PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS

Winner – Australian Association of Family Therapy Book Award 2022 (younger readers). Shortlisted in the WA Premiers Book Awards Writing for Children 2021

Shortlisted – Speech Pathology of Australia Book Awards 2022


Winner of Northern Lights Book Awards 2021 (All ages picture book)






1. Wings in The Wind
Yrs 4-6 (1hr)
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and hope in this exciting writing workshop. Dive into the world of Steve Heron’s award-winning middle-grade novel “One Thousand Snapshots”, the second book in the thrilling Bayside Blues series.
Explore the themes of grief, friendship, stereotypes, and pre-adolescence as you learn how to use the W.I.N.G.S. acronym to craft captivating stories full of creativity and description. Soar to new heights as you discover the mantra, “Hope is wings in the wind.” Let your imagination take flight!
2. Where Ya Goin’? Workshop
(Yrs 1-4) (1 hr)
A wild and whimsical adventure through the Australian outback in this fun-filled writing workshop for kids. Celebrate the magic of friendship and explore the quirky world of outback animals. Get ready to follow Echidna’s journey with a big bag of marshmallows in his rickety old bus. Unleash your creativity and imagination as you discover the joys of storytelling! Have a blast writing humorous stanzas about the most lovable Aussie creatures, based on Steve’s beloved “Where Ya Goin’?” illustrated by Matty Mitchell.
2a. What If? Workshop – NEW
(Yrs 3-5) (1 hr)
What If? Is a workshop that lets children’s writing imagination run wild. The magical question “What If?” will spark children’s creativity. Using the starting line “Have You Ever”, children will write ridiculous, humorous stanzas that will make their friends roll on the floor with laughter. But that’s not all, we’ll dive into the wacky world of “Where Ya Goin’? with illustrations by Matty Mitchell and discover the secrets to writing Aussie creature humour.
3. Let Your Kindness Shine
(Yrs 1-4) (1 hr)
Unlock the power of kindness and compassion in this inspiring workshop for children. Join Ling Li on her quest to spread wisdom in this enlightening experience. Based on Steve Heron’s award-winning picture book “Ling Li’s Lantern” and illustrated by Benjamin Johnston, you’ll learn how to fill the world with kindness through your words. For an extra $1.20 per child, lantern decorating can be added to the workshop, bringing the magic of Ling Li’s story to life. “Wisdom without compassion is like a lantern without a flame.”
4. Grow Your Writing Wings
(Yrs 4-6) (1hr)
Soar to new heights in your writing with this emotional escapade based on Steve Heron’s middle-grade novel “MAXIMUS”, the first book in the captivating Bayside Blues series. In this workshop, children will not only learn how to explore emotions through descriptive writing (show, don’t tell) they will pick up cues to process and regulate their feelings.
“Sometimes you need a special friend to give you wings …”
5. Nursery Crimes, Slimes and Nursery Wrongs – The (F) Art of Writing Funny Stuff
(Yrs 4-6) (1hr)
Unleash the laughter with this hilarious writing workshop for kids. Explore the world of writing humour and discussing what makes kids laugh. Children will learn how to tickle the funny bone in their writing by focusing on using literary devices to add humour. An unforgettable experience filled with references to “Where Ya Goin’?” and some of Steve’s unpublished manuscripts. Get ready for side-splitting laughter and a whole lot of fun as we delve into the art of writing funny stuff!
6. Stuff Sucks – Supercharge Your Journal Writing
(Yrs 4-6) (1 hr)
Join the wondrous adventure into the world of “Freak the Mighty” by Rodman Philbrick. Fuel your imagination with readings from “MAXIMUS” and “ONE THOUSAND SNAPSHOTS,” and learn how to turn even the toughest truths into creative expression through journaling, poetry, and writing. Discover the hero within as you conquer the unvanquished truths and unlock your writing superpowers!
7. “WOW” – Unleash Your Inner Wordsmith
(Yrs 5-7 (3hr master class)
Get ready for a wild and wacky ride into the world of words with Wilberforce Oswald Wordbender’s Astounding Athenaeum.
Laugh, write, and have the time of your life as you dive into the amazing world of dino literary devices, alliteration, rhymes, poetry, haikus, cinquains, puns, jokes, tongue twisters, nonsense words, and more. This advanced writing workshop is guaranteed to bring out your inner wordsmith and unleash your creativity in a fun-filled and memorable experience. Join the celebration of literary buffoonery and writery brilliance!
8. Honouring Our Heroes: Anzac Writing Tribute
Yrs 4-6) (1 hr) (Available in Term 1 and early Term 2 only)
This is a heartwarming and interactive journey into the Anzac legacy. Explore the references to Anzac in “Maximus” and delve into Mitch’s Anzac Project Swag. Pay tribute to our heroes through poetry and writing as we uncover the symbols and memories of Anzac Day. Experience the power of words with some captivating readings from “Maximus.” This workshop is dedicated to honouring the spirit of Anzac.
The author has permission to use “Anzac” from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
9. Don’t Press My Buttons
(P to Yr 3) (45 mins to 1hr)
Join Branson on his exciting journey as he discovers his BREATHE button and learns to be the boss of his emotions. Based on the upcoming book “Don’t Press My Buttons,” this workshop is a playful and educational adventure through the fascinating world of feelings. Explore the principles of emotional intelligence, body language, and self-regulation through singing, writing, and, of course, button pressing! With concepts crafted in a fun and memorable way, this workshop promises to be a thrilling experience that will help children master their emotions and unleash their potential.
Available for whole week residencies. (Contact Steve for enquiries)
ADULT WORKSHOPS AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
A. Writing Dashing Dialogue – (1-1.5 hrs)
Bring Your Characters to Life: A Masterclass in Crafting Engaging Dialogue.
Adult writing workshop on the art of dialogue. In this workshop, we dive into the art of crafting dynamic and engaging dialogue, specifically for middle-grade novels. Give your characters a voice, bring them to life, and add depth to your story through realistic and captivating conversation. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, this workshop will equip you with the tools and techniques to take your dialogue to the next level and make your story shine!
B. Unleash the Emotions: Descriptive Writing
(1.5 hrs) (Adult version of Grow Your Writing Wings Workshop)
Bring your stories to life and tap into the raw power of human emotions with this writing workshop! Based on the award-winning middle-grade novel “One Thousand Snapshots” and the acclaimed novel “Maximus” by Steve Heron, you’ll delve into the art of writing descriptive scenes that explore and express strong emotions in a realistic and captivating way. Discover the secrets of “showing, not telling”, and learn how to craft vivid and evocative descriptions that will engage your readers and bring your stories to life. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to develop your craft and unleash the full potential of your storytelling abilities.
C. A Children’s Book is a Compass
(30 min talk or 1-1.5hr workshop)
TALK: Children’s books are not necessarily about ending happily ever after; they are more about rousing hope. Good children’s books help children take away something that empowers them, ignites their energy, inspires, helps them find courage, and fosters optimism. Children’s stories are compasses to hold, read, love, navigate, and stir hope.
WORKSHOP: The challenges, joys, pitfalls, and peaks of writing realistic fiction for children. In this workshop, you’ll discover the secrets of crafting children’s books that ignite hope, inspiration, and empowerment in young readers. Delve into the art of storytelling, exploring techniques to evoke strong emotions, leave a lasting impact, and guide children on a journey of hope. Your words have the power to shape the world – learn how to harness that power and create books that will be treasured for a lifetime.
Other Adult workshops and Professional Learning
The Journey of a Picture Book from idea to publication (1 hr)
Follow the publishing journey of Steve Heron’s award-winning picture book “Ling Li’s Lantern” illustrated by Benjamin Johnston.
Grow your Kid’s Wings (1.5 hrs) (Parents and Educators)
Presentation on the socio-emotional learning in ‘Maximus’ and ‘One Thousand Snapshots’ & the BUZ Five Nutrients for Social & Emotional Wellbeing ©
How to Turn Your Word Vomit into a Polished Piece (1-1.5 hrs)
The writing process from the first draft to editing to a submittable manuscript.
Balancing the Power – Beyond Bullyproofing (1.5 hrs) (Parents and Educators)
The Art of Social Confidence in Children (includes the ‘BUZ Gimme 5’ © way of Bullyproofing)
Agro and Emo – Helping kids on the emotional rollercoaster (1.5 hrs) (Parents and Educators)
Practical Emotional Intelligence with children (includes the ‘BUZ Feelings Management Creed’ ©)
Helping Kids solve Fights and Restore Relationships (1.5 hrs) (Parents and Educators)
Restorative practices (includes the ‘BUZ Hopscotch method of conflict resolution’ ©)
- Download Steve Heron Author Rates 2023
- Download Steve Heron Presentations 2023
- Download Maximus Teaching Notes
- Download Australian Curriculum Maximus
- Download Ling Li’s Lantern Teaching Notes
- One Thousand Snapshots Teaching Notes
- One Thousand Snapshots and The Australian Curriculum
- One Thousand Snapshots and Descriptive Writing
- One Thousand Snapshots Dashing Dialogue Excerpt
- Writing Dashing Dialogue
- Maddy’s Nanna’s Best Pumpky Scones in The Universe Recipe
Please contact me for special packages and to negotiate author fees
- Contact Steve to make a booking: CONTACT LINK
- Or contact Paper Bird Speakers Agency
- Fees based on ASA (Australian Association of Authors) schedule.
- Member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), CBCA WA, ASA and Writing WA
- Working With Children Check No: 115445
- ABN 54 701 702 317
- Public Liability Insurance
- Australian Curriculum Links