The Dynamics of Science and Nature Writing for Fiction and Nonfiction Virtual Workshop

Please join us on Saturday, April 10, at 3 p.m. Eastern/2 p.m. Central. Environmental fiction author Claire Datnow and nonfiction author Heather Montgomery will discuss: How powerful storytelling techniques are the keys to touching readers’ hearts, to ignite their imagination, and inspire them to build bridges to tomorrow. Designed for both fiction and nonfiction writers

Claire Datnow was born and raised In Johannesburg, South Africa. Her family originated from Linkuva, Lithuania. Claire taught creative writing to gifted and talented students in the Birmingham Public Schools. She earned an MA in Education for Gifted and a second MA in Public History. Her books for middle schoolers include The Adventures of the Sizzling Six, an eco-mystery series, and Edwin Hubble, Discoverer of Galaxies. Her books for adults include a memoir, Behind The Walled Garden of Apartheid and The Nine Inheritors. Claire has received numerous scholarships and awards, including the Alabama Conservancy Blanche Dean Award for Outstanding Nature Educator, a Beeson Samford Writing Project Fellowship, a Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Scholarship, and Birmingham Public School Teacher of the Year. She enjoys visiting schools to inspire students to write their own eco-mystery stories, to become wise stewards of the earth, and to take action in their own communities. Claire serves Southern Breeze as a local liaison. 

Heather Montgomery writes for kids who are wild about animals. Her subjects range from snake lungs to snail tongues. Heather’s 16 nonfiction books include: Bugs Don’t Hug: Six-Legged Parents and Their Kids (Charlesbridge),Who Gives a Poop? Surprising Science from One End to the Other (Bloomsbury), and Something Rotten: A Fresh Look at Roadkill (Bloomsbury), which is an NCTE Orbis Pictus Recommended Book, a Junior Library Guild Selection, and a VOYA Nonfiction Honor Award Winner. Heather is a long-time volunteer with Southern Breeze and currently serves as our PAL liaison. 

 Both Claire and Heather are mentors for the Southern Breeze Mentorship Program! Thanks to Local Liaison Stephanie Moody for hosting this event. 

**The event is free, but registration is required. To register, please complete this form: Event Registration Form