Author Visits: Parents - Teachers - Librarians
We are committed to the concept that reading colors our world ~ not only for the time one is reading a book, but for a whole lifetime! Our desire is to inspire children to develop a love of reading and learn about creating their own special worlds in writing.
We are available for author visits in schools and other group settings. We have several programs in a wide variety of subjects and can tailor them to fit your particular needs.
All sessions include time for questions and answers and book signing.
Workshops
Creating Characters with Character!
So where do those characters come from?
Designed for K-5 Session: 60 minutes
This workshop explores the process of character development. Students are actively involved in creating a character by defining that character’s environment, personality traits, physical appearance and finally a name. Many teachers use this workshop as a springboard to their writing lessons by asking their students to write a story of their own using the character that was developed in the workshop. We normally use our most current book with this workshop unless a teacher requests one of our other books. Time is allowed for questions and answers.
Put Some Color in Those Words!
Painting exciting word pictures
Designed for K – 12 Session: 60 minutes
If reading colors your world, art only enhances it! In this hands-on workshop we will allow students to explore book illustration with the use of water-color as a design medium. We will discuss design selection, page layout and the importance of making the art work with the words to tell the story. In workshops with more advanced art students, a discussion of page design and digital enhancement will be included. Time is allowed for questions and answers.
Students will need water colors, paper and supplies for this workshop.
Imagine That!
Where do those ideas come from and how do they get on paper?
Designed for K-5 Session: 60 minutes
How do you write a book? Do all ideas make good stories? How do you know? In this workshop students will work through the process of outlining their ideas, selection of characters, plot development and creation of a story board. Students will be provided a blank booklet and learn how to take their story ideas and begin writing. Time is allowed for questions and answers.
We Know You Write, But What Do You Do?
A day in the life of authors/illustrators ~ from first word to the printed book and beyond.
Designed for 1-12+ Session: 60 minutes
How do you write, illustrate and market a book? In this workshop we will share our personal experiences in the exciting world of writing and illustrating children’s books. Publishers, agents, marketing techniques, professional organizations, book signings, unusual challenges and the dreaded rejection letters will be discussed. We will allow plenty of time for group discussion and questions.
Fees:
$150 - Single Session
$450 - All day visit ~ includes four sessions
School pays for travel expenses for distances over 50 miles. Workshops over 100 miles may require an overnight stay. Expenses include air fare, meals, motel, cab fares during the visit ~ unless school provides transportation or a rental car. Custom tailored workshops may require an additional fee. Full day and district wide visits can be arranged. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Planning a Successful Visit:
Our visits go more smoothly when the students are prepared before we arrive. This includes familiarizing the students with our biography, and we encourage teachers to read our books to their students prior to our visit.
Book Sales:
Author visits are also enhanced when students have something concrete, as a keepsake, to remind them of their special day with the authors. We enjoy giving the students the opportunity to order our books. We will provide you with a flier and an order form to be copied and sent home with the students two weeks prior to our visit. Order forms should be returned, with payment, to the teachers at least five days prior to our visit, allowing the school to contact us with the number of books we will need to bring.
In addition, we will also provide each student at the workshop with an autographed bookmark as our special gift.
Scheduling a Visit:
Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to schedule a school visit. We will be happy to tailor a visit to meet the needs of your students or your group. Once you schedule a workshop, we will provide you with a contract and a list of any resources we will need during our visit.
We look forward to meeting all of you and exploring the exciting world of children’s books!