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
Faye is available for in-person sessions within 90 minutes of Calgary. She is available for virtual sessions province-wide.
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 80 students and her maximum audience for workshops is 15. Workshops are in-person only.
In-Person Presentations (within 90 minutes of Calgary only):
Fees: $350 for a half day of two sessions (up to 60 minutes each). Please inquire about full day availability.
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 (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 share stories.
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.
Characters: Discovering and Writing about People (Writing Workshop Gr. 4-7, In Person)
Characters? Our real and imagined worlds are filled with fascinating people. We meet them, read about them, see them on TV and in movies, and create them for our stories. Writers, readers and viewers are drawn to characters, but what makes them live in our memories and imaginations? In this workshop, students discover and create amazing characters. Then, there is time to convey and share those amazing personalities with others. Expect talk, writing and sharing characters–whether real or imagined.
Not Just a Journal (Presentation Gr. 4-9, In Person)
With Facebook and social networking, journals and journalism have entered into a new era. Since the media has revolutionized communication, this workshop focuses on ways of sharing ideas. Whether work takes the shape of traditional personal essays, blogs or Facebook entries, the best writers learn to see with the eyes of artists, or they address the world with the analytical approach of the “old fashioned journalist.” Also, discussion focuses on what to disclose or not disclose.
War & Remembrance (Presentation Gr. 4-10, In Person)
War is a theme throughout our literature & history. However, researching, writing & talking about war can be disturbing-especially in our multicultural nation. How men & women have served their country includes military service but other roles, too. Some have become heroes in war torn areas; others served on the home front & still others have endured prejudice, even in Canada. Faye’s comments & photos explore the theme.
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 4-7, 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 4-7, Online)
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 share stories.
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.
Not Just a Journal (Presentation Gr. 4-9, Online)
With Facebook and social networking, journals and journalism have entered into a new era. Since the media has revolutionized communication, this workshop focuses on ways of sharing ideas. Whether work takes the shape of traditional personal essays, blogs or Facebook entries, the best writers learn to see with the eyes of artists, or they address the world with the analytical approach of the “old fashioned journalist.” Also, discussion focuses on what to disclose or not disclose.
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