I’d love to visit your school, library, or book club!
Programs for Children.
Here is a sampling of my programs. I can always be flexible to your library or classroom needs.
Be Brave!
(PreSchool – Grade 1)
Through lively, interactive storytelling, I will show young children how an author’s life experiences inspire nonfiction and sneak their way into the writing of fiction. Particular emphasis will be placed on problem and solution in stories. (25 -35 minutes)
Books featured: Oh, Chickadee! and This is MY Room! (No Tigers Allowed)
Did that Happen to YOU?
(Grades 1 – 3)
In this interactive workshop, I share the inspiration behind my books and techniques I use when writing both nonfiction and fiction. Discussion of ideas, characterization, story conflict, research, and revision is included. (45 minutes)
Books featured: Oh, Chickadee! Andy Shane Series, Twig and Turtle Series
Building a Story
(Grades 4-8)
Quality details (those that go beyond the obvious or general) transform writing. In this workshop, I take students on a virtual road trip — the same journey Jack took in Small As An Elephant — and demonstrates how choosing the right details, and taking the time to expand moments, adds richness to the storytelling and character development. The sharing of “before” and “revised” scenes will also reinforce the power and value of revision. (45 minutes-1 hour)
Books featured: Small as an Elephant, Paper Things
Seeing Through An Author’s Eyes
(Grades 6 – 12)
In this workshop I share what I’ve discovered as a writer of fiction. We discuss plot structure (including successful beginnings and endings), pacing, voice, and characterization. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of revision. (45 minutes – 1 hour)
Books featured: The Dollar Kids, Small as an Elephant, Paper Things, Crashing in Love
““Almost every teacher has taken the time to let me know how much they and their students enjoyed your programs. Even some of the children have stopped me to say thanks! Not only was it a wonderful experience for the children, but also one of the best professional development days our teachers have had!””
— Dawn Broderick, Reading Specialist
““We loved your presentation last evening. Your whole talk was like a story being told, close to us and far, up on your toes, crouching down, loud and soft... The kids (and we big kids too) were attentive and happy listeners. You are a gifted and creative presenter.””
— Pam Osborn, Maine Public Librarian
Details
I can do up to 4 presentations in a day. This can be 4 presentations (combined classrooms are fine); an assembly and three presentations; or three presentations and a parent evening.
Please try to familiarize the students with my stories ahead of time. Students who have heard my work (even if it’s a single chapter) bring excitement to the workshop and make deeper connections. Their questions go beyond “How many books have you written?” to “Why did you choose to [fill in the blank]? Think of the prior reading as building background knowledge for successful comprehension.
You may combine an author visit with a professional inservice on Writer’s Workshop.
Fees
$1,200 a day for four presentations (or $350 per presentation for less than 4)
$350 single one hour public library or evening program (plus travel expenses beyond 50 miles)
Free Q&A visit via Zoom (20 minutes), $100 Q&A visit via Zoom (45 minutes, students need to have read one of my books) or $250 for a presentation and Q&A. (one hour)
If you would like me to come to your school but don’t have the budget, please contact me anyway. I will try to make it work!
Book signings
I will be happy to sign books during the day. You can order books from my publishers (significant discount), a local bookseller (typically a discount), or I can bring books on that day (no discount since I purchase as an individual from my local bookseller). Below you will find publisher contacts and book order forms. Feel free to change the forms to fit your needs.