Biography
Born in Alberta, Faye Reineberg Holt loves tracking down and writing the dramatic stories of our prairie and Canadian past. As a writer, she has published short stories, articles, a poetry chapbook, and fourteen non-fiction books. As well, she has co-authored Alberta 100 Journeys. She is also a freelance editor and has edited a writers’ magazine, as well as books and other projects. Recently, Faye’s stories about heroines Nellie McClung and Annie Gale were published in Footsteps of the Giants v I and v II sponsored by the Chinook Country Historical Society. Too, she and her husband teamed up for Discover Amazing Alberta, which children can read or even colour.
With a passion for words and history, she has worked as a museum educator, taught high school English and includes photos in most presentations to motivate and promote visual literacy. Her programs have strong curriculum ties for language arts and social studies. Also, Faye has instructed workshops and offered presentations for the Writers’ Guild of Alberta; Youthwrite; Wordsworth; Calgary Young Writers’ Conference; Mount Royal University, Calgary; Women’s Words, U of A, Edmonton; Kerby Seniors’ Centre, Calgary; Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society, and numerous libraries, schools and museums. She has been a writer-in-residence for Calgary Public Library and Alexandra Writers Centre Society, as well as having presented to teachers’ conferences.
www.wordsandhistory.ca
For Fall 2022, Faye’s will be offering half-day sessions within one hour of Calgary. No full days or overnight travel. She is also offering online sessions.
Faye loves the writing process. She provides presentations and workshops on a wide variety of topics to all age groups. All presentations are adapted to the specific grade level request. Her presentations combine reading with comments and visuals or props, as well as Q and A. Suggestions regarding inspiration, a writer’s life, writing process and style are interwoven with programs. Too, some programs feature an interdisciplinary approach to writing, Western Canada’s past and images to facilitate curriculum goals.
Faye’s maximum audience size for presentations is 100 students and her maximum audience for workshops is 15. Workshops are in-person only.
In-Person Presentations
Half Day Fee: $350 (two 60 minute sessions)
Amazing Alberta: Discovering Our True Stories (Presentation Grades 4-7, In Person)
Referring to real people and events, this program inspires students with our own Alberta stories. Source material from Alberta: A History, Amazing Alberta, Settling In and Faye’s other books extends student understanding of our people, history, nature & geography. Accompanied by PowerPoint images and excerpts from her books, Faye invites participants to explore the familiar and unfamiliar concerning Alberta. Discussion about forts, soddies, other homes, settlers and First Nations encourages them to uncover or research our past and compare it to life today. They come away knowing that our dinosaurs, people, agriculture, resources, transportation and mountains are truly fascinating. Then, they are encouraged to turn our true stories into their own fiction or nonfiction and share their work.
From a Child’s Point of View I (Presentation Grades 4-7, In Person)
Young children’s lives are filled with challenges, heroism and sadness just as often as they were filled with bright spots and fun. Students discover real-life experiences that are as fascinating as fiction. Such stories are enjoyable, scary, inspirational and even unbelievable. What problems did kids have? What responsibilities and chores waited? And what did they do for fun? Just listen, view, talk and learn.
Discovering Stories and Characters in Photos (Presentation Grades 4-7, In Person)
Our world is filled with fascinating images—in photo albums, books, magazines and on the internet. Old & new photos reveal captivating people & fascinating events. Given today’s photo editing, some images are more fantasy than reality. In this workshop, students will discover how to use photos as sources for writing ideas, characters and stories. At the end, students will be encouraged to write their own stories and later share them in their classes.
Western Men, Women and The Famous Five (Presentation Grade 4 -12 In Person)
Women’s roles & rights were changed by Canada’s Famous Five women. That meant changes for men, too. From gaining the vote to serving in government, these & other women helped create a new Canada & a new West. Two of the Famous Five, Emily Murphy and Nellie McClung, were writers in their own right. Along with Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney & Irene Parlby, they inspired their contemporaries & will inspire today’s young people with their work in writing, art, social welfare & government. Having researched & written about all five & many other western Canadian women, Faye shares their stories & how they impacted our lives.
Stories of Our Own Heroes & Heroines (Presentation Gr. 7-12, In Person)
Heroes and heroines are created in challenging situations. Often, students are surprised by the amazing and sometimes tragic men and women in western Canada’s past. Unearthing such true stories means research, even reading pictures. Students learn what it takes to make a hero and the difference between risky behaviour and heroism.
Online Presentations
Online Presentations can be adapted for 30 or 60 minutes depending on the grade and student/teacher needs. Fees: 30 minutes $125; 60 minutes $225
Amazing Alberta: Discovering Our True Stories (Presentation Grades 3-7, Online)
Referring to real people and events, this program inspires students with our own Alberta stories. Source material from Alberta: A History, Amazing Alberta, Settling In and Faye’s other books extends student understanding of our people, history, nature & geography. Accompanied by PowerPoint images and excerpts from her books, Faye invites participants to explore the familiar and unfamiliar concerning Alberta. Discussion about forts, soddies, other homes, settlers and First Nations encourages them to uncover or research our past and compare it to life today. They come away knowing that our dinosaurs, people, agriculture, resources, transportation and mountains are truly fascinating. Then, they are encouraged to turn our true stories into their own fiction or nonfiction and share their work.
From a Child’s Point of View I (Presentation Grades 3-7, On line)
Young children’s lives are filled with challenges, heroism and sadness just as often as they were filled with bright spots and fun. Students discover real-life experiences that are as fascinating as fiction. Such stories are enjoyable, scary, inspirational and even unbelievable. What problems did kids have? What responsibilities and chores waited? And what did they do for fun? Just listen, view, talk and learn.
Discovering Stories and Characters in Photos (Presentation Grades 4-7, Online)
Our world is filled with fascinating images—in photo albums, books, magazines and on the internet. Old & new photos reveal captivating people & fascinating events. Given today’s photo editing, some images are more fantasy than reality. In this workshop, students will discover how to use photos as sources for writing ideas, characters and stories. At the end, students will be encouraged to write their own stories and later share them in their classes.
Western Men, Women and The Famous Five (Presentation Grade 4 -12 Online)
Women’s roles & rights were changed by Canada’s Famous Five women. That meant changes for men, too. From gaining the vote to serving in government, these & other women helped create a new Canada & a new West. Two of the Famous Five, Emily Murphy and Nellie McClung, were writers in their own right. Along with Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney & Irene Parlby, they inspired their contemporaries & will inspire today’s young people with their work in writing, art, social welfare & government. Having researched & written about all five & many other western Canadian women, Faye shares their stories & how they impacted our lives.
Stories of Our Own Heroes & Heroines (In Person, Presentation Gr. 7-12, Online)
Heroes and heroines are created in challenging situations. Often, students are surprised by the amazing and sometimes tragic men and women in western Canada’s past. Unearthing such true stories means research, even reading pictures. Students learn what it takes to make a hero and the difference between risky behaviour and heroism.
Bibliography
Many stories, poems and essays published for adults and children
Authored Books:
Discover Amazing Alberta Author Faye Reineberg Holt, Ill. Walt Holt, Casabella Works 2016
Settling In: Early Homes of Western Canada Detselig 2011
Canada’s Rocky Mountains Heritage House 2010
Alberta: A History in Photographs Heritage House 2009
Alberta: 100 Journeys Alberta Motor Association 2007
Prairie Twins: Alberta and Saskatchewan Photographic Memories 1905-2005 Detselig 2004
Awed, Amused & Alarmed: Fairs, Rodeos & Regattas in Western Canada Detselig 2003
Sharing the Good Times: A History of Prairie Women’s Joys & Pleasures Detselig 2000
Homemade Fun: Games & Pastimes of the Early Prairies Fifth House 1999
Monarchs of the Fields: The Story of the Combine Harvester Fifth House 1999
Settling In: First Homes of the Prairies Fifth House 1999
Threshing: Early Years of Harvesting Fifth House 1999
Out of the Flames: Fires and Firefighting on the Canadian Prairies Fifth House 1998
Help: Rescues & Disasters in Western Canada Altitude 1997
Ice Fog Circle Five Press 1991