Cindy Vallar Author, Columnist, & Editor P. O. Box 425, Keller, TX  76244-0425

Since 2002, I have led workshops on a variety of topics related to Scottish history and culture, maritime piracy, writing historical fiction, and editing manuscripts. I present the workshops in person or online, and I personalize them to fit the needs and ages of the participants. All of my workshops can also be adapted into keynote speeches.

When I conduct a workshop for writers, I include optional assignments such as character profiles, plot summaries, and chapter edits. I provide feedback to those participants who submit completed assignments. I always include resource bibliographies to help participants further their knowledge.

Sample Workshops
What Participants Say
Schedule of Upcoming Workshops

I am a retired librarian with twenty years of experience as an educator. During that time, I worked with students in Preschool through Grade 12 in a variety of settings. I also conducted professional workshops for teachers and school staff. I have been an instructor for RWA's Hearts Through History, Celtic Hearts, and the Southern Tier Authors of Romance Chapters.  Beginning in 2008, I will also conduct workshops for From the Heart Romance Writers and Heart of Dixie.

If you would like to arrange for me to present a workshop, please contact me. Fees are negotiable.
 
 

Sample Workshops

Bringing Pirates to Life	This workshop explores the differences between the reality and mythology of piracy, and how writers can create believable characters that fit within historical parameters. We look at why individuals became pirates, who's who on a pirate ship, the rules governing pirates, individuals who interacted with or encountered pirates, and other aspects of maritime life. Although geared for writers, the information is valuable to those with an interest in maritime piracy as well.
Scottish Highlands:  History and Culture	This workshop provides a basic understanding of Highland history and culture. Specific topics include clans, warriors, weaponry and music, folk life, uses of herbs and plants, folklore, superstitions, Second Sight, seasons, holidays, and special life events.
The 'Forty-five: The Last Jacobite Uprising	This workshop examines the key players involved, the events leading up to Culloden, what happened during that battle, and how the aftermath forever changed Highland life.
Norse Scotland	This course examines Scottish history as it pertains to the Norse from the first recorded raid of the monasery on the holy isle of Iona in 793 to 1468 when the Shetlands and Orkney Islands finally became part of Scotland. We discuss where the Norse established communities, important personages and battles, their way of life, the clans that claim descent from the Norse, and the Vikings.
Writing and Researching Historical Fiction	What is historical fiction? Why is research so important? How do you incorporate real life into a fictional tale? How does a writer craft a convincing snapshot of the past? How do you create the time and place so readers are transported into the past? How does you know that a resource provides quality information rather than quantity? View this Resource List
Witches, Kelpies, and Fairies, Oh My!	Step into the unknown as we explore the supernatural Scottish Highlands. You learn about the differences between Highland and Lowland witches; second sight and seers; water creatures; portents of death; the world of fairies and elves; other supernatural beings; and ghosts.
British Royal Navy 1770-1815	This workshop explores one period in British naval history – a time that saw the nation at war with her American colonies, and later against Napoleon. Lessons examine how the royal navy recruited men, the ratings and officers that served Britain, their lives aboard ship, how battles were fought at sea, privateering, merchant sailors, women who went to sea, and maritime medicine.
Self-editing Your Manuscript	Detailed description coming soon.
Highland Clans from Medieval Times through the Clearances	This workshop explores the origins of the clans in general, then examines the history and development of clans from four perspectives: Western clans, Central and Eastern clans, the Lords of the Isles, and clan wars. Other lessons cover Highland land and settlements, the Highlanders' year and the customs that influenced their lives, the structure of clans (surnames, law, fosterage, traditions, succession, etc.), occupations, and clothing.
The Age of Sail Ships and Trade	This workshop provides participants with a basic knowledge of the Age of Sail from the Middle Ages through the 19th century when steam replaced wind as the principal power for moving a vessel from one port to the next. Lessons examine types of ships, parts of a ship, nautical language, the crew, ports of call, navigation, trade, and much more. View the pictures that accompany workshop.

What Participants Say

• Thank you! I've paid so much more for workshops where I got so little in return. I am not exaggerating when I say that your workshop is every researching author’s dream. – Maria Zannini

• The assignments were very helpful – they forced me to think through certain aspects of my story that I hadn’t yet, with the support of a knowledgeable teacher. Also, Cindy was amazingly helpful with providing more resources when specific questions came up. – Jennifer Bernard

• Cindy provides a slew of accurate historical information. Thanks for being such a dedicated teacher. – Julie

• Cindy, you are one of the best on-line mentors around!! – dj pollack

• I couldn't believe how detailed the lessons were. – Pamela Kopfler

• I think Odin's Stone had enough history not to turn the reader off, and just enough to make the plot flow as real life, back then. Melding history and fiction needs to be done in a way so some EXPERT coming upon your work doesn’t gripe that a fact or too was twisted. There is always someone out there ready to pounce! This is why your course is so important to us Scottish historical writer-wannabees. – Nancy B.

• Wonderful information and great links. Taking one of your classes is always a pleasure! – Jennifer Bray-Weber

• It's been an incredible class! I'm so glad I signed up, and I learned amazing amounts of stuff! Though I've spent most of the time lurking, I've read, and kept, every lesson, and it's going to be invaluble to me! – Pat Shaw

• Thank you so much for all the GREAT info, links, pictures, suggestions and so much more “stuff” that I would never be able to find. Lady, you are a True Treasure! – Marylou Anderson

• This workshop exceeded my expectations. The organization of the information was exceptional and very well presented. I love your workshops! – DJ Pollack

• I think you are amazing. This class was wonderful. I learned things I didn’t know I needed to learn. I got story ideas…as well as tons of leads for further research. Thank you so much for all your hard work collecting all this info. I’ll certainly be taking your classes again. – Kris Kennedy

• This workshop has been a pleasure. I learned so much here with you. You’ve given us a wealth of information, much of which I would not even begin to know where to look for.  I had used your website for research long before I even heard of writing groups like RWA and HHRW. You offer so much great information and answer many questions, historically and otherwise. – Jennifer Bray-Weber

 
• The workshop was loaded, like a fat baked potato chocked with so many good things they dribbled out on the plate. ~Bonnie Morgan

• Your workshop Age of Sail is by far the best. I’ve learned so much more from your course. Thank you! – Jennifer Bray-Weber

• Thank you for a fabulous course, Cindy! I've done several courses this way and yours really stands out as the best I've done. – Saskia

• I think all your workshops are phenomenal. – Joanna Webb-Goldman

• You blew me away with how much you know and how well you explain it. Thanks again for taking the time. ~Angie

• It had FAR more information than I was expecting, and I didn’t know there would be interaction, too! It was wonderful! ~Kathleen MacIver

• It was a wonderfully informative class and you are a great presenter! ~Andrea Snider

• This class far surpassed anything I could have imagined. You are so kind to go the extra-extra mile for your students. The info is more than I ever dreamed I might need and your resources are worth a pirate's ransom. Thank you so much for a wonderful class. ~Kati

• You provide wonderful insight with your information. You are a god-send for writers of historical fiction. I’m making YOU one of my needed references! ~Marylou Anderson

• Thank you SO much for this workshop. You're an incredible teacher and always give killer workshops! – Diana Cosby, author of His Captive

• You’re an incredibly wonderful and popular teacher. ~Vonda, Celtic Hearts Education Coordinator

• You are such an engaging presenter. And I always enjoy your workshops -- just can't believe that the return on my dollar is so high. From you I learn, thank goodness you teach! ~Evelyn Marentette

• You exceeded my expectations by your willingness to answer detailed questions and by your commentary on the assignments. ~Jennifer

• The class was well structured and the amount of information was amazing! I have never attended a class that has provided so much information pertaining to the subject being taught. The resources listed and the information given is invaluable! You're a wonderful instructor and giver of knowledge. ~Shannon Robinson

• Your workshops are outstanding, full of information and research tips to last for YEARS!!!!! ~DJ Pollack

• The resource lists are so fabulous! I loved the lessons, they were detailed and entertaining. This has been such a great experience for me! I like your teaching style, and the information you provide is priceless and very entertaining. ~Laura Troutman

• I really enjoyed taking this workshop. Your presentation of the class schedule, bibliography and research list were a big indication of how you were going to conduct the class -- informative, organized and prompt. However, you raised that standard to a higher level by being so attentive and helpful in your responses. ~Hannah

• This workshop has greatly improved my work in progress. Many and heartfelt thanks. ~Anne

• Just looking at the info I think you have packed a lot of info into this class and it was well worth the fee to learn it from someone so educated on the subject. Thank you very much for this wonderful course. ~Jessi Allen

• This was the first workshop I have ever tried and it more than exceeded my expectations. Not only did it provide a ton of factual information and resources, it really triggered a lot of plotting and character ideas. This was an A+ class in all respects. ~Millie Bullock

• Wow! It's the only word I could come up with to express my amazement at the amount of information Cindy offered us. Cindy has instructed workshops for our chapter for several years now...and each one is better than the last. ~Laura Drewry, Education Chair, Hearts Through History Romance Writers

• This class did exactly what I wanted and needed it to do! I am thrilled with it, from start to finish. I feel you went above and beyond the call of duty in assisting us with our questions and specific needs. Your resource lists were oustanding. Your links to other information to enhance each lesson were remarkable. I am profoundly impressed with the quality of this class. Congratulations on a superb job. I came into this class knowing it was going to be tough because I have no background in the subject. You made it a fascinating experience, truly fun! ~Penny Enyeart

• The information was interesting, easy to understand. You covered so much information "expertly." I just loved the class. ~Ashley

• Best part? Cindy's knowledge of the subject and her willingness to share so much information and go out of her way to research the answers to people's questions. You are a rare gem. ~Judy Soifer

• I admire your hard work and dedication to differentiating fact vs. fiction. Your research is thorough. Your lessons have been very easy to understand. Your responses to students in the class have bee very quick and instructive. As always, you've given us an indepth window into the past that'll help give our stories the foundations needed to draw a reader in to the worlds we create. When I see a class given by Cindy Vallar, I know I'm going to get the best class available online! ~Katherine Bone

• A really fantastic workshop. Your ability to put a lot of information in a succinct and entertaining fashion is truly amazing. ~Elizabeth Bryant

• You taught me some things that I need to know when writing a story about historical fiction. ~Taylor, a Kansas fourth-grader

• Cindy brings tons of research and a lot of fun information to the class. So everyone open up your archives and prepare to heap upon them the treasures of knowledge. ~Robert Peterson

• Exceeded my expectations! Cindy's knowledge on everything from Pirates, to ships, to food on board, and ports, etc., was amazing and extensive. ~Meagan

• I so appreciated Cindy's willingness to work outside the box with us, so to speak, and respond to specific areas/questions that were not originally scheduled in the lessons. I think the workshop has really helped me and hopefully will really impact my writing and add a lot to both my pirate and my story! ~Jansy Sparrow

• Thank you so much for all you've shared. You've been a huge inspiration to me. ~Nicole

• Your class was *the* best online workshop I have ever taken. It was thorough, enjoyable, informative, and so very interesting. You covered the subject sufficiently. And you were open to questions and were eager to help. Your knowledge is astounding. I would recommend your class to anyone. ~Jannine Corti Petska

• Thank you for a great class. You've really sparked an interest in an area that I've previously known nothing about. ~Veronica

• You give fabulous workshops. Even if I don't need the workshops, I still take your workshops for the information. ~Betty