“Write with a debt of honor and make a commitment to finishing what you write. It may be like putting an octopus to bed. But do it.” — Instructor Elsie Kreischer’s words of wisdom for her writing classes.
With a style careening from ornery drill sergeant to supportive grandmother, Elsie Kreischer, 87, has taught spring and fall classes on how to write and sell children’s picture books for nearly 22 years at UNM Continuing Education.
“I’ve learned a lot since I first started, let me tell you,” Kreischer says during a Sunday morning interview at a local bookstore, conducted by Patricia Gabbett Snow for her recent article covering Elsie in the Albuquerque Journal. Elsie appears as the featured “Meet a Reader” in the most recent “Mature Life” special section of the Journal. It’s worth a read to learn more about Elsie, whose life story can provide hope and inspiration to anyone who dreams of becoming a writer. (Click the replica of the paper version to read the story online.)
“You cannot become what you want by remaining what you are!” — More of Elsie’s words of wisdom for her students. “I’ve learned that every student in there has the ability to write. I believe if they’re willing to learn the rules and work, they can do it,” Elsie says of her students.
Elsie’s first work, a picture book, “Navaho Magic of Hunting” won the 1992 National League of American Pen Women Children’s Book Award. In 1995, Kreischer’s book, “Maria Montoya Martinez, Master Potter,” was published. It has won three national awards, she says. Her next published work, “Bigger Than a Button,” a picture book mystery, came out in 2002. Next July, Kreischer’s first nonfiction middle grade reader, “A Gift for Minerva, the Great Horned Owl,” will be published.
Elsie Kreischer continues to write every day. Elsie is teaching two classes with UNM Continuing Education this semester:
How to Write and Sell a Children’s Book, 8 weeks starting January 24
Write Nonfiction, 8 weeks starting March 17
The Personal Enrichment Program’s Writing courses have helped more than a few students complete their works, some going on to publication. Some of the student alumni of our annual Writers Conference: From Start to Sales have connected with editors or agents and are in the process of getting their works published. See information & links below:
4th Annual Writers Conference:
Writing: From Start to Sales
Saturday, April 19, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Attendees who enroll by April 10 will get a FREE ONE-ON-ONE TEN MINUTE MEETING with the editor or agent of their choice to “pitch” their writing project!
Learn more about the Writers Conference here.
Enroll online for the Writers Conference here.
Before the Conference, several writing courses will help writers to complete or edit their manuscript, create synopses, and polish pitches.
