School/Library visits

As a former teacher, nothing brings me more glee than a classroom or library filled with readers (I mean, obviously my family brings me more glee, and writing, and the first episode of the TV show GLEE, but this is a close fourth).

Booking events for the 2011-2012 school year

Schools may schedule up to three events per day, including any combination of the following:

*School Assembly (30-60 minutes)

*Classroom/library presentation (30-60 minutes)

*Breakout sessions/workshops (30-60 minutes)

I’m also happy to include a student lunch, interview with school newspaper, parent/teacher discussion, or booksigning at no additional charge. I encourage teachers and librarians to make copies of my book(s) available to students in advance of any school visit. Students do not have to read my book, but should know who I am and what I write. Pre-event sales can be arranged through a local bookstore or with my publisher. Autographed bookmarks are available for students as well.

Ages: PRINCESS FOR HIRE series (Grades 4 -8)

SEAN GRISWOLD’S HEAD (Grades 6-12)

Available presentations

How did you WRITE that? We’ll explore the changes a story goes through as it evolves from an idea to a bound book. Each step of the revision process is discussed and manuscripts, editorial letters, deleted scenes and Advanced Reader’s Copies are shared. This presentation can be combined with writing workshop for longer sessions.

Living the Author Life Outlines the day to day life of an author–pajamas and all. After sharing some of my work from childhood, I discuss the journey to publication: submitting work, rejection letters, agents, more rejection letters, editors, the business side of publishing, movie rights and fan mail. Common author myths also debunked. The above presentations include a fifteen minute Q & A at the end.

Author Q & A A more question-driven presentation, in which I tailor my answers to make sure I address: ideas, revisions, characterization, genesis of a writer. If the students have read my book(s), we can also speak about specific plot, characters, themes, and so on.

WRITING WORKSHOPS (class-sized groups only) Princess for Hire: Write your own royal adventure Focus on prewriting and drafting. Students WILL be writing during this, and by the end will have the framework to start their own substitute royal adventure. Additional extension activities available for teachers to create class book, and giveaway available for students who complete project.

Sean Griswold’s Head: How to Start Your Own Focus Journal Payton keeps a Focus Journal to help her cope with the life drama. This workshop outlines methods to sharpen the focus in creative writing–choosing the right details, taking a particular moment or memory and fleshing it out. By the end of the class, students will have a base to a story. Workshops are tailored based on audience size and age.

Availability and Fees

Cost is $500 per day, plus travel expenses (flight and lodging) Travel can be waived if I am in town for another event–check my events page to see if I’ll be in your area. Multiple schools and libraries may also share travel cost.

SKYPE

Skype is a great way for me to connect with readers without having to leave my very cozy home, or put on pants (note: I will wear pants. They just may not match my shirt). Because technology has made it so easy for me to connect with readers, I offer FREE 20-30 minute chat sessions via skype with schools, libraries, and book clubs who have read my book(s).  I can discuss the development of the book, the writing journey, or use the time for a Q & A discussion with the audience. I also offer my 1 hour school presentations above at a Skype rate of $100 per session.

Read author and teacher Kate Messner’s classroom skype experience with yours truly on her blog (Kate also offers the wonderful skype resource, Author Skype Tour and does visits for all ages as well) Contact me for more information on scheduling a session. A session requires a computer, a webcam with microphone, speakers, a large projection screen and an account with Skype.

Book Clubs/Writing Conferences/Youth Groups

Is your book club discussing one of my books? I’m happy to join in on the discussion, whether through email or a Skype presentation. I also have given presentations to church youth groups, authors, librarians, teachers, girl scouts, and writing groups.

Possible topics include:

Using web 2.0 tools to connect authors with readers

Teaching students revision basics

What’s new in contemporary young adult fiction

Creating real characters

How to live a creative life