Speaking

SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS

In order for a school visit to be successful, it helps if students are familiar with my work. I ask that teachers in participating classrooms read at least a chapter or two of one of my books out loud to their students before I arrive. Five books will be provided as part of the fee.

FROM IDEA TO BOOK: How a project journeys from that first flash of inspiration to printed form. Younger students will learn about the process. Older students will learn how authors plot against their characters.  (K-8)

DOING THE RESEARCH: Specific ways to bringing fiction and nonfiction to life through research. (3-8)

CHARACTER + CONFLICT = STORY: A hands-on workshop for students in grades three through eight demonstrating how a story is developed.

CRAFTING WORD GEMS: IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS: Use of active verbs and specific adjectives to create lively prose. How to incorporate metaphor, similes and humor to delight the reader.

ADULT PRESENTATIONS

RESEARCHING THE CONTEMPORARY NOVEL:

On using traditional and nontraditional methods of research to create an authentic world for fiction.

IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU:

On using the Myers-Briggs to build protagonists and a supporting cast who think and react in different ways because always asking “What would I do if. . . ?”  can make your work stale and repetitive.

RATES:

Full Day with Overnight Stay: $500 plus travel expenses including hotel.

Full Day: $500 + mileage

Half Day near Grand Rapids, Michigan: $250

Free 20-minute Zoom for classrooms that use one of my books for a read-aloud.

I also offer two visits a year in the Grand Rapids area for disadvantaged schools.