I have a few set programs described below. If these are not exactly what you’re looking for, I would be happy to work with you to modify them into a program appropriate for your student group. I am available for in-person or virtual visits.
Please email me through my contacts page if you are interested in setting up an author event!
Presentations
Creating an Animal’s-Eye-View (Third through Eighth grades):
Using either Of a Feather or Wayward Creatures as an example, I take students through how I created my animal narrator’s coyote or owl-eye-view of their world. I talk about how coyotes and owls experience the world differently from us humans, and then lead the students in a writing exercise where they can try their imaginations at looking at the world as an owl or coyote might. I will weave in my experiences writing from other animals’ points of view (dogs, cats, and opossums, oh my!).
Turning Research Into Writing (Fourth through Twelfth grades):
Using either Wayward Creatures or No Safety in Numbers, the first book in my YA trilogy, I share with students the research behind the stories, and how it influenced my writing of them. I explore with them some of the quirks of writing research-based fiction: How much research is enough? What do you do when your story conflicts with your research? I then lead students in a writing exercise based on some of the research I’ve presented in my talk. With Wayward Creatures, this talk focuses on Restorative Justice in fiction and in practice.
Strategies for Revision (Eighth through Twelfth grades):
Using my experience writing No Safety in Numbers, the first book in my YA trilogy, I talk students through my process, from first draft through revision, and then through the steps to publication. I will present several different strategies and techniques for revision, including ideas on both the story and structure level and for line editing and close reading.
Speaking Fees
In-person Events
Full day: $1,500 – if beyond 50 miles from Burlington, VT, I charge for travel and if out of state, lodging as well.
1-hour Library Event: $500 – only available within 50 miles of Burlington, VT
Virtual Events
1-hour: $400
I also offer a free 20-minute virtual Q&A with classes that have read one of my books.
Once we agree on a program and date, I will send you an Author Agreement and Invoice. I will also share a handout for students to order books before the visit. For a great resource on planning an author visit, please check out fellow author Donna Janell Bowman’s post.
Teaching Materials
Wayward Creatures Discussion & Teaching Guide, created by the wonderful Shannicka Johnson, Ed.D., LIGHT in Education, LLC
THE STORM Teacher’s Guide created by teacher, writer, and lecturer extraordinaire, Kate Messner!
