SCHOOL VISITS

School visits are a blast for me! I love talking to kids about books and writing. But be forewarned! My sessions are not “quiet” or “calm.” I do NOT need a rocking chair. In fact, if there is a rocking chair in the room where I’m presenting, please remove it. I don’t do rocking chairs.

During my presentation, the students and I go on a “Story Hunt” which is both fun and educational. I talk about my writing process with a special emphasis on where I get my ideas. I also discuss the many revisions I make before I send a manuscript to an editor. I end the session with a reading from one of my books and a question and answer period.

Teachers should be ready for anything. I just might ask them to burp or walk the plank.

I want this to be a fabulous and exciting visit just as much as you do! Here’s a list of things that help my visit go smoothly (aka: The Diva Demands). My booking agent, Carol Riffle, will be happy to go over this with you. Contact her at:

book-it@sbcglobal.net

 Stuff I Need:

  • A bottle of water
  • Two small tables—one large enough to fit a suitcase and another one large enough for a display of my books
  • A bright and airy room with enough space for an aisle down the middle. The library is usually perfect. Gyms generally have horrible acoustics.
  • Lunch. I don’t like raw onions or peppers of any kind. School lunches are fine. Call me crazy, but I love cafeteria food.
  • An overhead projector.
  • An outlet for my boom box.
  • Hands-free mic.

My list of Please Dos and Please Don’ts:

  • Please limit the number of children to 140 per group. Large, “all ages” groups that lump grades K-8 together are not satisfying for anyone.
  • Please read my books to the kids before I arrive. Let them know I’m coming. It’s more fun for everyone that way.
  • Please don't ask me to do extra sessions unless we’ve agreed to it beforehand.
  • Feel free to share the activities for my books that are on the book page of my website.
  • It's nice to have a teacher or librarian introduces me to each group. (My last name rhymes with “shimmy.”)
  • Feel free to ask children to join me for lunch. I love doing this! Eating with a small group of avid readers in the library makes my visit that much more fun.
  • While I don’t require it, I think a book sale makes the visit more meaningful to the students. It’s best to order the books as soon as a date is agreed upon. You can never order too soon! Most publishers will give a discount of up to 40% if you contact them directly. Or you can ask your local bookseller to arrange a book sale. My booking agent will include more info. about this in the packet she sends to you.
  • Please schedule a ten to fifteen minute break for me in between sessions.
  • Please e-mail a schedule to Carol before the visit.
  • Feel free to “share” me with other schools in your area on the same day. I’m happy to do 2 morning sessions at one school and two afternoon sessions at a different school. This can be a great way to cut down on costs. I don’t mind at all, but I will definitely need transportation to and from the schools.
  • Please don't encourage children to e-mail me. I meet thousands of children every year, and the e-mails are getting overwhelming. I'm so sorry, but I need every spare moment to work on my stories.

 The SCBWI Illinois website offers some great tips. Go to http://www.scbwi-illinois.org/Speakers.html#Wishlist for more information about having an author come to your school.

 HALLOWEEN BOOK AND BOO FEST:

If you’re looking for a dignified, serious Fall presentation for your students, then please, don’t call me. My one-hour, all ages Halloween Book and Boo Fest presentation is anything but serious. There will be green wigs. There will be toilet paper. There will be dancing. This presentation is perfect for Family Reading Nights any time of year.

For Fees And Availabilty, Please Contact:

Carol Riffle, my booking agent, at book-it@sbcglobal.net.