Author talks (whether virtual or face-to-face) can be amazing, inspiring a love of books and writing. Literacy is a superpower, and I love to be a part of encouraging more reading.

Below are talks and workshops I can present at your school, local library or online.

I’m a teacher and a scientist so if there’s something special you’d like me to talk about, a part of the curriculum you’d love me to touch on, or you’d like extra doses of STEAM, I can add that in. I have experience presenting to kids from Kindy to Year 12, so I can adapt to suit different ages if required.

“HM Waugh was an engaging Book Week presenter who shared her love of science and writing. Heather focused on how science discoveries can be used as inspiration for awesome characters and stories.  She gave the students the opportunity to imagine their own story – inspired by the things they’ve done, seen, loved and read. Heather was adept at valuing each question asked by the students, and responding with amazing facts and enthusiasm. An entertaining session for both children and adults, and I would recommend HM Waugh for future events.” 

Stories, science and inspiration: Meet the author (Primary)

Year level: 3-6

Time: 45 min – 1 hr

How do you climb a mountain? One step at a time!

Discover the inspirations behind HM Waugh’s novels Mars Awakens and The Lost Stone of SkyCity. Learn how using real experiences and science can help make a story stronger. Why do authors sometimes eat crickets or take late-night self-defence classes? (Hint: it’s all about the research!). Explore the importance of resilience in real life, and in the book.

“The whole day was terrific and how you tailored your presentation for each age group was excellent.” 

Crafting worlds: Meet the Author (Secondary)

Year level: 7-12

Time: 45 min – 1 hr

Discover the inspirations behind HM Waugh’s writing. Hear how she managed to get kidnapped not once, but twice while backpacking in South America, and how she used these experiences to write her novel Evacuation Road. Learn about how eating crickets and jumping out of planes can be book research, and how science helped her create the compelling world of Mars Awakens.

“The students left very motivated to continue their ideas that they created during the workshop.”

Creating awesome stories workshop

Year level: 3-8

Time: adaptable from 1 hr to full day

Learn some of the basics of plotting and world-building from HM Waugh, author of middle-grade and young adult novels including Mars Awakens. How can brainstorming, science and history help your imagination thrive and your story worlds buzz?

“This really helped me because I learned so many different tips and ways of writing stories. I had so much fun learning and writing.”  Student, Year 7

“Heather was funny and a really good educator.” Student, Year 8

“This improved my writing because it really helped me learn how to be very creative. I learned about tension, writing what you like, and adding zing to writing. The author was really good at writing, and a lovely, funny person. Overall I really enjoyed – 5/5!” Student, Year 7