Carmela A. Martino, Children's Book Author

On Sale Now!


For ages 9 and up.
Rosa, Sola
After praying and praying for a younger sibling, Rosa is thrilled to learn her mother is finally pregnant. But then tragedy strikes, and each member of her family must find a way to cope—including Rosa. ISBN 0763623954.

To read an excerpt from the novel, click here.

To order a copy online, click here.

For a list of discussion questions, click here.
For Recommended Reading for Children and Teens click below:


I am available to speak to students in grades 1-12 and adults . When speaking to children, I prefer groups of no more than 75 students, but I can make accommodations for larger groups. Following is a description of my basic presentation. For information about other programs, click here or scroll down.


Worms, Pens, and Butterflies


Much of who I am as a person and an author is rooted in my upbringing as the first-born child of Italian immigrants. In this presentation, I discuss how my background and life experiences influence my writing. I also describe my roundabout route to becoming a published author, emphasizing the importance of both reading and writing in accomplishing career goals, whatever they may be. I typically use PowerPoint or overhead slides to show some of the milestones (and humorous events) along my path to publication. This presentation lasts 45 minutes to one hour, including time for questions. I am willing to do up to four presentations in one day.

"Worms, Pens, and Butterflies" is best suited to grades 3-6. Contact me for information regarding programs for younger or older audiences.

To read what educators and attendees have to say about my presentations, click here.

I love to teach almost as much as I love to write. Here I am presenting a workshop at the Annual Illinois Young Authors Conference.

Other Presentations


I am also available to present writing workshops based on classes I have taught, and I will tailor my talks to the audience's needs. (For example, I often incorporate the
6 + 1 Traits of Writing.) In my children's workshops, I use games and group activities to "make writing fun." Here are some sample topics:

Re-Visioning—Seeing with "Fresh Eyes": describes the many revisions Rosa, Sola went through prior to publication and presents specific techniques to help students "re-vision" their own writing.

Transforming Life Into Fiction: explains how I fictionalized people, places, and events from my childhood to write Rosa, Sola. Students practice transforming their own real-life experiences into fiction.

Young Author's Workshop: presents techniques for generating ideas, developing characters, creating plot, and describing setting.

Markets for Young Writers: provides a step-by-step process for submitting work, along with tips for finding markets open to students in grades 3-12. (For links to writing tips and market information for young authors, be sure to visit the For Writers page.)


My adult classes include:

Writing for Children
Transforming Life into Fiction
Writing with Feeling
Point of View—Getting it Right!
Writing with Prompts—Jump-Start Your Writing


For photographs and descriptions of past presentations, see the News page.

Need help planning an author visit?




Feedback from Educators:


"Thanks again, Carmela, for a wonderful presentation. . . . You are a terrific author, but I hope you know that you are a wonderful teacher and motivator as well.”

—Gail Hilmer,
Addison Public Library


"Many thanks for an outstanding two hours chock-full of valuable information for our creative writing group. . . . In the words of the students, ‘It was awesome and informative!’ ”

—Paulette Goodman,
Kennedy Junior High School, Lisle, IL


"Your interactive presentation was inspiring and entertaining. . . . The afternoon workshops were especially helpful. Students enjoyed the writing exercises, and your concrete tips were just what was needed . . . ”

—Beth Cushing,
Mary, Seat of Wisdom School, Park Ridge, IL

Feedback from Kids:


"I enjoyed the workshop very much. It also taught me how to write better stories. I learned a lot on how to improve my writing for now and the future. Now I have more ideas for stories in the future."

—Brian M, Grade 6

"Thank you for coming to my school and teaching us about writing. I loved your presentation and your book. You have inspired me to write more."

—Amber A, Grade 6

"I learned a lot about writing. I have always wanted to be a writer myself, except I write poems. You helped by encouraging me, and telling me that I could do it!"

—Michele F, Grade 6

"I really liked how you took time to answer our questions about the book and tell us about yourself. I also enjoyed listening to your presentation about your personal life and your public life. When you were here I learned how hard it is to become an author and how many steps it takes to actually publish a book."

—Shannon, Grade 6





All content on this site ©2005-2009 by Carmela A. Martino, unless otherwise noted. Please do not copy without permission.

Sign up for Carmela's E-mail Newsletter


To receive periodic updates regarding my classes and other news, sign up for my e-newsletter on the News page.

About My Classes


I have taught writing classes for both children and adults since 1998. (I also occasionally teach courses in Children's Literature and Adolescent Literature.) I am currently on the faculty of the College of DuPage and the Hinsdale Center for the Arts. Below are my upcoming classes. For information about classes for children, click here or scroll down.

Adult Classes at
Mayslake Peabody Estate


Children's Writing Critique Workshop
Mondays, 7:00-9:00 PM
April 19-May 24, 2010

In this workshop, children’s and young adult writers receive a critique of their own work while learning how to critically study the work of other writers in a friendly, supportive environment. You must bring copies of your manuscript—a picture book, short story, or novel excerpt—to the first class. Also, before enrolling you must email Carmela at the link below for word count limits and manuscript guidelines. Attendance on Monday, April 19 is mandatory.
Note: class is limited to 10 students, so register early.
Cost: $110 for the 6 weeks.

Mayslake Peabody Estate is located at:
1717 W. 31st Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523


For information about the Mayslake facility, click the link below. To register for the class, call Mayslake at (630) 206-9566.

Children's Classes


I plan to offer summer writing camps again at the Hinsdale Center for the Arts. Check back later for details.

Feedback from Adult Students:


"Carmela's class was outstanding. I have a list of revisions to make from all that I learned. If you ever have a chance to take any of her classes I can assure your money and time will be well spent.”


—Mary Sandford
Lisle, IL


"I would like to sing the praises of Carmela Martino, teacher extraordinaire. . . . Attendees at all experience levels got valuable ideas and insights from the exercises she shared, as well as the experiences she described in working through the writing of Rosa, Sola.”


—Lisa Bierman
Oak Park, IL


"I just wanted to celebrate Carmela Martino. . . . The exercises she offered were extremely helpful. Her emotions poured out as she described the writing process she went through with her novel Rosa, Sola. Thank you, Carmela, for inspiring me to dig deep into my soul to write compelling (let's hope) children's literature.”


—Trina Sotira
Roselle, IL




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