I am available to visit your school, library, book club or writer's group.
For visits with children, my program is very interactive. There's nothing more unexciting than listening to an author talk-talk-talk. I involve the kids by asking questions, using props, and illustrating my visit with a lively, funny Power Point presentation. My program is fun, engaging, and informative!
I can speak to small or larger groups in the 3rd to 6th grade range, and my basic presentation is about an hour in length. My visit can be tailored to meet your needs and audience, and I am available for autographing.
A brief summary of my presentation:
Who hasn't stared at a blank piece of paper or an empty computer screen and thought: what do I write? How do I write? What should I say?
Writing can be a daunting and hard process. How does a story go from your head to the pages of a book? What makes a good story? What do you do when you're stuck?
My interactive presentation takes students step-by-step through the idea, writing, revising, and publishing process. I will talk about how to develop characters and plot, how to achieve good pacing, how to end chapters so the reader wants to continue reading, and finally, how to put it all together. I will illustrate these points with examples from CALLI BE GOLD. I'll also talk about learning to live with rejection (a good lesson for anyone, writer or not). 
I'll share background on myself and my writing career. I will also open a discussion about some of the themes of CALLI BE GOLD. A Q&A session will follow my talk.
Please contact me regarding fees.
I am available for Skype visits too!
Discussion Questions for Calli Be Gold
- Why do you think the book is called CALLI BE GOLD?
- Why did Calli like Noah?
- How did Calli and Noah's friendship help both of them?
- Why wasn't Becca honest with Dad about what was going on with skating?
- If you were Calli, do you think you would have the courage to stand up for yourself?
- Why did Noah run away from the Friendship Fair?
- Do you think Dad was wrong to want his kids to find their "talent?" Why do you think he wanted them to be successful in their activities?
- Do you know any families like the Golds? Do you think kids feel pressure to be the best?
- What did Grandma Gold say to Noah when he was hiding that made him want to go back to the Friendship Fair? Do you think that's true?
- How do you think everyone changed through the story? Calli? Noah? Becca? Dad?
