We were certainly impressed with everything you did while you were here and a part of SAA. The kids absolutely loved their interaction with you-- they thought that it was "really cool" that you were here. I think all of the classes you interacted with: "Spies Like Us," "Pop Culture," and the film program truly benefited from your presence, feedback, dialog, and personal experience. The students felt comfortable standing in front of the group, interacting, asking questions, and "putting themselves out there," because of the safe environment for learning that you both created. You challenged them to think outside the box, and gave them self-confidence and greater enthusiasm to go with their creative impulses. I think that you would be proud of the Documentary that the film kids put together...
- Emily Johns, Director of Summer Programs The Asheville School, NC.
My name is Jeremy and I go to Keller High School. I was visited by the Carrs this afternoon and they truly inspired me. For the past two years, I have been writing a novel in which I brought up with Mr. Carr. He said if I turned in the first three pages of my novel, I would get a true review. I wish to thank the Carrs for their spectacular lecture.
- Jeremy B., Keller, TX
Thank you for your time and energy. My students found your presentation enjoyable and educational. There were so many valuable insights offered, such as “avoid adverbs, look for a better verb” and “nothing is more powerful than your imagination.” Your discussions about character, plot, and structure were exceptional. Thanks again for enriching the education of Elsie Allen High students.
- H. Devine, Santa Rosa, CA
We've had many author visits at our school, yours was by far the best and most innovative. You created an environment that enabled my kids to really get what you were trying to teach. Thank you.
- M.J. Day, Willow Hill, PA
I attended the writing workshop lead by the authors Dennis and Elise Carr and found it to be a stimulating and motivating experience. As a teacher, I enjoyed how the two challenged me to use the "tools of the trade" and do my own writing within the class. The insider tips for writing are definitely something I will take back to my classroom and share with my students. I also will use the idea of the "magic circle of imagination" in my teaching- creating the safety zone for students to explore their writing. It was a wonderful class and I would recommend to all fellow teachers!
- Betsy, 9th grade teacher, Fort Leboeuf, PA
Thank you so much for a wonderful presentation. Our students were delighted to have your enthusiasm, work ethic, and literary tips shared with them. We can’t wait for the next in your series.
- J. Rotner, Fresno, CA
I just want to thank you for helping me see how much fun that writing can be! I had seen you roaming around our campus for about a week, and I was wondering what the heck YOU two were doing there. So I began to ask around, and here are some of the answers I got.
- "Umm. I don't know." -Addison
- "I heard that they were here to give us a class like on world history or something." -Ryan
- "Oh, them? Don't worry. I don't think they will kill you." -Lucy
- "You mean the lady with the "Rules" on her shirts? I have no clue." -Travis
And that's when I found out this- Do NOT ask fellow campers, or Lucy, the intern for the girls, (see number three for example) about the strange people that randomly pop up at the camp. And that's when I asked Mrs. Johns.
She said that you were there to give us some kind of workshop or something. And that's when I thought "Ooh, another class?" Yay. But I had the complete WRONG impression of you two. You actually made it fun for me to learn about writing, and considering that writing is not up there on my list of "Ten Things To Do In My Free Time," I actually had fun. And I appreciate you two more than you know.
I want to thank you, again, for just being so amazing.
- Cheyenne 15, Asheville N.C.
I enjoyed my three hours with you at the Asheville School last Thursday. Thank you so much for your warmth, wit and wisdom. I feel encouraged to begin writing on a regular basis and don't feel as intimidated in encouraging my children to just go for it. I look forward to teaching them the finger snapping of approval and the three-act structure. Best wishes on your continued journey and hopefully North Carolina with leave big ol' Texas in the dust when it comes to winning your permanent heart.
- A. Hutchins, Asheville, NC
First, a most sincere THANK YOU to Dennis & Elise Carr for their excellent presentation about reading and writing and for most generously offering to stay for two extra presentations! They went above and beyond to share their expertise with our students! Several students were so inspired that they stayed to ask about submitting their stories! We are very grateful to the Carrs for sharing their vision on such short notice!
- S. Moncuse, Mansfield, TX |