonials:
"We received very positive reviews from the participants of your memoir writing class. Your workshop was very professional. I appreciate you jumping into this workshop without knowing who the actual target audience was and what level of expertise to expect." Jean Schweid, Librarian, Groton Public Library
"Lisa's talk on 'How to Market Yourself' was fabulous. She was very well received by the members who felt she really knew what she was talking about."Anne-Marie Foster, Co-Founder, freshconnections, a networking group for women in business.
"Lisa's writing advice was advanced enough for adults, but simple enough for children. By the end of the workshop, even the shyest students were sharing their literary creations!" Andrea McKenzie, Bill Library, Ledyard, CT
"Lisa, I just want to thank you for your class on publishing and pointing me in the right direction. I really appreciated your time and knowledge. Now to jump in." Sue Palmer
"Lisa’s talk, 'Graveyard Adventures,' was both informative and entertaining. I've never seen another speaker get the ladies so engaged and laughing.”-- Nancy Wilkie, Mystic Women’s Club, Conn.
“Lisa was eloquent and insightful about her experiences raising her handicapped daughter. She captured the attention of the students, special education teachers, therapists, and social workers -- inspiring them with greater empathy and commitment.”--Mary Goodin, M. Ed., OTR, Johns Hopkins University
Contact Lisa Saunders at lisasauders42@gmail.com or visit: www.authorlisasaunders.com
"Dear Lisa,
The children in the summer program really enjoyed your presentation of your novel, Ride a Horse Not an Elevator, and receiving an autographed copy. That aspect especially did a great deal to help them feel connected on a personal level to the whole writing process. Thank you so much for giving your time to them and sharing your expertise."
"Lisa's manner with children is natural and encouraging, immediately putting them at ease. Her writing advice was advanced enough for adults, but simple enough for children to implement. By the end of the workshop, even the shyest students were sharing parts of their literary creations. This workshop was wonderful!" Andrea McKenzie, Bill Library, Ledyard, CT, (Jan. 30, 2013) aandgmckenzie@gmail.com
Lisa's talk, "How to Get Published & Self-Published" at: Emerging Writers Retreat: Creating a Writing Life on July 20, 2013, Masons Island, CT: "Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your story, experience and wonderful energy! Everyone enjoyed what you brought to the program." Patricia Chaffee, Writer/Retreat Facilitator contact@PatriciaAnnChaffee.com
Lisa is available to speak on (click here for printable flyer):
Lisa’s topics include:
More details:
How to Write and Publish Your Memoir * (see below for full writeup and references)
There are several important reasons for writing your life story--or at least a part of it. If you have a message that inspires, comforts, shares your life, makes a reader laugh or gives them a truth that can change their lives, then you need to know how to get it down on paper and publish it. About the Instructor: An award-winning writer, Lisa Saunders is a graduate of Cornell University and the author of three memoirs including Mystic Seafarer's Trail. She resides in Mystic, CT, works part-time at Mystic Seaport as a history interpreter, and helps writers get published.
How to Market Yourself: Lisa Saunders, a publicist for the State University of New York, will discuss how you can receive free publicity through Internet marketing, press releases, giving “How To” speeches to community groups, and by writing articles, books, and letters to the editor. Attendees may enjoy reading her free e-book, How to Promote Your Business (or yourself) beforehand. Her free "How To" e-books, can be found at: www.authorlisasaunders.com
Civil War Love Letters of a Private and His Teenage Wife
Author Lisa Saunders will give a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of Union Private Charles McDowell and his teenage wife, Nancy, from her book, Ever True: A Union Private and His Wife. Enlisting in the Union Army in 1862, Charles's letters tell of meeting President Lincoln, bullets, battles, hangings, “clever women,” destruction of Confederate property, and the court marshaling of a cow. In response, Nancy tells of prostitutes, venereal disease and other local gossip, while expressing her longing for Charles's return. Author Lisa Saunders is the great-great granddaughter of Charles and Nancy McDowell
Ever True: A Union Private and His Wife: Charles McDowell married Nancy when she was 15 years old. Enlisting as a private in the New York 9th Heavy Artillery, he asked Nancy, then 17, to save his letters. Despite his grueling battles and marches, he was able to save hers as well. Together their letters include tales of desertions, hangings, prostitutes, venereal disease, bullets, typhoid fever, lying injured on the battlefield for days, and “clever women.” Great-great granddaughter Lisa Saunders will tell the “back story” of her book, Ever True: A Union Private and His Wife. She is also available to present her “reader’s theater,” Ever True: A Civil War Love Story, with members of your organization if so desired. Note: Charles fought alongside the 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery in the Sixth Corps.
A Writer's Life: Lisa Saunders shares the joys and frustrations of being an author and why she prefers writing about the dead.
Discovering Mystic: The Mystic Seafarer's Trail: Secrets Behind the 7 Wonders, Titanic's Shoes, Captain Sisson's Gold, and Amelia Earhart's Wedding. Lisa includes her own adventure when she meets up with a bling sailor who invites her on a long winter voyage.
How to Self-Publish & Promote Your Paperback/E-book
There are several advantages to self-publishing—full control of your work and higher royalties. Learn the free steps to making your work available on Amazon and Smashwords. A speaker and award-winning writer, Lisa Saunders is a graduate of Cornell University and the author of several books, including "How to Get Published (even if you're not thin and famous).” She resides in Mystic, CT, works part-time at Mystic Seaport, and writes press releases for several clients. Instructor: L. Saunders
Writer's Network& Open Mic
Take turns presenting your work to the class for five minutes. Learn how to get published or if self-publishing is a better option. Lisa Saunders is a graduate of Cornell University and the author of several books, including "How to Get Published (even if you're not thin and famous).” She resides in Mystic, CT, works part-time at Mystic Seaport, and writes publicity material for several clients. Instructor: L. Saunders
Finding Joy in the Midst of Adversity: When Lisa Saunders gave birth to her daughter, Elizabeth, she felt a stab of fear. "Her head looked so small — so deformed." When she learned of Elizabeth’s profound brain damage, she prayed God would strike her dead so she wouldn’t have to bear the pain of raising such a child. “It took about eight months, but I eventually stopped praying that a nuclear bomb would drop on my house. Life did become good again—but it took a lot of help from family, friends, the Book of Psalms, and a couple of Valium!”
How to Self-Publish on Amazon—for FREE!
There are several advantages to self-publishing—namely, full control of your work and higher royalties. Learn the free steps to making your work available in paperback and as an e-book. In addition, Lisa, whose books have been published by traditional publishers as well as self-published, will discuss the disadvantages of self-publishing and how to overcome them. Attendees may enjoy reading her free e-book, "How to Get Published," beforehand. Her free "How To" e-books, can be found at: www.authorlisasaunders.com
How to Get a Job: Lisa Saunders, formerly a recruiter for clients that included AT&T, will discuss what a candidate can do to stand out. She will highlight important resume buzz words, where employers look for resumes, the value of interning (even if you are long out of school), freelancing, and how and where to network. Attendees may enjoy reading her free e-book, How to Get a Job, beforehand. Her free "How To" e-books, can be found at: www.authorlisasaunders.com
Stop #1 Birth Defects Virus: Learn how avoiding the saliva of young children and hand-washing protects unborn babies from the #1 viral cause of birth defects--congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus), which causes more disabilities than Down syndrome. Presenter Lisa Saunders, Congenital CMV Foundation parent representative and author of Anything But A Dog! The perfect pet for a girl with congenital CMV, didn’t know about CMV prevention until her daughter, Elizabeth, was born. See her blog at: congenitalcmv.blogspot.com. After speaking at Johns Hopkins University, she received this endorsement: “Lisa was eloquent and insightful about her experiences raising her handicapped daughter. She captured the attention of the students, special education teachers, therapists, and social workers -- inspiring them to approach their professional lives with greater empathy and commitment.” Mary Goodin, M. Ed., OTR
How to Get Published: Lisa Saunders, author of How to Get Published, will cover the publishing process for articles, memoirs, children’s fiction and adult non-fiction. She will discuss finding an agent, publisher, writing query letters, book proposals, and building an audience through Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. She will also discuss pros and cons and the “How To” of self-publishing or offer a “Writer’s Open Mike.” Attendees may enjoy reading her free e-book, How to Get Published beforehand. Her free "How To" e-books, can be found at: www.authorlisasaunders.com
Surviving Loss: The Woodcutter's Tale. Lossing a loved one can make living beyond them a daily chore. Author Lisa Saunders will discuss the death of her daughter and how she found a way to move forward with purpose and joy, and in a way to ensure others will not suffer the same fate.Attendees may enjoy reading her free e-book, Surviving Loss: The Woodcutter's Tale, beforehand. Her free "How To" e-books, can be found at: www.authorlisasaunders.com
Youth Writing Workshop: Lisa Saunders, author of the children’s novel, Ride a Horse, Not an Elevator, will offer advice to young writers on how to find their "voice" or personality in their work, in addition to how to get published. Students will have a chance to share their work in an "Open Mike" format. Students are encouraged to bring a writing sample to share along with some paper and pen/pencil. Mrs. Saunders will ask students to write an additional short piece in the hour and half workshop and to comment on each other's work in an atmosphere of support and encouragement. Students will have a chance to read their work aloud and learn the publishing process. Click on Lisa's flyer: How Children Can Get Published.
Horse Book in a Bucket: Lisa Saunders’s children's book, Ride a Horse, Not an Elevator, is part of Cornell University’s “Horse Book in a Bucket” 4-H program. The “Horse Book in a Bucket” Program includes Ride a Horse, Not an Elevator, horse fact cards and worksheets, coloring page on hoof care, breeds poster, samples of horse feed, and a mane comb. Lisa will read an excerpt of her book and share some fun horse facts.
|
Detailed Memoir Proposal:
How to Write and Publish Your Memoir
Program Description:
Share your life experiences with family, friends, and perhaps even the public. Examine different styles of memoirs and learn how to write yours to best express your "voice". Writing exercises will include memory jogging questions to help you get started. Answers will be shared and discussed in class. Publishing options will also be covered. Please bring pen and paper or a laptop.
Participant Outcomes:
Participants of all abilities will learn how to celebrate and improve their craft, showcase their work, self-publish or attract a publisher.
Participants will gain confidence that their unique perspective is valuable and worth sharing with others.
Participants will learn how to use questions and timelines to prompt their memories.
Participants will learn how to outline a story and overcome writer's block.
Program Outline:
One 2-hour session
1. Lecture on memoirs:
What is a memoir?
How do they differ from autobiographies?
Why write one?
How long of a period should you cover?
How do you begin?
Who is your audience?
2. 15-minute writing exercise in class. Sample questions:
List your most vivid memories. Pick one and expand upon it.
Were you ever in an accident?
Did someone ever save your life or you save theirs?
Were you ever afraid of something? How did you deal with it?
Do you know how to make something? Describe it.
Describe one of the happiest times in your life.
Describe one of the saddest times in your life.
Your favorite place is?
Describe something you did when you were little.
Who had the biggest influence on you?
Name an extremely challenging experience you faced.
What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you?
Name a time of extreme danger.
3. Read resulting work in class.
4. Tips on finishing memoir:
How to overcome writer's block.
How to decide whether the work should be written as fiction or non-fiction.
How and where to submit memoir for publication
Adapted for people with disabilities:
The lecture can be done as a PowerPoint so the hearing impaired can read the lesson. The visually impaired usually have their own devices for writing. I would need to be given a handicapped accessible room for the physically impaired.
Instructor Qualifications:
Lisa Saunders is an award-winning writer and TV host living in Mystic, Connecticut. She works as a part-time history interpreter at Mystic Seaport, is an instructor for New London Adult and Continuing Education, and is a columnist for Pathfinder magazine. A graduate of Cornell University, Lisa is the author of seven books and writes professionally for several clients. She received the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations Gold Medallion. Lisa has spoken on a variety of topics at venues such as The Washington Independent Writers Association, The Writer’s Center (Bethesda, MD), Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association, and Cornell and Johns Hopkins Universities.
REFERENCES:
New London Adult and Continuing Education, April 7, 2015
Peggy Cherrick, (860) 437-2385 ext.# 106, (860)625-1008 cell, cherrickm@newlondon.org
Groton Public Library, Oct. 23 and 30, 2015, 7-8:45pm
Jean Schweid, Librarian, 860-441-6750, reference@groton-ct.gov:
"We received very positive reviews from the participants of your memoir writing class. Your workshop was very professional. I appreciate you jumping into this workshop without knowing who the actual target audience was and what level of expertise to expect."
Bill Library, Ledyard, CT, January 30, 2013, Youth Writing Workshop.
Andrea McKenzie, aandgmckenzie@gmail.com: "Lisa's manner with children is natural and encouraging, immediately putting them at ease. Her writing advice was advanced enough for adults, but simple enough for children to implement. By the end of the workshop, even the shyest students were sharing parts of their literary creations. This workshop was wonderful!"
Mystic & Noank Library, March 10, 2015
860-536-7721, Lois Hiller, mnl@juno.com, www.MysticNoankLibrary.org
|
 |
Testimonials
(photo by Collette Fournier) |
|
|
"Lisa's manner with children is natural and encouraging, immediately putting them at ease. Her writing advice was advanced enough for adults, but simple enough for children to implement. By the end of the workshop, even the shyest students were sharing parts of their literary creations. This workshop was wonderful!" Andrea McKenzie, Bill Library, Ledyard, CT, (Jan. 30, 2013) aandgmckenzie@gmail.com
Lisa's talk, "How to Get Published & Self-Published" at: Emerging Writers Retreat: Creating a Writing Life on July 20, 2013, Masons Island, CT: "Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your story, experience and wonderful energy! Everyone enjoyed what you brought to the program." Patricia Chaffee, Writer/Retreat Facilitator contact@PatriciaAnnChaffee.comA letter Lisa received after presenting her children's novel, Ride a Horse Not an Elevator to the Riverfront Children's Center, Inc.(7/11/13):
"Dear Lisa,
The children in the summer program really enjoyed your presentation of your novel, Ride a Horse Not an Elevator, and receiving an autographed copy. That aspect especially did a great deal to help them feel connected on a personal level to the whole writing process. Thank you so much for giving your time to them and sharing your expertise."
|
"Lisa’s talk, 'Graveyard Adventures,' was both informative and entertaining. I've never seen another speaker get the ladies so engaged and laughing." Nancy Wilkie, Program Chair, Mystic Women’s Club, CT
"Lisa, I just wanted to thank you for your for class yesterday [How to Publish on Amazon] and pointing me in the right direction. I really appreciated your time and knowledge. Now to jump in...." Sue Palmer, Illustrator, Westerly, Rhode Island
“Thanks so much for your valuable instruction on how to get self-published. Really appreciate your patience and teaching style. Sometimes it feels overwhelming when you learn something new but you made the experience pleasant.” Marianne, New York.
Writer's Open Mic
"I had a great time in Mystic on Thursday night. Each writer had something good to offer. And the tone was welcoming and honest." Joanne Moore, East Lyme, CT
Raising a Disabled Child: “Speaking at Johns Hopkins University, Lisa was eloquent and insightful about her experiences raising her handicapped daughter. She captured the attention of special education teachers, therapists, and social workers -- inspiring them to approach their professional lives with greater empathy and commitment.” Mary Goodin, M. Ed., OTR
Civil War Talk: "Her impressive, in-depth research, coupled with her enthusiasm created one of the most informative and engaging programs we’ve held this year." Stephanie Vitale, Sloatsburg Library, NY
Civil War Play--Ever True: A Civil War Love Story, Valentine's Day (Feb 14, 2012): The love letters of a private and his 17-year-old wife reveal dreams, desertions, disease, hangings, and the court marshaling of a cow. Presented by the Emerson Theater Collaborative. One woman wrote Lisa, “Ever True held a particular sensibility for us because, as we listened to the young actors reading the letters of Mr. and Mrs. McDowell, we were reminded of the letters we sent to one another during 1970. When you're in love and separated at the beginning of your marriage and are as insecure as we were about whether our love would sustain us through these 13 months, there is vulnerability for both the man and woman. The actors captured that vulnerability as well as the sadness, bitterness, and anger that we also felt going through that time. Greg turned to me when the play was finished and we held each other's hand. No words needed to be spoken in that moment because we each understood that Ever True captured our experience and the love we had back then, which is only stronger today.”—Peggy Jordan
|
 |
|
|
|
SUMMARY: Skilled in alumni and public relations, marketing, writing, and editing in the education field. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), People Trak, social networking, and website updating. Author of several books, including one on the Mystic area. Sponsor family for United States Coast Guard cadets.
EDUCATION: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, B. S., Business Management and Marketing
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Independent writing/publicity consultant, Nov. 2010 – Present: Compose alumni biographies for newsletter and award nominations, edit alumni-funded scholarship booklet, write press releases, marketing materials, and edit publications for the State University of New York at Rockland Community College. Public Relations Chairman (volunteer) for Daughters of the American Revolution (Groton Chapter), Columnist for In Town magazine, and marketing specialist for National Field Service Corporation.
Mystic Seaport: Mystic, CT, 2010 - Present
Part-time Historical Interpreter: Orally present Mystic’s ship-building history and artifacts to the general public.
State University of New York at Rockland, Suffern, NY, 2006 – Oct. 29, 2010 (presently consulting)
Campus Communications Assistant
- Developed relationships with alumni and assisted with Foundation fundraisers such as award ceremonies, golf outings and annual campaign.
- Promoted events and programs to the media, authoring press releases and alumni newsletter, SCENE, with quarterly circulation of 35,000. Located and interviewed successful students and alumni for human interest stories. Initiated and ran successful “Open Mike Nights for Writers.”
- Used Twitter, Facebook, and RCC Speakers Bureau as additional promotional tools, which resulted in newspaper coverage of the college and faculty.
- Composed brochures and edited catalogs.
Key Accomplishments
- Awarded by the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations, District I: Gold Medallion for Academic Convocation Booklet (2010); Silver for Departmental Brochures (2010); and Bronze for ad print series, which featured noteworthy alumni (2009).
- Received national coverage on Fox and Friends and in Associated Press through press releases relating the circumstances of individual students or faculty to current events.
National Field Service Corp., Suffern, NY, 1998 – 2008 (presently consulting as Field Director)
Recruiter / Marketing Specialist for consulting company
Interviewed approximately 80 candidates monthly and communicated with clients on employment needs in the utility, communications, and right-of-way industries. Represented company at job fairs and coordinated marketing events, including annual 100-guest Christmas party and sleepover event at West Point Academy. Placed many applicants with AT&T. Maintained database of applicants in People Trak.
PUBLISHED: Books include Mystic Seafarer’s Trail, Ever True: A Union Private and His Wife (Heritage Books); Anything But a Dog! The Perfect Pet for a Girl with Congenital CMV (Unlimited Publishing LLC); and Ride a Horse, Not an Elevator (incorporated in Cornell University’s 4-H Horse Book in a Bucket program). Articles specializing in tourism, history and health published in several magazines and newspapers.
SPEAKER: USA 9 News...West Point Museum...Seward House... Lincoln Depot Museum…Cornell University...Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)…Johns Hopkins University... Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)... Civil War Round Tables... Derek McGinty Show...The Washington Independent Writers Association... grade schools…libraries.
Topics: Secrets Behind the Seven Wonders of Mystic…How to Get Free Publicity… How to Get a Job… Internet Marketing…Ever True: A Union Private and His Wife… Ride a Horse, Not an Elevator (children’s writing workshop)... Stop #1 Birth Defects Virus |
|
|
|
|
How to Write and Publish Your Memoir |
|
|
How to Write and Publish Your Memoir
Program Description:
Share your life experiences with family, friends, and perhaps even the public. Examine different styles of memoirs and learn how to write yours to best express your "voice". Writing exercises will include memory jogging questions to help you get started. Answers will be shared and discussed in class. Publishing options will also be covered. Please bring pen and paper or a laptop.
Participant Outcomes:
Participants of all abilities will learn how to celebrate and improve their craft, showcase their work, self-publish or attract a publisher.
Participants will gain confidence that their unique perspective is valuable and worth sharing with others.
Participants will learn how to use questions and timelines to prompt their memories.
Participants will learn how to outline a story and overcome writer's block.
Program Outline:
One 2-hour session
1. Lecture on memoirs:
What is a memoir?
How do they differ from autobiographies?
Why write one?
How long of a period should you cover?
How do you begin?
Who is your audience?
2. 15-minute writing exercise in class. Sample questions:
List your most vivid memories. Pick one and expand upon it.
Were you ever in an accident?
Did someone ever save your life or you save theirs?
Were you ever afraid of something? How did you deal with it?
Do you know how to make something? Describe it.
Describe one of the happiest times in your life.
Describe one of the saddest times in your life.
Your favorite place is?
Describe something you did when you were little.
Who had the biggest influence on you?
Name an extremely challenging experience you faced.
What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you?
Name a time of extreme danger.
3. Read resulting work in class.
4. Tips on finishing memoir:
How to overcome writer's block.
How to decide whether the work should be written as fiction or non-fiction.
How and where to submit memoir for publication
Adapted for people with disabilities:
The lecture can be done as a PowerPoint so the hearing impaired can read the lesson. The visually impaired usually have their own devices for writing. I would need to be given a handicapped accessible room for the physically impaired.
Instructor Qualifications:
Lisa Saunders is an award-winning writer and TV host living in Mystic, Connecticut. She works as a part-time history interpreter at Mystic Seaport, is an instructor for New London Adult and Continuing Education, and is a columnist for Pathfinder magazine. A graduate of Cornell University, Lisa is the author of seven books and writes professionally for several clients. She received the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations Gold Medallion. Lisa has spoken on a variety of topics at venues such as The Washington Independent Writers Association, The Writer’s Center (Bethesda, MD), Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association, and Cornell and Johns Hopkins Universities.
REFERENCES:
New London Adult and Continuing Education, April 7, 2015
Peggy Cherrick, (860) 437-2385 ext.# 106, (860)625-1008 cell, cherrickm@newlondon.org
Groton Public Library, Oct. 23 and 30, 2015, 7-8:45pm
Jean Schweid, Librarian, 860-441-6750, reference@groton-ct.gov:
"We received very positive reviews from the participants of your memoir writing class. Your workshop was very professional. I appreciate you jumping into this workshop without knowing who the actual target audience was and what level of expertise to expect."
Bill Library, Ledyard, CT, January 30, 2013, Youth Writing Workshop.
Andrea McKenzie, aandgmckenzie@gmail.com: "Lisa's manner with children is natural and encouraging, immediately putting them at ease. Her writing advice was advanced enough for adults, but simple enough for children to implement. By the end of the workshop, even the shyest students were sharing parts of their literary creations. This workshop was wonderful!"
Mystic & Noank Library, March 10, 2015
860-536-7721, Lois Hiller, mnl@juno.com, www.MysticNoankLibrary.org |
|
|
|
|