School/Kindy Visits

"I loved getting the opportunity to write stories with an actual author and discovering things to make my writing better." Emerson age 10

School Visits/Workshops

I absolutely love to visit schools, kindergartens and day care centres, attend writer’s festivals and conduct workshops to encourage a love of creative writing, thinking and reading and to help motivate others to think big and to achieve their dreams.

Here is some feedback from some of my visits:

Thanks again for coming down. The kids were so inspired and engaged with what you had to present. Even had a few go home and continue story writing, some even saying they wanted to be authors!! It was great to see so many reluctant writers actually engaged in writing.
Principal, Giru State School
What a fantastic visit! Thank you so much for your exciting and funny presentation. The kids were in stitches! We appreciate your time and your enthusiasm for poetry and for sharing your love of creative writing. The students gained some great practical ideas and that wonderful idea that writing can be 'WHATEVER'. Well done and we hope to see you at St Josephs the Strand again soon.
Year 4 Teacher
I liked how I learned to make my stories more entertaining in various ways and how
to know which details to put in my stories. - Laura Age 10
Well I got to learn new things and I love getting feedback so that I can improve.
- Charlie Age 9
Ian was very inspiring. If it wasn’t for him we would never have written “Fudgie Budgie and Wanted Pets.” Overall I had a great, amazing day of story writing and balloon bending. - Kye, Year 5
Ian was an amazing instructor. He helped us improve our writing and it even ended up with us writing a book! Thanks mate! - Billy, Year 5
My class attended the session you did with the other authors at St Francis for the
Readers and Writers Festival. They were so inspired and enthusiastic for writing
afterwards, it was fantastic! - Year 6 Teacher
Had Macca do an authors day at school! Students have re-engaged with their love of
writing! - School Principal
Hi Ian, Thank you for bringing such a great element to our program. Everyone loved
your sessions. We are looking forward to working with you again soon. - Townsville Library
“Wow Ian, I don’t know what to say- but I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks!!! Lochy would have been more than happy with your certificate but you went the extra mile and wrote him the letter that he was completely delighted to receive. I truly appreciate you taking the time out of your hectic schedule to acknowledge the efforts of my little boy. You have created renewed enthusiasm and inspired him with your passion for writing. Your zest for fun is contagious and I hope that you keep up the good work by making a difference to not only my child but each and every child that you encourage to imagine, dream and dare to turn their pipe dream into reality.” - Parent
"Hermit Park State School students were fortunate enough to take part in lunch time writing workshops run by inspiring local author, Ian McIntosh. Ian ran several 45 minute workshops across term 3 where both advanced and reluctant writers, were motivated, engaged and inspired to write with support and excellent resources provided by Ian. A very popular activity was writing about a 'Not so stereotypical Pirate', encouraging the students to explore imaginative and creative alternatives to the norm in their writing. Some wonderful work was produced during the term, with one of the students winning a writing competition sponsored by Ian, as part of his Junior Writers' workshops. With our school focus on writing, we will be looking at further opportunities for Ian to work with our students during 2017." - Teacher

There are lots of things that I can do when I visit. I am pretty flexible so please let me know what you have in mind. Here are some suggestions below.

Story time sessions:

These are most suited to the kindergarten/prep/year 1 age group. A story time session includes me reading one of my children’s stories, some rhyming, counting, acting, singing and lots of interactive fun. The sessions go for around 25 to 30 minutes and are best suited to groups of around 15 to 25 children.

Author Talk:

These are most suited to grade 3 upwards, secondary and adults however I have delivered talks to all grades at different times. During the author talk I tell my story about how I went from being a rodeo clown and real estate agent to becoming an author. I bring in lots of different bits and pieces such as my first draft for my first children’s story, illustration sketches, original illustrations, print proofs etc., which the children love to look at. I have delivered author talks to groups as small as 10, right up to 500+ individuals. An author talk generally goes for around 45 minutes. I can also tailor a talk to suit shorter lengths of time.

Creative writing workshops:

These sessions are great for grade 3 upwards, secondary and adults. I can also tailor sessions for younger grades. I have a number of workshops that go for around 30 minutes to 2 hours. During the sessions I introduce students to techniques I use to think and write more creatively.
All of my sessions are designed to be fun, interesting and engaging and to inspire participants to think and write more creatively. My workshops focus on the creative side of writing rather than the technical.
Workshop topics include:
- The number 1 rule of creative writing
- Poetry writing and reciting
- How to find and develop a story idea in 4 simple steps
- Creative writing tips and tricks

- Story telling
PLUS lots more.

Positive Mindset and Personal Leadership Program:

These sessions are ideally suited to year 8 to 12 students. The sessions focus on helping students to understand their individual uniqueness and value while providing them with tools and strategies to help them create a more positive mindset and purposeful outlook for their future.
Elements of these sessions are also suitable for year 6 to year 7 students. Sessions can be tailored to suit different age groups.

To talk to me about visiting your school, kindergarten, writers festival or event you can phone me on 0402 907 333 or CLICK HERE to email me.