Danielle Grandinetti is an inspirational romance author fueled by tea and books, and the occasional nature walk. With two decades of teaching experience, she has a Master of Arts degree in Communication and Culture and is a 2023 Finalist in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice Award. She has also won the UNW Distinguished Faith in Writing Award and the CROW National Excellence in Story Telling Award. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.

What Does Danielle Teach?

“Writing Conflict Without Words”
Nonverbal Communication in Fiction … What to write when your characters aren’t talking.

Looking to add conflict to your story? Tired of boring dialogue tags? Want to improve your showing vs. telling?

Deepen your fiction writing by applying nonverbal communication to your characters. Nonverbal signals make up over half of our ability to communicate. Add in tone of voice and nearly all our communication has nothing to do with our actual spoken words.

In this class, you’ll learn not only the definitions of various nonverbal communication skills, but how to show them within the confines of a story. You’ll also learn how to layer character conflict while showing action and emotion, rather than telling how a character feels. This will strengthen your word choices and add dynamic description across all genres.

“Writing Other Cultures”
Intercultural Communication in Fiction … How to write from another’s perspective.

Writing a book not set in your home community? Have a character with a different cultural or economic background than you? Does one of your characters speak a different language or have an accent?

Give authenticity to your writing by applying intercultural communication to your characters.

This class will offer tools on how to write characters who are different from you with respect. Whether because of a difference in culture, socio-economic standing, or language, understanding the pitfalls will help you avoid stereotyping while adding conflict within your story. No matter your character’s background—or yours—the principles of intercultural communication can point you the right direction.

“Writing Vivid Description”
Bringing your story to life

The old saying, “show, don’t tell” is a mantra in fiction. However, how do you show well?

In this class, learn how to bring setting to life. We’ll discuss using all five senses, as well as how to balance too much description with not enough. Whether historical, contemporary, or futuristic, help readers feel emersed in the world you’re creating. This, in turn, will create real characters as they interact with their fictional environment.

“Group Dynamics 101”
Group Dynamics … How to create an inclusive environment.

Are you a small group leader, teacher, or director? This class will give you the tools to create a healthy, inclusive environment among those you are leading. You will learn skills such as identifying nonverbal cues, blending differing personalities, and encouraging productivity among group members.

“Intercultural Communication 101”
Intercultural Communication … How to be welcoming to those different from you.

Whether you’re a leader or an “everyday Joe,” becoming better at interacting with those different from you is a helpful and necessary skill.

This class will offer tools on how to communicate effectively with respect. Whether because of a difference in culture, socio-economic standing, or language, understanding the pitfalls will help you avoid stereotyping offering dignity to those around you. No matter your background, the principles of intercultural communication can point you the right direction.

“Nonverbal Communication 101”
Nonverbal Communication … What you’re saying when you’re not speaking.

Nonverbal signals make up over half of our ability to communicate. Add in tone of voice and nearly all our communication has nothing to do with our actual spoken words. In this class, you’ll learn not only the definitions of various nonverbal communication skills, but how to use them well.

Interested in Having Danielle Speak?

Whether you’re interested in learning more about the classes above or going more in depth about those topics, you can contact Danielle here to discuss availability and other details.