Author in the Classroom Visits

Here is a rough outline of my presentation topics. I have lots of visual props to help keep interest. I pass along my messages in story form, telling true life experiences in a style mixed with humor and sincerity. (I'm not a bad oral story teller.)

Before my presentation I like to visit with the educators or administration to see what the school or class is doing with writing. I do my best to adapt my presentation to include or reinforce what the school and teachers are doing.

While I talk, I use my props for visuals and hand out a variety of "trinkets" to a student when she or he asks or answers a question. Right away they get the idea of getting something by participating. My trinket are:

• Nice bookmarks with foam backing, paper front, colorful ribbon and star bead.
• Limited edition signed trading cards from my books
• Dream-slip Bands - magical silicone wristbands from the book. They transport you to adventures in your dreams

Here is the general flow. Soon, I'll have some pictures of my props and the goodies I hand out.

I.  Welcome and Introduction

III. My Life As a Writer (Through Stories)

• Writing as long as I can remember.
• How grammar, history, science, humanities and more is important
  • How far can a horse run in a day.
  • When was the haystack invented?
  • What are the parts of a sailboat?
  • What did people wear in feudal England?
• Don't Get Discouraged!
  • Bad grades I got in English even in college.
• Manuscript Forms: I show samples of
  • Typed and printed single space on a PC (about 1" thick)
  • Manuscript ready to submit to a publisher (about 4" thick)
  • A finished book.

 Short Track

• Writing Tips:
  • Be different
  • Use your imagination
• The odds of being published
• More on not getting discouraged.
• A wrap up with questions and answers.