Alexis O'Neill

Instructor Biography:

PhD, author of the picture books The Recess Queen (Scholastic), a Los Angeles Times bestseller and children’s choice book in 12 states;  Loud Emily (Simon & Schuster); Estela’s Swap (Lee & Low); and The Kite That Bridged Two Nations (Calkins Creek). Dr. O’Neill’s work also has been published in Cobblestone, Calliope, Faces, Odyssey, Spider, and Cricket.

Instructor Statement: Each one of us has a story to tell and each writers is enriched by hearing others. The first step in writing for children is respecting children. Once a writer understands that, the other steps of becoming a successful children's non-fiction writer are relatively easy. Students come to my class with a variety of experiences and expectations. I help them sharpen the skills they possess and to acquire new skills to give them the publishing edge. I engage them in meaningful, hands-on activities that they can apply in their own writing projects. I give lots of handouts. Students read their work in class and learn how to better evaluate and refine it. I help them build a "writer's toolbox" containing strategies and skills needed to shape and sell their writing about the real world, past and present, for kids. What a lifetime of possibilities it offers!

Our Students Say it Best! “Alexis is well-organized, knowledgeable, experienced, personable, sensitive, and encouraging.” -- Writers' Program Student