Andy Tolson’s workshop for grades 4, 5 or 6 offers an entertaining look into writing fantasy, and specifically, heroes and villains. He’ll guide the students through the elements that create these key characters, and how they intersect throughout a story. After a lively discussion on favourite characters in books and movies, the students will create their own unique heroes and villains, using writing prompts, visualization, and verbal characteristics. The workshop can range from 45 minutes to an hour.

Andy has a unique way of getting students to think outside the box when it comes to character development – making us think how heroic traits and villainous traits can sometimes co-exist within a character. How to Kidnap a Mermaid is a fantastic novel for this age group and provided the students with different perspectives on characters and plot that they may not have experienced before – not to mention the humour and adventure throughout that made them thoroughly enjoy the book. Rachel Johns, Grade 5 Teacher, Champlain Elementary School, Annapolis Royal, NS

The workshops were so successful! My students really got into inventing their heroes and villains, so I decided to continue in the classroom. I’m reading Andy’s book to the class and they’re asking me EVERY day, are you reading us another chapter? Are we writing today? They’re the most motivated they’ve been all year! Feedback from a Grade 5 Teacher in Yarmouth, NS

Andy’s Heroes & Villains workshop is perfect for middle grade students. He always took the time to learn their names, and his lively presentation tapped into the student’s creativity, making them eager to participate and inspired to create & write. Nicole Leadley, Library Technician, Drumlin Heights Consolidated School, Plymouth School, NS