"School Visits" folder from the Writers of Childrens/YA Books message board
Subject: School Visits
Author: lots of people
Uploaded By: THopeB
Date: 2/5/1997
File: School visit folder (177276 bytes)
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This is an archive file fo the "School Visits" folder from the Writers of Childrens/YA Books message board.
The postings date from 9/29/95 to 9/12/96 and cover such topics as payment for authors' school visits, childrens reactions, dealing with teachers and principals, funny stories and horror stories; enjoy!
2/3/97 11:56:01 AM Opening ÒSystem Log 2/3/97Ó for recording.
Subj: Re:insecurity
Date: 95-09-29 11:40:30 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Doug --
Look what you started! Now the entire writing community is behind this sofa, and it's getting crowded. Next thing Godzilla, the editor, and Godzilla Jr., the reviewer, are going to come after us and then...I can't bear to think about it.
Subj: Serious Question
Date: 95-09-29 11:56:48 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Okay, enough already. I have a serious question for y'all. This past week I've received three "form" invitations to do my presentations at schools on a "for-free" basis. One is local (35 miles away) and two are out of state (Las Vegas). Each has asked me to confirm my availability to present on their chosen dates by mail, but none has provided an SASE. My question is: Do you ignore these or waste your own envelope and postage to decline/accept? Mind you, I have no ties to these schools. I would like to hear what other people do.
Subj: Re:Serious Question
Date: 95-09-29 13:09:34 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
Larry, I'd be tempted to draft a letter that explains that just as teachers can't afford to teach for free, writers can't afford to travel and speak for free. When you are sharing your books and knowledge with students, you are teaching. And you are not writing. Why do schools (or anyone else) think that authors and illustrators should create an entire presentation and give it for free? Yes, we all know that schools don't have a lot of money, but how about having a bake sale, a car wash, a donation of the amount you'd pay for one movie and a burger, to give an author or illustrator an honorarium? How about asking a community business to offer cosponsorship? The local newspaper? The local toystore? Children's book authors and illustrators are nice people and we do enjoy sharing our books and expertise with the kids and teachers, but we also like to and need to eat and pay our bills just like everyone else. This really bothers me, can you tell? .
Subj: Re:Serious Question
Date: 95-09-29 17:39:08 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Judy,
Your advice is well taken, and I do let schools know that authors shouldn't be expected to teach/speak for free. My heels (and toes) are dug in on that point. My question was more directed at those pleas to correspond and then failure to enclose a SASE. Katherine Paterson once explained to an audience of teachers that she had to sell three paperback books just to afford the price of a stamp, and it seemed to have a real impact on the audience. One author I know won't respond to teachers who don't enclose a SASE. Another has a form response (a postcard) printed up that requests a SASE so that the information might be returned. In the past, I've simply chocked up the price of postage and envelopes as the cost of doing business -- but I'm wondering if there's a way to trigger SASEs without sounding like the down-and-out.
Subj: Re:Serious Question
Date: 95-09-30 08:11:43 EST
From: MaryB8
Posted on: America Online
Not to take up for the teachers (because I agree with everything that's said) but it seems to me that writing is one of the few professions which demands SASEs from underlings who are paid little. I suspect that teachers simply don't think of it. If I write to someone I am much more aware now than before I began writing. I just assumed, even if I were asking for something, that the person responding would fork up the cost of a stamp.
Subj: Re:Serious Question
Date: 95-09-30 17:03:56 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
Hi, Larry....
We've thought about the SASE: We'll give them (the teachers) a stamp but they have to promise to offer us (the authors and illustrators) an honorarium--then no one is taken for granted.
We agree that it can be a lack of communication or education in the SASE department--and maybe this AOL discussion will help in both areas.
Also, a post card can be as costly as a stamp! Frankly, If I thought it would get us back answers (yay or nay), I'd send a SASE to the schools. What gets us are the schools and teachers who request a packet of our presentations and we never even hear back. I'm thinking of signing up my three kids at their schools and then not taking them--messes up the bookkeeping a bit--huh? Oh, well...my kids are all over 25, so it won't work anyway! ( I was married at 7 and had all three by the time I was 8). S...like you didn't know!
Subj: Re:Serious Question
Date: 95-10-01 13:04:58 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Mary's probably right. When I thought about it, it came to me that I didn't know what a SASE was in the beginning either. I guess it's something I take for granted now -- I mean even Texaco and Nordstrom send me a SASE every month so I can return some money. How thoughtful of them! So I've begun to assume that everyone should. But I've also noted that those teachers who routinely enclosed a SASE are writers themselves, so I guess it boils down to education and lack of awareness. Guess I'll keep licking and sticking.
Subj: Visuals for invisible topics
Date: 95-10-02 07:56:40 EST
From: Peni G
Posted on: America Online
Hi, y'all. I'm going to Houston in Nov. to talk to history classes that have read my time travel book *Switching Well* (class set sales for fiction! Yay!). It seems to me that the best thing to talk to them about is probably the process of research and how you a)locate information and b) turn it into a story. Trouble is -- I'd really like to give the kids something to look at, and my research for this story consists of a bunch of illegibly scribbled notes and battered photocopies. The original sources are all in the libraries where they belong; some of them in the rare book room, so I couldn't take them to pass around even if I wanted to cart somebody else's books to Houston on the Greyhound. The teacher who invited me already made a slide show of the locations in the story (obviously a really cool teacher. I'm anxious to blow her class away and live up to the efforts she's making.) so that idea's taken. Any inspirations out there?
Subj: Re:Visuals for invisible topics
Date: 95-10-03 06:55:23 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Penni - show them your original. Your revised copy.
The editorial comments (the big Xs where s/he deleted your lovely words)
The posta notes from the editor. Your posta notes back
the revised ms.
the second revised ms.
the third.
Tell them about your search. (How your were strip searched before being let into the rare book room and only allowed to use a pencil. No pens allowed. How you had to wear weird cotton gloves to handle photographs you wanted to see before you bought. )
In other word, the perils of research. (grin)
(Hey, I'm giving myself ideas for my OWN talk during book week this year. -grin) -w
Subj: stamp
Date: 95-10-03 15:46:26 EST
From: JDHWeiner
Posted on: America Online
Larry--Send them a form letter back explaining why you can't do it for free and also why the school shouldn't send out form letters and why they should send SASE's. It's all about being informed--and manners. (Yes, this bothers me, too). Deb
Subj: reporting from the front lines
Date: 95-10-04 08:39:17 EST
From: Kthirty
Posted on: America Online
It was interesting being at school yesterday, the day they announced the verdict in the OJ Simpson case. I was running the Book Fair and the office staff announced the not guilty verdict over the intercom. The children cheered. Talking to other staff the children cheered in every class.
My thoughts are that the children believed that by being found not guilty that OJ had been found innocent and that the sports star they loved had been returned to them. Kathy
Subj: Re:Visuals for invisible topics
Date: 95-10-04 09:43:42 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Are there any historical photos that you could have dupped into slides? I've done this, and though the slides turn out in b/w, people see to enjoy them.
Subj: Re:stamp
Date: 95-10-04 09:45:03 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Deb--You're wicked, and I love it!
Larry
Subj: Re:reporting from the front line
Date: 95-10-04 09:48:05 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Kathy-- Sad, isn't it? We seem to have lost vision of right and wrong in this country and are consumed with getting even. I found it interesting that an interview I was listening to on PBS last evening mentioned that blacks not as privileged as O.J. will pay the price for this verdict in harsher and swifter punishment. Getting even. I wish it would stop.
Larry
Subj: Re:reporting from the front line
Date: 95-10-04 10:02:29 EST
From: Jackie K
Posted on: America Online
Sad is the right word, Larry. I don't think I've been this sad since the day the Gulf War was announced. I guess it's good that we found out just how bad race relations are in this country, but it's sad that the families of Nicole and Ron Goldman have to suffer this on top of everything else.
Jackie
Subj: Re:reporting from the front line
Date: 95-10-04 12:12:32 EST
From: Haemi
Posted on: America Online
>> I found it interesting that an interview I was listening to on PBS last evening mentioned that blacks not as privileged as O.J. will pay the price for this verdict in harsher and swifter punishment. Getting even. I wish it would stop.<<
I wish it would stop, too, Larry. The interesting thing is, this "race" question is being thrown by all sides. If he'd been found guilty, many would have said, "He was found guilty because he's black." And just as many would have shaken their heads and said, "Why do you have to make race an issue in this verdict?" Yet now that he's been found not guilty, people are saying, "Oh, he got away with it because he's black," and others are crying, "Why do you have to make race an issue?"
Most disturbing of all, I overheard someone in the store yesterday say, "Maybe we whites should riot now. That'll teach 'em!" An hour or so later, I "heard" this being repeated almost word for word by someone online here on AOL, during that live post-verdict forum yesterday. I can't help but wonder if some closet racists will have a field day with this verdict, using it to justify their hate and ignorance. And I agree with you, Larry and Jackie. It is sad. And frightening, too.
Subj: re: front lines
Date: 95-10-05 08:19:21 EST
From: JDHWeiner
Posted on: America Online
I was at my sons' school with the fourth and eighth grades watching--you could have heard a pin drop when the verdict was announced.
Subj: Re:re: front lines
Date: 95-10-05 09:25:48 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
In part, I think the media are to blame for the explosion of insatiable curiosity. Weird, I know, but I didn't know who O.J. Simpson was until this thing erupted. (I know. I know. I write sports books, so how could I not know who he was? But them's the facts! I write about kid-sports, individual sports and only recognized the figure when a news broadcast replayed a Hertz commercial. So much for celebrity name recognition!) I've heard the "white riot retaliation" as well -- and this over a local news broadcast. I almost sensed that the news media was hoping that some violent backlash would occur and, who knows, the wound is yet raw. Haemi, sad and scary is right.
Subj: Re:re: front lines
Date: 95-10-06 06:18:45 EST
From: MaryB8
Posted on: America Online
TV cameras don't belong in court rooms. I've been videotaped a number of time, both teaching and making presentations, and I'm always aware. Come to think of it, even when family tapes at holidays and parties!
Subj: Suggested writing exercise
Date: 95-10-15 23:22:43 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
I recently returned from a weekend retreat during which Montana writer Marti Stone shared this way of dealing with school visits. She takes along a bunch of photos or other pictures from books and magazines if she is visiting several classrooms of the same grade. Then she shows the kids in each class the pictures and has them write a story inspired by the pictures. At the end of the day, she has each class share its story with all the others--as you can imagine, the results can be amazing--completely different stories from the same pictures but different creators. She said I could share this with you--hope it is helpful to others.
Subj: A good visit
Date: 95-10-16 11:01:07 EST
From: JWBOIES
Posted on: America Online
Last week, I spoke to three separate classes at my local intermediate school. The teacher's enthusiasm impressed me. The day before my visit, each class had brainstormed "questions for the author." Before I began speaking, she'd ask the kids to take out their questions (so they wouldn't be rattling papers during my presentation). All in all, I had a lot of fun. Jan
Subj: On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-17 06:50:47 EST
From: Jackie K
Posted on: America Online
I'm working on an opportunity for all of us to do on-line school visits at the Electronic Schoolhouse (ESH). It might involve e-mail, live chats, and possibly a bulletin board folder where teachers and students could communicate with AOL's published authors and illustrators. Any of you who are interested in participating and/or learning more about the project please e-mail me. I'd appreciate your ideas and input at this organizational stage, too. Jackie
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-17 09:39:50 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
I agreed to do electronic visits with the Wichita schools and was looking forward to doing something new. Alas, aside from blocking two days on my calendar -- which kept me from accepting some paid speaking invitations -- Wichita schools never bothered to set up a specific time. They simply left me hanging. Once burned...
Larry Dane Brimner
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-17 16:44:25 EST
From: Jackie K
Posted on: America Online
Larry,
I've been a bit surprised by the lack of response I've gotten to this idea. I thought everyone would be very excited about it. I wonder if others have had bad experiences, or is there something else holding everyone back? It seemed to me a wonderful way to connect with teachers and students all over the country (and wherever else AOL reaches) and spread the gospel about all our wonderful books. The Scholastic Network is already doing something similar but only using Scholastic Authors. What are everyone's thoughts on this? Jackie
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-17 18:03:00 EST
From: Haemi
Posted on: America Online
Jackie,
I think it's a terrific idea as well. I've kept quiet because I only have the one book so far (which won't even be out until next fall), and I figured you'd want to hear from more established writers.
Good luck with it, and hope I can participate next year :-)
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-17 20:53:28 EST
From: Kthirty
Posted on: America Online
Dear everybody,
I love the idea of online visits and you would see Badger Mountain Elementary all dressed up and ready to go if your citizens had not voted down our technology levy. Our school is not equipted with email.
I suggest you head over to the Education Board, go to Parenting Online, there are all sorts of boards about education. I bet if you posted there you would get a lot of response.
Kathy
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-17 21:38:12 EST
From: PritchWitt
Posted on: America Online
Jackie--
It sounds like a good idea, but I've never done anything like it, so don't know if there would be a down side. I'd certainly like to try it, but would also like to hear if other people think there might be a problem. - Ellen
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-18 09:55:15 EST
From: Jackie K
Posted on: America Online
Haemi,
Since the idea would be for students and teachers to read our books in the classroom and then communicate with us about them via e-mail, bulletin board, or on-line chat, it follows that we have to be published tp participate, but if we get this off the ground we'll look forward to having you join us next fall! Ellen, I'll keep you posted. Jackie
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-18 10:50:15 EST
From: Kitka1
Posted on: America Online
Let me know about it as well --
Of course, I would think the students would have to be prepared and know your books, yes?
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-18 10:50:30 EST
From: RolandS648
Posted on: America Online
Jackie,
Scholastic Network doesn't restrict itself to Scholastic authors. I'll be one in January and I'm not a Scholastic author.
Roland
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-18 12:15:08 EST
From: Haemi
Posted on: America Online
>> .....but if we get this off the ground we'll look forward to having you join us next fall! <<
Thanks, Jackie. I'll look forward to it, too.
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-18 12:53:55 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Jackie,
I agree that it's a wonderful, exciting, and new idea. But before I would agree to something like this again, I would want to see in writing just what sort of organization is in place. Like a lot of authors, I depend on school visits to make ends meet and can't afford to block days on my calendar for electronic visits if nobody is going to call.
Larry
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-18 16:17:49 EST
From: Jackie K
Posted on: America Online
I'll keep you all posted, guys. I'm making up an e-mail list of people who want to know more. Larry, I'll add your name to the list of the interested (which is suddenly growing by leaps and bounds) and you can decide as we go along whether you want to be involved. Kitka1 - yes, the whole idea is that they read our books! Please e-mail me with your real name if you want to be put on the list. Roland - that's great news about Scholastic, especially since I just sent them my bibliography! Jackie
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-19 06:12:48 EST
From: MaryB8
Posted on: America Online
I think it's a great idea but I'm not sure if teachers will take us up on it. Not sure how to get my point across but I'll try. I spoke at Nat'l. Ed. Computing Conference in June. Great group of people, nice conference. But little interest--sort of polite interest--in my books. (My latest bk. is to combine learning strategies with high tech so I thought there'd be lots of interest.) I came home feeling that teachers who are into computers aren't into books and probably those into books aren't into computers. Gross generalization, but I think lang. arts teachers see computers for (yuk!) drill and doing glamorous simulations, etc. Many computer tchrs. are more into glitzy software than using vanilla simple word processing programs for writing/editing. But hey, I'm willing to try w/ online interviews. Others see it otherwise? Mary Bowman-Kruhm
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-20 22:05:38 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
I agree with the group who state that when we visit schools, we get paid. The scholastic area on AOL gives their visiting authors a free month on AOL. (at least they did to a friend of mine.) This is sorta like getting paid, no?
Making the exchange (from students to author and back) by e-mail is more painless for the author. Going online at a certain time to chat live is frought with all sorts of electric gremlin posibilities. Being left high and dry with no audience is one of them. (already mentioned) AOL or the school's internet access being down is another.
The school also has to realize that the really famous authors are busy writing -- or getting paid big bucks to come and talk. It's we little guys who might have the time to chat. And that will take more lesson planning on the part of the teacher to find our books and figure out what to do with them.
yes, Mary B. , the techno-wizes in the schools are usually the librarians or computer room people. I'm sure You know how busy teachers are just trying to keep up with lesson plans they know how to do. plus all the other nitty gritty chores the school throws at them. They're expecting the computers to take a load off their backs by becoming assitant teachers -- as promised in the cartoon 'the Jetsons' and other SF stories of yore. (grin)
teaching E-mail just adds to the teacher's jobs, not makes life easier. But you probably know all this already. -w
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-21 07:08:38 EST
From: Jackie K
Posted on: America Online
Wendy et al:
We now have a large (25+) group of authors and illustrators on board and interested in pursuing this project. I'm talking with ESH about the possibilities and I'll keep you posted. Jackie
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-21 13:34:41 EST
From: MaryB8
Posted on: America Online
Discouraging as the truth is, you say it well, Wendie. I have a vision of the Jetsons flying in with a lesson plan now.
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-21 22:29:50 EST
From: RULA
Posted on: America Online
As a language arts teacher who has been trying to put something like this together (only much smaller, just for my own class) I'm really happy to see this idea here. It is hard to be in a classroom all day, correct papers, have a life, and try to come up with new ideas for uses of technology in language arts! Quite frankly, I've never had my students use the computer lab for word processing. My first project was to have them do a multi-media project with a favorite poem (like the ones you see on the CD's Scary Poems for Rotten Kids, or New Kids on the Block) and then they do the same project with a poem of their own. Now I'm trying to incorporate a writing workshop idea with e-mail and WWW. My students have been introduced to Netscape and sending e-mail to interested authors is next (thank you Jackie K and 3 others who have already volunteered). Anyway, there are language arts teachers out there that are interested, you just need to get to them. Try the Welcome Teachers folder in this area. It's wilting and may even be endanger of deletion due to lack of interest. Maybe another announcement in the "education" lang. teachers area would help. Teachers are extemely busy in September and may not have even seen the first announcement. Thanks to all of you for being here and being interested. Shirley (aka RULA)
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-21 23:59:35 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
Larry, I had bad results with Wichita, too. I sent e-mail to the address given asking a couple of simple questions and never got the courtesy of a response. At least that kept me from setting aside time for non-phone calls! I wonder if something happened to the person who started the project?? Terminal case of the flu or something? I think it's terrible form to have you set aside time and then have no call. I know teachers are busy, but sometimes I wonder about whether they understand we are professionals, too. I do hope this on-line project flies, however, for the kids' sake! Dorothy Patent
Subj: Re:On-Line School Visits
Date: 95-10-22 17:57:07 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Maybe the Wichita woman got lost in cyberspace?
Subj: School Visits
Date: 95-10-23 14:45:40 EST
From: Ellzee
Posted on: America Online
I don't know if this is very helpful...
There is a national non-profit organization called Young Audiences that acts as a go-between for schools and artist (this includes literary arts)
. I think they have about 34 chapters nationwide. They handle booking and payment, marketing programs to the schools, and will even help artists in the program design process. They also have great ways of helping the schools actually raise the funds needed to bring the artist into the school.
The National Office is located in NYC (212) 831-8110 to find out if there is a local chapter near you. (You may as well ask for an annual report while you've got them on the line.)
Is anyone else familiar with this organization?
Lynn Z.
Subj: Author visit contract
Date: 95-10-24 21:05:29 EST
From: ECMott
Posted on: America Online
Does anyone have an author visits' contract they would be willing to share? I'm an author/photographer who has been doing school visits for the past 5 years. Now, I have a few visits that are far away. I feel the need to have a signed contract -- particularly given the distancesl. Please e-mail me, and I'll send over a SASE. Thanks for your help!
Evelyn Clarke Mott
156 Pine Lane
Yardley, PA 19067
(215) 321-4231
Subj: Re:Author visit contract
Date: 95-10-29 19:24:35 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Evelyn, SCBWI has a performance agreement that you can get for postage and an envelope. I modified it to fit my own needs (shortening it, but including a cancellation clause) and have even local schools sign it. Contact them at 22736 Vanowen St., Suite 106, West Hills, CA 91307.
Larry db
Subj: Shoestring
Date: 95-11-01 15:55:47 EST
From: Haemi
Posted on: America Online
Hello everyone.
Since this folder is for those of us who are seeking/sharing information on school visits, I just wanted to mention a valuable book called "How to Promote Your Children's Book on a Shoestring," which I ordered recently from CBI. It covers school visits in addition to other marketing avenues, and includes samples of bookmarks, author flyer, press release, and school visit contract, and more.
It also includes a list of valuable addresses (of specialty catalogs like Chinaberry, and Multicultural Publishers Exchange, and market guides like Patterson's Guide to Elementary and Secondary Schools, and American Library Directory). There are also pages of clipart for our use. If anyone else is interested in ordering, I'm sure Jon can help you if you e-mail him at CBInsider.
Subj: Re:Author visit
Date: 95-11-02 00:10:27 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Barbara Ann Porte and I spoke to school librarians (and public children's librarians) about writing books about children with special needs. On Friday. I talked in the morning to two small groups (one of many workshops) and she was the major/ feature speaker to the whole group in the afternoon.
I was blown away by her organization. She came accompanied with a partner, piles of bio stuff which Greenwillow produces for all their authors. (great 8x10 picture plus bio)
Plus she handed out to all and sundry a MASTER which could be reproduced and cut up into four bookmarks.
AND she posted signs all over the place advertising where she was doing her booksigning. I had originally thought the organizers put these signs up and wondered why MY booksigning and its place wasn't mentioned. Then I realized SHE had put them up. I had trusted the organizers to do it. WRONG.
Her booksigning was by the cafeteria door and everyone saw her. Mine was at the booksellers table and few peope saw me. (signed and sold three books, however. -grin)
Ah, ha. I see now that the bookmark was produced by her college (where she works?)
I was wondering if I could produce those bookmarks with my wordprocesser. I could do the type. perhaps insert the graphic. But I'll be darned if I can figure out how to put strong black borders on them and then print them landscape so that four short bookmarks can be produced.
I may have to do three looooong bookmarks. (grin)
-w (who always steals a good idea whenever she sees one.)
Subj: Re:Author visit
Date: 95-11-02 08:26:08 EST
From: Kthirty
Posted on: America Online
Wendie - Go to an office supply store and buy rolls of borders, just zip them off and stick them down.
Kathy - who used to work as a graphic artist.
Subj: Re:Author visit
Date: 95-11-02 13:25:07 EST
From: Nickbooks
Posted on: America Online
Wendie,
I use Microsoft Publisher. It's fairly cheap and really easy to use, does all sorts of design goodies and has a bunch of templates and "wizards" (helpful design prompts) that will help you out.
Sandra
P.S. A friend of mine insists the best way to attract an audience at book sales and signings is to wear a low cut Winnie the Pooh print dress with great shoes. This outfit is designed to attract men, women and children, who will come to your signing table in droves. :)
Subj: Re:Graphics/bookmarks
Date: 95-11-02 14:48:04 EST
From: LizWB
Posted on: America Online
Canvas is a cool program for that kind of stuff.
Cheap, too, I believe (at least it used to be) and fairly easy to use for Macs and Windows environments.
Check the office supply near you for pre-perforated stuff - or check out PaperDirect. Since you're not selling your design skills, you might as well pick up a pre-designed set.
Call them and see if they'll send you some free stuff to check it out.
Good luck!
-Liz Bushey
Subj: Re:Graphics/bookmarks
Date: 95-11-02 21:53:27 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Thanks, Neat ideas.
And ROFL about that low-cut Winnie-the-pooh dress with neat shoes.
Unfortunatley, I have to wear sneakers with inserts or else I don't walk at all. (do love those wheelchairs, but walking is often more convienent.) I prefer turtle necks and slax in the wintertime, but have favorite dresses to wear to signings, school visits, etc.
Had a school visit today, and yep, I forgot to make those bookmarks I was thinking about yesterday. Darn! (unpaid -- nearby Catholic school. And they didn't even buy my books; they got them from the public library!)
Those kids had all read my book and had very good questions.
But -- when called on to ask their question, often it was the same question that I had already answered a few minutes ago.
Do you-all find this to happen to you? -w
Subj: Re:questions
Date: 95-11-03 09:18:22 EST
From: JDHWeiner
Posted on: America Online
Wendie, my favorite is when I go through all the steps of production from manuscript through finished book and then the first question is: How do you MAKE the book?:)
Subj: Re:questions
Date: 95-11-03 22:20:19 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
My favorite of all time is: Do you know the real Judy? Judy Blume? :) Judy Enderle
Subj: Re:questions
Date: 95-11-04 01:13:25 EST
From: CZAUTHOR
Posted on: America Online
I know the real Judy--Judy Enderle, that famous writer, as well as Stephanie Tessler, of course. Yes, to all of the above, I always answer the same questions about five times (but they were told to think of a question and they're certainly going to ask it after they thought it up!)
Cheryl
Subj: Bookmarks
Date: 95-11-04 07:40:17 EST
From: MaryB8
Posted on: America Online
Claudine and I have bookmarks. I think you've seen them. We paid a friend minister/cartoonist to do the little drawing so I have to have them copied at Sir Speedy or Staples (can't run them thru my printer, that is), but I did the rest on my computer. So we get 4 to page and they come out (on rather heavy paper, can't remember weight) to cost about 3 cents each.
Subj: Re: why spend $ on authors??
Date: 95-11-04 10:34:24 EST
From: Kthirty
Posted on: America Online
My $4500 grant proposal for author visits has made the cut from 14 to 5. My partner and I have been invited to answer questions about our grant. Of course we have no idea what they want to know!!
Now I know that we have several business people on the board as well as educators and parents. One comment in the form of a question we are bound to get is something along the lines of -- There will be nothing tangible left behind when the money is spent, no equiptment, no texts, films, stuff that can be reused. How will this benefit our children?
I have my answers to that question but I am curious as to yours. Our meeting is set for November 14.
Kathy
Subj: Re: why spend $ on authors??
Date: 95-11-04 14:19:03 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Besides the answer you shouldn't make ( the author deserves to be paid for his/her time because writing is a business) one of the ways I would answer is that meeting a real-live author makes books 'real' for people. People are more apt to pick up and read books written by people they have actually met.
Also, there's a sense of -- Hey, if that person can do that, so can I.
And, the teachers like the fact that I always talk about the number of times I have re-written an ms. , not only before it gets accepted, but EVEN after it gets accepted -- because the Editor and I are trying to make the very BEST book possible. It helps to make the children understand that the comments teachers put on their papers aren't just done to torture children. (My teacher hates me.) But because the teacher wants to help them make it better. -w
Subj: Re: why spend $ on authors??
Date: 95-11-05 08:41:23 EST
From: Kthirty
Posted on: America Online
Thanks Wendie, you have been downloaded into my school visits file.
Next!!!!
Kathy
Subj: Re:questions
Date: 95-11-05 13:26:00 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
I love it!!! The real Judy. YOU are the real Judy.
SM
Subj: Re:questions
Date: 95-11-05 13:27:23 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Cheryl -- I try not to answer the same question five times. It gets asked, and I now say to the general audience: What's the answer to that question? Methinks I'm getting cranky in my old age.
Larry Dane Brimner
Subj: Re: why spend $ on authors??
Date: 95-11-05 13:30:25 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
They want tangible? So my school visits often come complete with teacher guides to my books. That's tangible and on-going. Really! Those people need to step outside of their left-brain worlds for a moment.
Subj: Re: why spend $ on authors??
Date: 95-11-05 22:38:23 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
Stephanie and I always leave materials behind for the teachers and the kids. We have a handout called "You Are the Author" which the teachers can duplicate. It takes the kids through the process of planning a story. We have "Book Threads" that shows all the areas where our books can be applied to the curriculum. We have a list of places where young writers can be published. Most authors we know try to leave something tangible behind that can be used and reused in the classroom. But what kids really take away was well put by Wendie--they meet a real author, someone who rewrites a hundred times, someone who puts down words that go into a real book, someone who can show them how to celebrate the joy of language and appreciates it when they come up and say "I'm writing a book." Or tells you "I have a good story." Tell your board that authors make words and books and reading and writing important to the children, and those are the keys to successful learning. And successful learning is the key to the kids becoming successful in life. (Hope this helps.)
Judy and Stephanie
Subj: Re: why spend $ on authors??
Date: 95-11-06 08:02:03 EST
From: Jackie K
Posted on: America Online
Meeting authors engenders excitement about reading, and schools need to recognize that there is nothing more important they can do than do than turn their students on to reading. It's wonderful to give a child an education, but if you give a child a love of reading you give him or her an education that doesn't end with a diploma, an education that will continue for a lifetime (and beyond - readers beget readers!) Jackie
Subj: Re: why spend $ on authors??
Date: 95-11-06 08:22:47 EST
From: Kthirty
Posted on: America Online
Thank you Larry, Judy and Jackie!
Readers beget readers and books beget books and we need a new bookcase at our house!
Kathy ---- anybody else?!?!?!?
Subj: Re: why spend $ on authors??
Date: 95-11-07 17:14:54 EST
From: AuntEater
Posted on: America Online
Kathy-- Let me share a part of a letter I recieved a few days ago--"...Just this week, one of our "least likely to succeed" students came to the media center looking for a Doug Cushman book. Because this student rarely takes an interest in anything constructive, I was delighted to know that your visit (more than two years ago) had made such a lasting impression."
If that's not a lasting impression, I don't know what is. Good luck, Kathy! Give 'em hell!
Doug
Subj: Re:Graphics/bookmarks
Date: 95-11-07 21:57:01 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
Late comment, Wendy, but I hope helpful. Put your autograph on the bookmark along with the graphics (or did you already say that?). Kids love to get an autograph, but signing bits of paper drives an author nuts.
Subj: Re: why spend $ on authors??
Date: 95-11-07 21:59:48 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
What tangible materials result from a child learning how to read? Or learning anything at all? The benefit is inside the kids, where it can't be seen, but where it affects what we do see of the child as he or she goes through life!
Subj: Re: why spend $ on authors??
Date: 95-11-08 09:23:15 EST
From: Kthirty
Posted on: America Online
Thank you Doug and Dorothy!
My own humble story - When I was ten I read a book about a basketball playing donkey or mule. I loved it so much I wrote the author care of the publisher. I got a letter back, I still have it. And I am now on book number six, 34,000 words. I still believe it is easier to write for adults than children but it is daunting to be looking at 60,000 words!
Kathy
Subj: Visit Fun
Date: 95-11-08 10:37:57 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
I'm just back from a visit to Hillcrest School in Peekskill, NY. Had a great time. The kids were prepared and enthusiastic -- except for that first class I visited. There, they slept. Or seemed to. The teacher graded papers during my entire presentation and/or conferred with students about their papers. She didn't say two words to me while I was setting up or during my presentation, but just as soon as I finished she said "Thankyoutakeoutasheetofpaperforaspellingtest," as if it was one word.
Was it a wasted hour? Absolutely not. There was one kid who was up and alert and engaged the entire time. He laughed at the stories. He asked thoughtful questions. And that one bright face made the hour bearable.
Now the real surprise came when I got home: There was an evaluation for me to fill out on the school since the $$ for my visit came from a state-funded Arts program. What can I tell you--I was honest. With an ounce of luck, the next author or illustrator who visits that particular teacher's classroom will have an attentive teacher--or at least one who pretends to be.
Larry Dane Brimner
Subj: Re: Middle Grade
Date: 95-11-08 12:03:53 EST
From: MeTwo1344
Posted on: America Online
Any ideas out there for middle grade school presentations where author isn't an artist and doesn't do picture books or doesn't bring wolves into the classroom to illustrate latest non-fiction nature stuff? I have some ideas that I use, but would like some additional "tricks of the trade." Thanks. : ) Mary
Subj: Re: school evaluations
Date: 95-11-08 16:39:48 EST
From: AuntEater
Posted on: America Online
Larry et al-- I, too, had a bad experience at a school and had to evaluate the school to get my check. I too was honest. I wasn't invited back. But I hope whoever did show up got a little bit more respect. But, not to bash the schools, my evaluation came back from the school and, along with praise, were some serious and thoughtful criticisms (sp?). So it can work both ways (of course I was brilliant, so what do they know, eh Larry? ;-) )
Doug
Subj: Re: Middle Grade
Date: 95-11-09 01:23:35 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
One middle-grade author I know has a slide presentation. Her childhood pictures...which she later ties to the stories she's written. This way kids "see" the connection between the real event and the fictionalized one. Could that work for you?
Larry Dane Brimner
Subj: Re: school evaluations
Date: 95-11-09 01:27:33 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Exactly, Doug. Actually, I welcome thoughtful criticism from schools. It helps me hone my presentations. On the other hand, one evaluation I recall indicated that I wasn't up and running at the precise time I was supposed to start. There was no mention that instead of a central location with students coming to me (which is what I request), I was given an AV cart and map of the school and told, "Good luck." It all balances out.
Subj: Re: Middle Grade
Date: 95-11-09 08:30:30 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Mary, you can talk about writing. re-writing. revising. submitting. Show them ALL the versions one of your published books and then the book itself. Tell about research. funnythings that happened during. or not-so funny. etc. -w
Subj: Re: School Visit anyone?
Date: 95-11-09 17:28:13 EST
From: Jackie K
Posted on: America Online
I got a call today from a librarian outside of Pittsburg who is looking for an author who can do a two to three day multi-school stint - grades ranges K-12. She wanted me so I guess they're willing to pay honorarium plus travel. Anyway, it sounded too ambitious to me - I rarely do school visits and when I do I prefer small and cozy classroom conversations, not lectures in auditoriums. If any of you are interested e-mail me and I'll pass the info along. Jackie
Subj: Great School Visit!
Date: 95-11-09 22:54:01 EST
From: ECMott
Posted on: America Online
I've just spent two days at an inner-city elementary school. What a great experience! The kids were not as well-behaved as most of the suburban kids I speak to, but they were so appreciative! After one presentation, there was a large group of girls that continually hugged and kissed me. What a great feeling! It made me think, "THIS is why I write for kids."
Evelyn Clarke Mott
Subj: Re:Visit Fun
Date: 95-11-10 22:24:11 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
Larry, congrats on both your honesty in giving a true evaluation and also in your attitude--that one child was more than worth the time presenting and all the inattentive kids and the lousy teacher--you may have changed his/her life!! Keep up the good work! Dorothy
Subj: Re: Middle Grade
Date: 95-11-10 22:26:18 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
Another suggestion--an author I know has slides showing how she works--her mailbox, her pets, her messy desk, her husband, the mailman--the whole works! The kids loved her presentation; it gave them a look at a real life and how it's lived. I think any way you can bring in slides is good--kids love visuals, especially in this TV age. Good luck, Dorothy
Subj: Re: Middle Grade
Date: 95-11-11 13:38:14 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
Hi, Jackie,
You might tell your Pittsburgh teacher to contact the SCBWI rep or a local children's bookstore for speakers in her neck of the woods. J/S
Subj: Re: Middle Grade
Date: 95-11-11 16:25:16 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Dorothy--thanks.
Larry
Subj: Re: Middle Grade
Date: 95-11-12 21:31:30 EST
From: MeTwo1344
Posted on: America Online
Thanks, all, for the tips. Some I have already incorporated in my talk, including a slide show. They love the one of my son's messy bedroom. I tell them the photo was taken five years ago, and although we've moved three times since then, the movers just pick the stuff off the floor, put it in a box and take it to the new house, where they open the box and dump it all out again. I also have a slide of me on the deck of a nuclear submarine, which seems to get some attention. I just did three schools last week and showed contracts, rejections, etc. It seemed to go over well. I'll have to work on catching the mailman. He drives a car and I don't run very fast.
Subj: Re: Middle Grade
Date: 95-11-14 16:37:23 EST
From: MaryB8
Posted on: America Online
I really admire your taking slides. A-V is such a pain with the worry that it won't work. Claudine and I gave a talk recently on getting online and, even tho' they had all the equipment there, incl. LCD unit, I was a nervous wreck to pull it off. Still have trauma of 33-1/3 record player fouling up my lesson plan, I guess. Hats off to you!
Subj: Re: Funding Author Visits
Date: 95-11-16 16:20:40 EST
From: AuntEater
Posted on: America Online
Hi all- Here's a question: I've recently received a number of requests for school visits from schools that have never sponsored an author before. They all asked questions about raising money, etc. for an author visit. I don't know much about that side of the business but I thought I might compose a little info letter regarding sources of money that a school may have available to sponsor one of us. Anyone else do this or have seen something similar? Anyone else who might know?
Doug
Subj: Re: Funding Author Visits
Date: 95-11-16 16:51:22 EST
From: LindW
Posted on: America Online
Doug,
I did a school visit two weeks ago at a school that doesn't have much of a budget for extras. The librarian wrote a mini grant to fund my visit. She got a response fairly quickly, less than a month and the school received the grant money ASAP.
Linda
Subj: Re:Funding Author Visits
Date: 95-11-17 12:02:43 EST
From: Limulus P
Posted on: America Online
Doug,
I love your illustrations, and stories too. I've been 'studying' your books lately. I'll bet the kids really enjoy your visits.
Most of my school visits to schools are sponsored by parents groups and the funds are raised in all the typical ways, including school book fairs (Scholastic and others), candy sales (oh no, not that again), and wrapping paper. Some have raised funds with read-a-thons, jog-a-thons, game booths, and other fun events. As far as know, though, none of them have been specifically for my programs.
Grant funding seems to depend on the individual states. My programs are mostly in Massachusetts and some schools get grants from the local Arts Councils, with support from the Mass. Cultural Council. Many of the "city" schools get grant money from city funds set aside for cultural events and also some state reading funds. I would suggest that schools contact their state's reading association. I imagine their local libraries would have addresses.
Mike
Subj: Re:Funding Author Visits
Date: 95-11-17 14:59:11 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
Hi, Doug...
We've been to schools that raised funds with tee-shirt sales, bake sales, and car washes. But others have gone to the community and formed a partnership with one or more businesses to sponsor an author's visit. Sometimes it's been a single business, like a newspaper. In Georgia it was a group of businesses that formed a grant fund and the teacher had to apply for the grant which was willingly given. Sometimes the PTO (PTA--the term varies) sponsors an author. Hope this helps. Judy
Subj: Re:Funding Author Visits
Date: 95-11-17 17:50:22 EST
From: AuntEater
Posted on: America Online
Thanks all for your responses. I've talked to a few more people and have gotten another suggestion that I'll pass along: If the author is subject specific, i.e. a naturalist, sometimes funding can come from a local club, like the Sierra Club, Audobon Society, Humane Society, etc. I'm putting together the letter now. I thought I'd include it in my info pack re: school visits. Any teachers out there that might be interested in some funding ideas let me know (it's not specific to me or my presentations, by the way, just some general ideas on funding and how to put together an author visit).
Again, thanks all for your quick response.
Doug
Subj: school visits
Date: 95-11-17 20:07:24 EST
From: Norfox
Posted on: America Online
Hi, everyone. I just found you all today & have been reading nthe messages from September on. I do some school visits every year, not a whole lot, but I've been doing them for a lot of years & have had about every experience possible [so I think, until the next time, when something new happens] ranging from the class from hell to the teacher + students + principal I want to clone. For any of you who belong to Authors Guild [I think all professional writers should!], they have a pamphlet on school visits written by Avi & Betty Miles. Lots of good advice. Even after all these years, I found things in it that were helpful. Free to members of AG. Non-members? I'm not sure. I should know & if anyone is interested, I'll find out & post the info here. Let me know. Norma Fox Mazer
Subj: Re:Funding Author Visits
Date: 95-11-17 23:56:49 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
Just a quick addition, Doug--my visit to ND was partially funded by Poets and Writers through a grant; it was a visit both to Young Authors and a Children's Writing Conference for teachers and librarians. Dorothy Patent
Subj: Hoping for Writer in Pgh
Date: 95-11-19 13:07:55 EST
From: SRose66220
Posted on: America Online
I'm looking for a children's book author to visit an elementary school in Pittsburgh, PA in February. Feb. is Reading Month and I'm a parent who wants to instill a love for reading in the youngsters (grades K-6) during that time. Any suggestions? I'm the chair and my name is Sue Rose. If you are interested, please e-mail me at SRose66220@aol.com. Thanks!
Subj: Funding
Date: 95-11-19 16:10:05 EST
From: JDHWeiner
Posted on: America Online
One nice note on funding. An old friend of my father's just had a library in an elementary school named after him. (He had been a teacher and on the school board for years). He wants to personally fund a visit by me to the school to celebrate the library. I was so touched. Of course he told me that after he asked my fee; I would have lowered it had I known. That brings me to another question: What rules do you guys have for doing free visits? I assume your own kids' schools, but are there any others? Deborah
Subj: Re:free presentations
Date: 95-11-21 15:34:49 EST
From: AuntEater
Posted on: America Online
Deb-- I "adopt" a school, one that has a friend or family member or one that has been very supportive in my carer (i.e. for some of my photo reference I have had some school kids pose for me in classrooms and paid them back with a rfee presentation). The schools are usually in town so I don't have to go too far. The same goes with libraries. I did a free fund-raising presentaton for my old hometown library back East. They are building an addition with special focus on the children's room. They have all my books and my mom and dad are part of the committee. How could I say no?!
Doug
Subj: Re:school visits
Date: 95-11-21 19:46:20 EST
From: LALowry
Posted on: America Online
Landmark Editions, Inc. (816) 241-4919 in Kansas City published a book in 1986 called HOW TO CAPTURE LIVE AUTHORS by David Melton (ISBN 0-933849-03-6 which sets forth (for schools) the way to go about an author visit. A lot of authors - including me - contributed anecdotes (best and worst experiences). which makes for entertaining reading; but it also has some very pragmatic advice for schools which are undertaking an author visit.
No, I don't get any royalties or payola.
LAL
Subj: Re:school visits
Date: 95-11-22 09:15:18 EST
From: SendtoJMA
Posted on: America Online
Lois, what was the anecdote you contributed? A worst or a best?
Jennifer A.
Subj: Re:school visits
Date: 95-11-22 22:23:54 EST
From: LALowry
Posted on: America Online
Jennifer: Both. The worst was a school which, after I had been scheduled to visit, had all books of mone removed by the principal because he had leafed through one and found a bad word. I knew nothing of this. He couldn't cancel my visit because it had been arranged by the public library, which sent a number of authors into the public schools that week. But when I arrived, unwarned, I had to visit class after class from which my books had been withdrawn and where the teachers and students had both been told that I was a bad writer who wrote unsuitable things. I cuold tell you more horrible details - they are etched in my memory, though it was 1979 - but you get the idea. A day-long nightmare.
My "Best" was just like everyone's best: great school, great librarian, well-prepared students, involved parents.
LAL
Subj: Re:School Visits
Date: 95-11-25 23:42:05 EST
From: Seholbrook
Posted on: America Online
Young Audiences has booked me into Cleveland area schools for 5 years or so. The good part is that they do make some connections for me, the bad part is that very rarely are the students prepared prior to my visit. The other acts they book are musicians, dancers, puppeteers, etc. Often schools look to Young Audiences, I fear, for no fuss, no bother entertainment.
Subj: Re:School Visits
Date: 95-11-26 11:08:37 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
I agree that the schools want no fuss entertainment. The nearby school always asks Richard Stack to come. He writes this stupid book about a dog and everytime he reads from it, holding the book so few kids can see. then he sells mucho copies to their parents. Any parent who comes into the library to ask about the books is told that we don't buy the books because they are so poorly written and produced. (self-published.)
However, the same veep who invites Stack, disiinvited me (the librarian had invited me to come as a writer, not a librarian) because my book was so sad and not apprpriate to most of the kids there. I was flabergasted. I DON'T read my book to the kids. I talk about writing (joys and frustrations) and how a picture book is produced, complete with props. Hey, my talk is much more school oriented (writing) than R. Stack's is.
I've got to write up a pamthlet describing what I do so the school librarian can show the veep how valuable my talk would be to the kids.
What gripes me is that the school didn't get back to me about this. I had to call and say, "Hey, we're making the desk schedule at the library for Children's book week and I have to know NOW what days and times you want me to come." That's when I found out I wasn't being invited. grrrrrrr. Once I talked more to the school librarian, she said she'd go back to the veep and perhaps I could come in January.
It's now December and no word. I REALLY have to write that pamphlet. (goal -- write on the Washington book and write that pamphlet. In between -- food shopping, getting presents for my mother-in-law's birthday on Monday and a meal she would like. Plus the family has run out of pumpkin pie and wants more. plus....(grin) -w
Subj: Re:School Visits
Date: 95-11-29 08:43:28 EST
From: Kthirty
Posted on: America Online
Wendie - I burned my pumpkins pies. Seventeen years I've been doing this and I burned the pies!!!
News -- On the $4500 author visit grant me and my buddies submitted. I had to go before the committee the day before Thanksgiving (that explains the pies) and try and convince them to part with the money! I took all the stuff you posted about the value of author visits. They agreed to the value BUT they want us to scale down :( -- Now one of the reasons we have such an large project is because our schools are OVERCROWDED. ( I put that delicately to the committee) One poor author would have to address masses of children at a time, this is not fair to the author or the children.
Anyway a scaled down package with financial input from the schools is due Dec. 8 BUT the school PTAs do not meet until after the 8th and.....!!!! We will see what kind of a rabbit we can pull out of this hat!
TRAVIS, the Terminator news -- My active little fellow has been diagnosed AD/HD and is being homeschooled by me now. I'm still here, kindof, I'll let you know the outcome of the new grant proposal.
Kathy formerly KyPn
Subj: Re:School Visits
Date: 95-11-29 21:40:33 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Kathy, good luck with your new grant proposal.
And, homeschooling seems to work for many people. (I think there's a homeschooling area on AOL, somewhere., if you need someone to talk to.) -w
Subj: AD/HD
Date: 95-11-30 07:31:04 EST
From: MaryB8
Posted on: America Online
SusanS29 wrote a fantastic book on tips aimed at parents for schooling AD/HD kids. Two of us volunteered on line to help w/ editing--great experience and proves power and community of online. You may want to check it out.
Subj: Visit to Houston
Date: 95-11-30 17:08:01 EST
From: Peni G
Posted on: America Online
Hi, y'all. Kind of tired from a week of school visits followed by Thanksgivng with in-laws. I went to a school a day, doing five sessions per day, except for Friday, at the small school, when I did three sessions, and Thursday at the big school, where I did six! I talked to seventh graders about doing research, and to sixth graders about where ideas come from. The most fun for me was going to Hodges Bend Middle School, where the librarian who first contacted me is. She's the one who came to San Antonio to take pictures of all the places she could find in *Switching Well* so she could make a slide show. All the kids had read the book, most had seen the slide show, and many of them had worked on extra-credit projects which were on display in the library -- not only posters and dioramas, but actual playable board games with playing pieces in the shapes of the characters, research papers, comic books -- oh, this was all too cool for words!
For the most part, the kids were quite good. The last class on Friday got a little rambunctious, but that's to be expected. The first class on Monday was asleep, but that's to be expected, too. The sixth graders at the "bad" school had two absent teachers and only one sub, and under the circumstances I thought their drowning me out only twice was commendable. Several times I got good questions from kids the teachers and librarians expected nothing but heckling from. They were all large groups, so I did a lot of pacing back and forth, talking as loudly as I could (some of my best questioners were in the backs of rooms, so I guess I did okay without a mike), wore out my shoes, and exhausted myself.
It occurs to me that those of us who have done a few of these should share common questions and ways of responding. In every group, there was one kid who asked me how much I made, and I would explain about royalties and earning back advances. At one school I learned afterward that a math teacher in attendance gave her class word problems based on the royalty system, which I thought was a good idea. I used my set response on whether I have any kids, and was surprised at one visible reaction in the audience. I tell people that I decided not to have kids because the writing is the most important thing to me, and I never wanted to look at my kid and say: "If it weren't for you, I could've done this." In one class of seventh graders, I distinctly saw one girl nod her head vigorously. Had she already figured this out for herself? Or was her mother in that position? Do I really want to know?
When I was at my cousin Jeremy's middle school this spring, I was shocked by an unexpected question and I think botched the answer, when someone asked me why go to so much work for "just a story." I got that question again this time, and instead of explaining about what an author owes to the audience, I asked the questioner what he liked best to do. He replied: "Basketball." I asked: "Do you care if you double dribble? Do you care if you make the basket?" I'm not sure he got it, but others in the class did.
It was exhausting, and it was scary, but it's good to put a face on the audience once in awhile.
Subj: stuff
Date: 95-11-30 20:02:08 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Mary,
Sue finally has her book out? Great! Do you know if her response has been good, in terms of book sales?
Peni,
Your description of your week of school visits sounds exhausting. Besides shoe leather, did you lose your voice? These are local schools, right? The response of the kids involving themselves in your stories so far as to make games of them is fantastic. Kudus to the teachers, the librarians, the kids, and you for inspiring them. -w
Subj: please hum...
Date: 95-12-02 10:17:07 EST
From: Kthirty
Posted on: America Online
Please hum "To Dream the Impossible Dream" when you read this. You might want to dredge up a hankie.
Our grant is not going to fly, at least not his year.
The committee agreed that we would not be able to pull off a revised grant without input from the schools and that proved to be impossible. BUT we have been invited to resubmit in the spring. (Start humming "When You Wish Upon a Star")
Silver lining, my PTO may still want to fund an author. SO onward! Kathy
Subj: Re:please hum...
Date: 95-12-03 21:30:15 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
I'm humming, Kathy.
Too bad.
Keep trying!
Deborah
Subj: Re:R. Stack
Date: 95-12-05 10:02:44 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Keep in mind that R. Stack doesn't charge for his presentations. No doubt this is what initially attracts schools. As a "working" writer who must charge schools for my time, I resent his tactics greatly. As a former teacher who works hard to make his programs educational and entertaining, I resent his tactics even more. On the other hand, the school folks in Indiana tell me that they'll never have Stack back in their schools because of his commercialism. They've also commented about the poor quality of his books -- both writing and production. I've never seen R. Stack present, though I've signed adjacent to him and that stupid dog he carries around a time or two at conferences, so I can't really comment on the content of his programs. But perhaps word is getting out that R. Stack's programs are a waste of time.
Larry Dane Brimner
P.S. Please don't flame me re. my "stupid dog" comment above. I'm a lover of dogs; I just think they shouldn't be used as a gimmick.
Subj: Re:R. Stack
Date: 95-12-05 21:10:27 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
To further explain the 'stupid dog'.
Richard Stack's books are about his dog. Doggondist Christmas (spelling is mine) was the first one. He brings the dog along to the schools and gets a kid to hold his leash while Richard 'reads' his book to the 300+ kids. (dog seemed drugged to me. just lay there.)
He used to sign the books he sold with the dog's paw pressed on a stamp pad. Poor dog kept licking the ink off. Finally R.S. realized this must be bad for the dog, so he now uses a dog-paw stamp.
He comes free if he can sell his books at the school. Travels around the country in a motor home with his dog, selling his books. His uncle illustrates them. Competently done. Slick commercial job. Sometimes lacks that special sparkle that a good picture book illustrator can add to the story. Typeface is awkwardly large for the amount of words in the story and on each page.
It's also why I have a problem getting local schools to pay me. R.Stack is local to our area. I'll see what happens when I finally get a good number of books under my belt. -w
Subj: Re: school visits
Date: 95-12-06 02:38:33 EST
From: NealShus
Posted on: America Online
Concerning visiting schools for free -- I've always found that the way a school treats you is directly proportional to how much of an honorarium you require. , I've learned that the less a school can afford an author, the more they want that author. When you offer yourself for free, the school thinks they're doing YOU a favor by having you, and you don't get taken as seriously. Neal S
Subj: Re: school visits
Date: 95-12-06 13:21:27 EST
From: ECMott
Posted on: America Online
Neal,
You're absolutely right! The way you're treated is in direct proportion to the amount you're being paid. Sad, but true.
I have an interesting story, though. Last year, I did a free school visit last year for an inner-city school. It went as well as could be expected (for a free visit), but I never thought I would hear from the school again. Over the summer, the principal called me and said that he received some grant money and asked if I would be the artist-in-residence for the year. Now I go in once a month and work with the kids and I'm getting paid. Sometimes, it's all worth it!
Evelyn Clarke Mott
Subj: Re: school visits
Date: 95-12-06 17:21:28 EST
From: AuntEater
Posted on: America Online
Nice story Evelyn!
Doing a few freebies is good pr but we can't let ourselves be taken advantage of. There's a time and place for everyone. I started at $25 (as I'm sure we all did). I also did 6 presentations a day for the price. Of course I didn't have much to say then either. We all need to pay our dues. I agree with you Larry. We must take ourselves seriously before others will do the same.
Doug (climbing off his soapbox and getting on with Christmas shopping)
Subj: Re: school visits
Date: 95-12-07 11:24:08 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Neal--
Re. the free visits: SO TRUE!
Subj: Re: school visits
Date: 95-12-07 11:26:38 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Doug--
Christmas shopping -- now there's a novel idea. (Did most of mine last spring on a school tour in Illinois. Now if only I can find where I stashed them.)
Have a Merry.......Larry
Subj: Christmas
Date: 95-12-07 20:31:17 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
Larry, while you're looking for your gifts, please find our cards--the perfect ones that we bought just to send to writers. Thanks. J/S
Subj: Re:Christmas
Date: 95-12-08 19:51:18 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
I'm looking. I'm looking.
Subj: report from the front lines
Date: 95-12-09 08:57:43 EST
From: Kthirty
Posted on: America Online
Since I've been hanging out here I thought I would post the latest from Jason (age 10) and Ian's (age 8) club.
Officers to be elected:
"President
Vice President
Secratary
Dud
Dudzo
BottomLess
Cheez Dud (my personal favorite)
Nutmeg (where did that come from?)
Loser"
Update on author visit - I am forming a committee to combine my bucks with first and second grade teacher bucks so we can bring in two authors this spring. I feel like the Energizer Bunny - Kathy
Subj: Re:report from the front lines
Date: 95-12-12 22:08:10 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
Good luck, Kathy--you remind me of the Energizer Bunny--and it's not even Easter!!
Subj: Dog Tired
Date: 96-01-11 17:56:00 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Just did a half-day at a local school -- my "community service" day (meaning it was one of the two schools I visit for free each year) -- and they worked me like a dog. My half-day visits usually limit presentations to 3 but this woman was so eager to have the kids hear me that she scheduled 5 programs between 8 and 11:30. It certainly made the morning go by quickly, but I'm dragging. Lost my voice just after the last question was answered. It makes me wonder if I really need to do this. On the other hand, I was the school's first author-- ever. And I was their first assembly in 4 years. With no apparent prompting, several kids came up to thank me for visiting their school. Yeah, it was worth it. And maybe think about doing it again-- and discover some way to pay the next author.
Larry Dane Brimner
Subj: Re:Dog Tired
Date: 96-01-11 23:14:32 EST
From: Uluan
Posted on: America Online
If I am doing it for FREE then I can say what I want to do, like "I want three groups of 20 kids each on a carpet in the library". I once told a teacher to set up a "reasonable" week of readings. She booked me for 8 readings a day for 5 days with 200 kids in each group - NEVER AGAIN. You got to tell them what you will do.
Subj: Re:Dog Tired
Date: 96-01-12 08:58:57 EST
From: SendtoJMA
Posted on: America Online
Larry, you needn't be quite so selfless. Couldn't you at least get them to promise they'd sell books next time? Your halo is glowing bright, but if all you can use it for is a nightlight while you read in bed recovering...
Jennifer A.
Subj: Re:Dog Tired
Date: 96-01-12 09:02:20 EST
From: BetsyD616
Posted on: America Online
Hi Larry,
Yes! Your community service was worth it. Speaking to local and truly needy schools is the best "community service" that we as children's writers can do. I do two free schools a year. My neighborhood school and an innercity school. When I speak for free at schools I limit my audience to one grade level, for me third. This allows me to do the entire group in one sitting.(And prevents author abuse) Since I do the same two schools every year it also provides a new audience each year. My neighborhood school can afford to buy my books for the library and usually will sell them at their book fair. The other school can't. I send a stack of paperbacks over a few weeks before I come. My only request is that every child read (or hear) one of my books before I come.
Betsy Duffey
Subj: Re:Dog Tired
Date: 96-01-12 12:45:58 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Uluan's message reminds me of a friend who, when asked by schools what his fee was, told them to pay "whatever your conscience dictates." There are some schools that have NO conscience, can you believe it?
Betsy, good to hear from you on-line. I've seen the cover for our newsletter, and it's outstanding.
Larry
Subj: Re:Dog Tired
Date: 96-01-18 02:13:15 EST
From: KijanaW
Posted on: America Online
I do programs at and talks at public schools all the time. Like you, I used to do them for free. Now, we simply tell them how much it will cost per session and suggest that if they don't have the money that they apply for chapter one grants or some such that school systems provide for that purpose.
Kijana Wiseman
Subj: Re:School Visits
Date: 96-01-21 13:37:04 EST
From: MTHEROY
Posted on: America Online
As an elementary principal I have always enjoyed having authors visit my schools. You, as writers, are the professionals and as such have a right to expect to be paid for your time at our schools. While we may not have gobs of money, there is always money available for things that we deem important. Most teachers will abide by your requests. You set the parameters. Send the school a copy of your requirements and most will bend over backward to accomodate you. Penguin publishers have an "author appearance package" that is wonderful in telling schools how to go about sponsoring a writer and getting the most out of school visits. We need your visits, and the visits can be a good way for you to promote your books. Don't forget the International Reading Association and state chapters as a way of promoting your works. Schools and authors make wonderful companions. :) mike
Subj: Re:School Visits
Date: 96-01-22 15:08:30 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
Mike, thanks for a truly uplifting message. We hope our paths cross some day. Judy and Stephanie
Subj: unexpected gifts
Date: 96-01-23 06:44:59 EST
From: SendtoJMA
Posted on: America Online
Most of us who do school visits are accustomed to receiving letters, pictures, posters, banners, etc. But what other gifts have you received from kids? Yesterday a 1st grader gave me a very nice gold-colored ring with a blue plastic gem in it. He didn't say a word, just held it out. I said, "That's very nice," but he kept standing there, silent, with his hand extended. Then I said, "Is that for me?" and he nodded solemnly. I wore it all day.
What else have you all gotten?
Jennifer A.
Subj: Re:unexpected gifts
Date: 96-01-23 08:50:44 EST
From: ECMott
Posted on: America Online
Hi, Jennifer! I think that it's a great idea to discuss gifts. I recently got a necklace that was also a pen. On the front of the necklace were the words, "WORLD'S GREATEST TEACHER." I was flattered and touched, but, I must admit, a little guilty. I kept on wondering and worrying about the poor teacher who the necklace was originally intended for!
My favorite gifts of all are hugs. Fortunately, I've been getting a lot of them!
Evelyn Clarke Mott
Subj: Re:School Visits
Date: 96-01-23 09:50:01 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
Mike, cheers to you! Any author who goes to your school is a lucky one!
Deborah
Subj: Re:unexpected gifts
Date: 96-01-23 09:51:37 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
At one school the music teacher had the children make songs out of my books. The younger kids did my rhyming picture book, INTO THE NIGHT, and the older kids did my biography of Barbara McClintock--a rap song called Jumping Genes! They're priceless. She gave me the tapes.--
Deborah Heiligman
Subj: Re:unexpected gifts
Date: 96-01-23 22:08:57 EST
From: MeTwo1344
Posted on: America Online
Sweatshirts, t-shirts, photos, bookbags--but the hugs are the nicest, I agree!
Subj: Re:unexpected gifts
Date: 96-01-23 22:23:21 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
Pens, secret notes "thanks for coming to see us", take offs on our books --especially The Two Badd Babies, Photo holders, photos taken in the classrooms, but we like hugs, too, especially the group hugs. What fun!
Subj: Re:unexpected gifts
Date: 96-01-24 10:32:12 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
The hugs are best, but I just also just received a LARRY DANE BRIMNER banner 9 zillion feet long, complete with drawings depicting my books and autographs and photos of the kids. It's terrific, but where am I going to put it? I have a very small office and the banner is VERY BIG. I was also "engaged" once, or so she said, at a school. A kindergartner slipped her yellow plastic ring on the tip of my pinkie finger and said, "Now, we're engaged." This is why we keep coming back.
Larry
Subj: Re:unexpected gifts
Date: 96-01-24 17:41:19 EST
From: AuntEater
Posted on: America Online
So Larry, when's the big day? ;-)
Doug
Subj: Re:unexpected gifts
Date: 96-01-24 22:21:15 EST
From: MTHEROY
Posted on: America Online
On the other side of the coin, I remember several years ago when a second grader sent a letter to Judith Viorst telling her how much she appreciated the book " Alexander and the Terrible..." She received a post card back from Judy which she couldn't wait to bring to my office to share. She had my secretary make a copyof the post card so that I could share in her joy. This is a young lady who didn't have a coat to wear to school, but by getting a post card from an author, she was three feet taller than any student in school. The hugs that you get are great, but our students get from you gifts that last a lifetime!! That young lady is a reader because one of you took just a minute to send a form letter (card) and validate her as a human being! That was the day I became a Principal promoting Literacy!! Keep writing. By the way, I also publish my own authors' and illustrators' calendar with reading tips for parents and teachers. Send me your name and birthday (not the year; shoot, we're all young at heart!) and I'll include it in my 1996-97 calendar.
Subj: Re:unexpected gifts
Date: 96-01-24 22:46:59 EST
From: Redhed99
Posted on: America Online
I love the gift bookbags filled with "local knicknack" gifts from the town/state to remind you of your visit.
The best gifts I've received: a cool t-shirt with red glitter hearts and "The Kissing Contest" in blue glitter letters that matched my cover, and a cuddly walrus wearing a wool plaid scarf--bringing to *80* the number of walruses in my office.
The worst gift--liver cookies. Never write a book about funky food or you'll find yourself eating it in front of grinning students who know you *have* to gag it down because they made it just for you. ---->Dian, who *might* consider writing a book about chocolate if it meant.......
Subj: Re:unexpected gifts
Date: 96-01-25 17:00:58 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Doug --
Jilted...The story of my life.
Larry
Subj: Re:unexpected gifts
Date: 96-01-25 17:20:23 EST
From: AuntEater
Posted on: America Online
I presented at an Arapaho (sp) Native American mission school in Wyoming a few years ago. I was treated to a second grade class recite the Pledge of Nations (as they called the Pledge of Allegiance) in their native Arapaho language. I had the privilege also to listen to a Native storyteller in one of the upper grade classrooms. At the end of the two day visit I was presented with a hand-made Indian bead belt buckle with the traditional colors of the tribe. What a treat!
Doug
Subj: Re:unexpected gifts
Date: 96-01-25 18:10:32 EST
From: ECMott
Posted on: America Online
What a great topic!
Yes, I know that I already said that my favorite gifts are hugs. I just came back from a school today where I received my second favorite gift. A group of girls came back after a presentation with a "group thank-you note" and a gift wrapped in a paper towel -- M&Ms. Next to hugs, chocolate is the way to my heart!
Evelyn Clarke Mott
Subj: Re: school visits
Date: 96-02-01 15:51:04 EST
From: KayWin
Posted on: America Online
Evelyn: It is always such a pleasure to read your messages! They are so positive! I bet the kids love
your school visits.
KayWin
Subj: Re: school visits
Date: 96-02-01 20:35:20 EST
From: ECMott
Posted on: America Online
Thanks, Kay! It won't be long before you're bringing smiles to thousands of children's faces.
Evelyn
Subj: Re: school visits
Date: 96-02-02 08:49:21 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
Oh you guys, stop!
Subj: Re: school visits
Date: 96-02-02 17:15:08 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
Hi Evelyn! Speaking of school visits, I haven't had a chance to put a snail mailing together and let you know the new Speakers List is hot off the presses and looks great. Can you help distribute? E-mail me.
Love,
Lisa Fraustino
Subj: It came
Date: 96-02-13 20:44:36 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
I was worried that this file might have been missed in the move, since it's so full of great ideas -- but here it is!
(stretching like a cat) mmmmmmm, isn't it nice to be in our own area. -grin.) -w
Subj: Speaker's List
Date: 96-02-14 00:14:32 EST
From: Cosmo109
Posted on: America Online
Minnesota had a list of author's and illustrators willing to speak, it was published about five years ago. It's time for a new one. Any suggestions?
Max
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-14 21:26:31 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
I just heard that a local illustrator (male) who has done only two books (to my knowledge -- may have done more) charges $800 for a school visit -- and gets it!
Makes the rest of us do a slow burn. Here we (females) are asked if we will do it for free and he gets $800. When I mention my reasonable $300, they always try to talk it down.
Is it:
1. Sex discrimination?
2. Urge to pay illustrators more than writers? (after all, any child can write, but it takes talent to do the art?)
3. or does he get it because he stays firm and will acccept no less, while my friends and I feel sorry for the poor little schools -- having had kids in school ourselves.
What do you think? -w
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-15 00:58:38 EST
From: Cosmo109
Posted on: America Online
I think he stays firm and doesn't get very many gigs. On the other hand I charge 500 to 600 for a four session day, about the same or more for writing conferences. But I also have a kit I send ahead with a video tape, books, posters and flyers as well as an extensive broshure about me and how to plan a visit.
I dress in costume, I draw on the overhead something teachers can use in the classroom after I'm gone, I show slides and physical materials. I give each group a full hour of show and tell and will do 3 to 600 kids at a time if neccessary. What does he do for 800 bucks? :)Max
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-15 12:32:57 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
For a long time, I (a former teacher, school administrator, & college prof) have maintained that education in general suffers from a sexist attitude. Teaching salaries, I believe, are what they are because there's an historic notion that the teacher is teaching to suppliment her wardrobe money. Daddy Warbucks allows her to dabble. Men in the business suffer 'cause it ain't no place for a Red Blooded American Male to be. As for educational consultants -- authors and illustrators, that is -- there's a tendency to see our "business" as a hobby. Even many publishers view us this way; otherwise, advances and royalties would be more realistic. It is also true that many hold the view that an illustrator's contribution is somehow more valuable than an author's. I've found, though, that those authors (male and female) who stick to their guns about their fee usually get it.
Mind you, I used to be talked down. I used to charge only $250 per day (5 sessions). Then two things happened that put it all into perspective. I was conned into visiting a school for free, only to discover -- and this the librarian told me over lunch! -- that the honorarium I was "gracious enough to waive" ($250) was making it possible for the school to bring in an illustrator (at $750). The second little incident was a reading specialist who phoned me day and night asking me to reduce my fee. I finally did (to $100), but found myself sharing the auditorium with a clown (who had stuck to her $1500) fee. Now I charge a reasonable amount ($500) and don't budge. If a school can afford me, fine. If not, that's fine too.
Think BUSINESS, because that's what you are.
Larry
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-15 18:56:48 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
I think Larry and Max are both right. Also, have the illustrator's two books won awards or gone into paperback? That may make a difference. The particular schools where he's spoken may have brought in famous people at even higher prices in the past and thought the guy was a steal at $800. (He's the one who's stealing, in my opinion, if the kids are going out selling magazines to pay his fee.) Don't we all know of people who won't leave their desks for less than $1,000 or $1,500? I've also noticed that picture book authors and especially illustrators seem more in demand and command higher fees than novelists. A picture book can be taught nicely in a day or two, whereas novel study takes longer. It can also cost more, if the kids need their own copies; the schools I know will only cover a novel that's available in paper.
Lisa
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-15 20:41:07 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
I just did a two-day school visit and I know I earned every penny, although mine is not at all high tech. I charge $500, which is actually on the low side for people around me. Anyway, I was going to post anyway to say I learned a good lesson with this one. I have to insist on breaks between sessions. Four in a row of 45 minutes each, no breaks, is back, foot, and voice-breaking.
On the positive side, I spoke to over 300 seventh graders and they were mostly polite and interested and responsive. I'm feeling happy though tired from too much dancing.
Deborah
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-15 21:35:49 EST
From: Cosmo109
Posted on: America Online
I think picturebook people generally get more because they can speak to the whole k-6 population. Am I right? I can make a living charging 500 dollars a day and selling my books and posters. So it seems like about the right price. Nancy Carlson is a friend of mine and she charges 1,500 for a day I think. But she is not intersted in doing many shows. And she has a bunch of books. In Minnesota she famous anyway. Max
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-15 23:13:16 EST
From: WriterRoss
Posted on: America Online
Nancy Carlson is rather famous outside of Minnesota, too!
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-16 16:09:13 EST
From: AuntEater
Posted on: America Online
Talking as both an author and illustrator I've heard stories from both sides of the fence. Schools unfortunatly need to spend the same amount of money on more and more things. Books are getting expensive and there is new software and equipment to buy. And there are many other programs to choose from, health, business professionals as well as authors. No one thinks twice about the fee involved in hiring a clown or magician to perform. I think we have to remain firm on our prices. We need to take ourselves seriously as business people as well as creative people.
Yes, there is an attitude that, since one has published a book one is automaticaly wealthy (I'm writing this, of course, from my castle in the South of France sipping the latest pressing from my 200 acre vineyard). And we do get pidgeon-holed whether on purpose or not. I am usually invited to present to K-3 or 4 because my books are picture books, not appropriate for the older kids, even though I stress that I talk about more than just picture books but writing in general. Of course after each presentation the teachers come up to me and say "Why, you should have presented to our older grades! They would have loved you!" You can't win. But one must understand the needs of the school. Some have certain restrictions on the authors and they need to meet them, as crazy as they may seem.
The funny thing I have found recently too is that after the grumbling about a speaker's fee a school finally invites a speaker to present...then does nothing to prepare for it!
Sorry Wendie, I don't buy the male/female diversity in fees. My girlfriend has been putting together the speakers for a Northern Cal state reading conference for the past 15 years and the fees are all over the map. Most of them are female educators and the average is $1000-$2000, plus traveling expenses! She keeps telling me I'm too cheap. It depends on how much you want to do it. Again I'll repeat: Take yourself seriously and act like a professional and you'll be treated like one.
Doug
Subj: Re:Speaker's List
Date: 96-02-17 14:50:10 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
We recently put together a list of members of the Big Sky SCBWI who were interested in speaking. We modeled it after one from Colorado, which was quite well done. Drop me a note if you want to see how we did it. Dorothy Patent
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-17 14:54:17 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
Wendy, I don't think it's #1; I haven't sensed any sex discrimination when I've dealt with appearances. I do think illustrators may be considered more valuable in some way--they do have the advantage that they can create something on the spot that the kids can cherish after the person leaves. I find there is great variability in the knowledge of what a writer is worth. I charge $750/day and have gotten responses from horror to complete immediate acceptance--I think a lot depends on who is paying the bill! Lots of schools get grants, so it isn't their money. Some schools have had lots of experience inviting authors, so they know it costs $, and they've figured out ways to raise the money.
We can help raise the consciousness of the schools to the need to pay decently by sticking to our guns. I've visited schools where the PTA (PTO) has helped pay and the kids have raised $; then they REALLY appreciate your visit! Dorothy P
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-17 16:33:02 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
EASTERN PA has a nice speakers list, too. Anyone who wants a copy may e-mail me.
Lisa Fraustino
Subj: Re:Serious Question
Date: 96-02-18 12:49:59 EST
From: KJ Cov
Posted on: America Online
I would like to know if any authors that are fairly well-known would be interested in attending a Middle school in Rhode Island. We would pay you of course, but this is a very important function and maybe if zmiddle School isn't your thing you could attend an elementary school.Please respond. Thanks!:)
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-18 13:45:17 EST
From: Limulus P
Posted on: America Online
I'm glad to see this discussion of prices. I've been charging fees at the low end of the scale, about $250-300 for a whole day at a school. When I speak to only 100 kids for the day, my price seems fair enough to me. When I talk to 250 kids, my firm limit for the day, I do feel like I should be charging more, and I probably will next year. I very much enjoy these presentations and work at it just about full time, 4 or 5 days a week, beginning in March every year. I've been doing these programs for 6 or 7 years now, and in some schools my books and I have become part of their yearly curriculum. I've never shared a stage with a clown like Larry (sorry Larry, that wasn't worded very well!), but I'm sure that I have been taken advantage of now and then. All my programs are within an hour or so of my home, so it's really pretty easy for me, but maybe this online discussion will finally encourage me to raise my rates a bit. I am curious to know how often other people, with higher fees, go to schools. I'm certainly not a well known "famous arthur" but I do have a good local reputation for my presentations. I guess it's time to stand up for myself a bit.
Michael
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-18 18:20:46 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Michael -- you say you do this full-time in the spring.
How go you get invited?
Do you send out flyers? Please elaborate. thanks. -w
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-18 19:36:00 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
Michael, yes, do tell!
Lisa
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-19 00:47:54 EST
From: Cosmo109
Posted on: America Online
Yeah, elaborate will ya?
Max
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-19 12:02:00 EST
From: JNixon5130
Posted on: America Online
Hi, Wendie! I'm not Michael, but I can toss in some information about school visits that might help. (I was browsing this board, attempting to find an answer to my question about payment-- or non-payment--for telephone conference calls.)
Let the publicist at your publishing company know that you want schools. Sometimes it takes a couple of reminders, a few months apart. Finally, they'll put you on a list. When schools want authors, they'll sometimes call a publisher and ask for a particular author by name. Then they ask the fee. If it's too high, they'll ask, "Who have you got we can afford?" Sometimes someone from a school will ask, "We have five-hundred dollars. Who can we get for that?"
I know of two well known authors who travel in RVs with their husbands, covering large territories of the United States. They ask their publicists to help them set up schools, and they work up a list of contacts. One recently asked me to give her names of school librarians in the Houston area. Since they're initiating the visits their fees aren't as high as they could be.
Two years ago I retired from visiting schools (old age? a state of total exhaustion? whatever), but through the years I kept raising my rates as it seemed reasonable. Occasionally, I'd check with one or more of the publicists, accepting her suggestion as to the right amount. Or, if I'd been getting $500 and I had two offers at $750, I'd let the publicists know I was now charging $750. I did notice that the more I charged the better I was treated! I still visit my grandchildren's schools and a few of Houston's inner-city schools without a fee, but I think we all have our list of freebies.
Don't ever feel guilty about your fee. I did at first until I realized that what I charged for speaking one day covered the preparation time in writing the talk and organizing my show-and- tell material (galleys, photos of cover art, reprints from foreign countries, etc.), a day of travel to get there, the day of the talk in which I couldn't earn any income from writing, and the day of travel to get home. Occasionally, on a one-week trip, there was an extra day in bed to get over whatever germs I had caught from the kids.
In spite of everything (and every author has horror stories) I loved meeting the kids who read my books, and I do miss them. . . . . Joan
Subj: Re:full time?
Date: 96-02-19 15:21:43 EST
From: Limulus P
Posted on: America Online
Wendie, Lisa, Max -
I depend a lot on my school visits, so I do actively promote my presentation
to the schools. For the past 6 years I've been mailing my program flyer to
every school in Massachusetts. This year I didn't do a mailing, but I'll
still spend about 100 days at schools in the area. I spoke to several hundred
reading teachers this year at state and local conferences, and that helped.
At this point, though, most of the invitations are either repeat visits or
word of mouth recommendations. I also attend a cultural enrichment "showcase"
for PTO/PTA school enrichment coordinators (mostly parent volunteers). I
always have promotional flyers to hand out at teacher conferences and at book
signings.
I do have a special advantage, in that my presentation offers a blend of
science and writing and art. It's very easy for a school to fit into its
curriculum. I have another advantage, too. I bring live ocean animals with me
to the school. Aye, there's the rub. It's not a presentation that would fit
every author/illustrator. I bring animals like a sea star, a spider crab and
a limulus (horseshoe crab). I talk with one or two classes at a time for
about 45 minutes each. I talk about my background in marine biology and then
the kids and I make up a quick story about some sea critter with a big
problem, like the hermit crab in my picture book, _Does Anyone Know Where a
Hermit Crab Goes?_. I show them early drafts, rewrites, sketches, dummies and
finished artwork. I don't bother with slides and overheads since the classes
are always small. Then we'll look at the animals and talk a little about
research.
I think anyone that really works very well with elementary kids and has a
book that could be tied to the curriculum could do a lot of school visits,
but it does take time to build a reputation. I have been booked at some
schools from my flyers alone, but many schools want recommendations from
their colleagues.
If you would like to see my flyer or any other promotional stuff just e-mail
me with your snail mail address and I'll get it right out. I've learned so
much from you guys, if there's any way I can help you I'd be delighted. -
Michael Glaser (LimulusP)
Subj: Re:full time?
Date: 96-02-19 18:18:56 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
OOOOHHHHH. Now I get it. I have a friend, who also happens to be male (!?), in a similar happy situation. He talks about the environment and creepy creatures and the world's tallest trees and all sorts of curricular things. When we copresent at conferences, he's the one the teachers and librarians crawl all over to bring into their schools even though (ahem) my presentation is at least as good as his. How can a mere unknown novelist compete with a marine biologist?
Lisa
Subj: Pictures vs. words
Date: 96-02-19 21:33:45 EST
From: Peni G
Posted on: America Online
Pictures *are* valued over words in the culture. The same problem arises in comic books. Hot artists can sell books by the ton, but even the most respected comic book writers dont get the same attention, respect, or sweet contracts, unless they can also draw (like John Byrne). Any old body can write, after all -- its not a real talent! :P
However, there is a lesson to be learned from the state of the comic book industry. Artists always got more respect and attention, but until the speculation boom hit in the 80s, this was not a real problem. At that time, people who were not comic book fans and who never read the books began buying multiple copies on the basis of hot artists. The publishers had a field day, though they must have known what a house of cards this was . Certainly there were enough loud voices crying economic reality from the ranks of real fandom. Artists were favored over writers to the point that many comics had no story to speak, merely sequences of pin-up pictures. (If no one was going to read the things, anyway...) Well, the house of cards fell down, and guess what -- the real fans had left to find books with stories, the speculators were crying all the way to the bank, and the publishers are scrambling to cover their losses. All those pinup comics are waiting for the recycler. And the moral of this story is -- no matter how dazzled the audience is by style and pretty pictures in the short run, in the long run, its the substance and the story that matter. Stick to your guns, ask for what youre worth, deliver what youre paid for, and virtue must triumph in the end.
(Gee, Im getting good at these slogans, after bucking up all those depressed X-philes during the long cold days of season 3 -- maybe someday Ill sell my soul for bucks in advertising, after all.)
Subj: Re:full time?
Date: 96-02-20 08:48:53 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Thanks Joan and Michael.
Great ideas. (I've copied and pasted your posts to my hard drive to ponder over and plot my own attack on the school. -grin) -w
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-20 09:10:23 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
Joan,
fyi I just did a school visit here in PA and in one class after they asked me who my favorite authors were I turned the question on them. Guess who they named? You!
Deborah
Subj: Re:all this stuff
Date: 96-02-22 00:30:58 EST
From: Cosmo109
Posted on: America Online
Thanks for all the info everyone. Susan Pearson at Lothrop told me once that the pictures sell the book the first year but the words make it a classic.
Max
Subj: Re:full time?
Date: 96-02-23 20:11:47 EST
From: JNixon5130
Posted on: America Online
Great, Wendie! Come to Houston. I'd love to meet you. . . . Joan
Subj: Re:Speaker prices
Date: 96-02-23 20:12:40 EST
From: JNixon5130
Posted on: America Online
What a nice morale booster, Deborah. Thank you . . . Joan
Subj: Houston
Date: 96-02-23 22:14:01 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Thanks, Joan,
I'd love to go to Texas someday.
To visit you and my friend, Elvis. (He's another Texas writer, who looks like an Ent. He sent me some Texas tales for my Slightly Scary Storybook which never sold. -grin)
I hope to get to New Orleans Next Fall, if I do the Louis Armstrong book my editor wants. If I win the SCBWI NF grant to do this. Life is so full of 'ifs'. (grin) -w
Subj: Rap songs and poems
Date: 96-02-28 09:52:45 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
I just had a very nice two-day school visit and promised the kids I'd tell you all. They made up poems and rap songs and plays for me about Barbara McClintock and Mary Leakey. And in every poem I was "cool" (rhymes with school). The odd moment came when a sixth-grade boy asked me if I'd ever do a biography on a gynecologist. After a very awkward moment he said that's what he wanted to be when he grew up. (Hmmmmm) I told him if he could make it so men could have babies, I'd write his biography.
Subj: Re:Rap songs and poems
Date: 96-02-29 07:42:19 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Deb said:
> if men could have babies, I'd write his biography.
ROFL.
Did only the teachers get it, or did the kids also chuckle? -w
Subj: Re: Men having babies
Date: 96-02-29 21:45:10 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
Wendie--
Fortunately (or unfortunately) that was one of those questions that was asked after the presentation, up close and personal. The librarians were actually a bit horrified when I told them and were trying to figure out who it was. Deb
Subj: Re: Men having babies
Date: 96-03-01 21:04:52 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
That sounds like the librarian who reviewed my book for the SLJ!
Lisa
Subj: A question
Date: 96-03-04 09:42:41 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
Those of you who show the process of publishing from manuscript through galleys, press sheets, etc. Have you mounted them? How do you show them to larger groups and smaller groups?
Thanks,
Deborah
Subj: Re:A question
Date: 96-03-04 15:03:20 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
Deb, I haven't gotten around to pulling it all together yet, but I did buy a Bienfang project display board, the folding type, and a box of those clear plastic sheet protectors in which to place exactly the sort of stuff you want to display. I'd secure the sheet protectors to the board with superglue or the like, and then be able to remove the papers conveniently. I think it'll be pretty nifty--easy to store, cart around, and display.
Good luck!
Lisa
Subj: My first school visit
Date: 96-03-04 20:16:00 EST
From: JOANWRITE
Posted on: America Online
I made my first school visit last week. I stayed the whole day after making my presentation (I'm an illustrator) and had to take a two hour nap when I got home. How do teachers do it? The school was a private progressive school. If kids feel the urge to take their work into the hall and lay down and do it, that's fine. Only 15 kids per class. Smart kids, reading Goosebumps and Babysitters club in 2nd grade. They seemed very at ease approaching and talking to me, an intimidating adult, throughout the day. I loved it, but definitely needed aspirin along with my nap. I'm doing another visit to a public school in May so it will be interesting to see the differences I'll encounter.--Joan Holub
Subj: Re:A question
Date: 96-03-04 20:34:15 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
Lisa,
Thanks for your advice. I actually have no idea what you're describing, but will look for it. Should I look in an art store?
Deb
Subj: Show and Tell
Date: 96-03-04 21:30:00 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
For author visits to schools
I have a canvas bag (or 5 -grin)
In one canvas bag I have my picture book stuff from original ms to a copy of the finished book.
I include -- all the different versions of the story (I just show them several folders with bunches of papers in them. Hey, I could make this up -- but it's the real stuff)
-- One of the computer set printouts (they don't seem to do galleys any more) with editorial marks and postas.
-- An uncut folio of the book, which I unfold to show how it is printed and then fold up to show how it is trimed to fit the book.
-- the catalog where I first saw what the illustrations would be like
-- and the final copy of the book
(the bag also holds all my reviews and the correspondence with the editor, but I don't show the kids that. It's just available if the teachers are interested.)
The other bag holds my talk about writing biographies.
My camera, Monopole, and photo storage box
The box with all my note cards and biblio cards. And I explain my system.
A manuscript marked up by the editor.
All the READER's comments. (committee of professors)
and a copy of the final book and the catalog
Most of these items are large enough that everyone in the Cafetorium can see them as I talk about them.
I also ask for a microphone (and when I don' t use it, the teachers request that I do. -grin) I talk for about half the time and then go down into the crowd of kids and let them ask their questions into the microphone the rest of the time.
So far, the librarians and teachers have prepared the kids and they have VERy good questions. BUT, since I am also their local librarian, now I get 2,000 kids coming into the library, seeing me, and whispering to their Mom, "Hey! She came to my school." The Moms then push them over to talk to me. (grin) I'm getting better at handling them, but it did disconbobulate me for a while. (grin)
I'm not sure I'd like to carry around a large project display board. I can put my bags onto my luggage wheels and tote them anywhere with no strain to my back. I do request a table and lay my stuff out on it before hand, so I can pick up the object I'm going to talk about quickly.
I also like to write on the blackboard if I am in a classroom, to emphasize something I've said. I found myself on Friday reaching behind me for chalk, preparing to write on the blackboard, only to remember that I was in the Cafetorium and I had only an empty stage behind me. (grin)
-w
Subj: Re:Show and Tell
Date: 96-03-05 08:43:34 EST
From: SendtoJMA
Posted on: America Online
My arms are beginning to look like a chimp's (i.e. knuckles scraping the ground) from carrying around heavy tote bags of books and assorted display stuff for schools. So I'm putting together a slide show. One carousel to carry around. I had a professional photographer prepare slide for me of all the stuff I usually use when I talk, so now I can talk to more kids at once and everyone will be able to see better, too. And besides, some of these materials, i.e. dummies, original art, was getting very very tattered. I haven't yet 'done' the show, since the visits I booked for this spring were before I had the show put together, but as soon as someone speaks up and asks me to do it, Halleluja.
Jennifer A.
Subj: Re:Show and Tell
Date: 96-03-05 11:21:21 EST
From: MJAlso
Posted on: America Online
I use slides, too, and carry my carousel with me, but I have learned not to take anything for granted. For instance, even though my contact at the school knows I'll be doing a slide show, and will need a projector that doesn't mean that - 1) the projector will actually work 2) There will be a screen on which to project the slides 3) There will be any way to darken the room and 4) There will be any electrical outlets for plugging in the projector. It's a good idea to discuss all of these things ahead of time!
MJ
Subj: Re:A question
Date: 96-03-05 20:57:14 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
Deb,
I got mine at Office Max.
Lisa
Subj: Re:A question
Date: 96-03-05 21:00:41 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
Also, Wendy, this display is as light as cardboard, literally--very easy to haul around instead of the big boxes I've been throwing my back out with. But I'm planning to do a slide show...one of these days...if I can get my grandmother to part with her precious Polaroid of me with my first typewriter, which I got for Christmas in the third grade and Jo-Jo Tibbetts sat on and demolished by Neww Year's.
Subj: Re:A question
Date: 96-03-05 21:54:19 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Oh my goodness! Just how big WAS Jo Jo?
(a person or what?)
I can't imagine squashing a typewriter. It took being thrown on the floor in a fit of frustration to kill our first electric one.
not by me, by my husband who had just made the 20th mistake on the same page, and thrown out each page as the mistake was made. I woke up to a living room full of crumpled papers, typewriter parts and ball bearings. We were finding Ball bearings for the next few years. (g) This was all before computers. Wordprocessing on a computer saved my husband's sanity. (g) -w
Subj: Re:A question
Date: 96-03-05 21:54:48 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
We found a carryall on wheels that will hold two full tote bags. The carryall folds up and the wheels collapse inward so we can put it in a suitcase. Found it in Savannah but bet it's available in luggage stores. Have any of you made color transparencies? We were thinking of trying that because you don't have to dim the lights for that. You can get cardboard frames for them too. But we are also getting some slides from our publisher (buying them). Then we'll put together a slide show, too.
Subj: This folder
Date: 96-03-06 00:40:52 EST
From: June Doe
Posted on: America Online
This folder is so great! My first book came out in the fall and I have SO much to learn about this business. I've done two school visits so far and I have another one later this week. Until I read the messages here I really had no concept about whether or not my presentation was appropriate. Now it seems like I'm doing all right. I thank you all for sharing your experiences. You've really boosted my confidence.
Debbie Keller
Subj: Re: Show and Tell
Date: 96-03-06 11:53:13 EST
From: Limulus P
Posted on: America Online
Deb, thanks for starting this "sharing" of show & tell techniques. Thanks Lisa, Wendie, Jennifer, MJ for some great tips. I know I always lug around much more than I need. I guess it gives me a feeling of security. I'd like to know, Jennifer, how your first 'slide show' goes, after years of talking to smaller groups. I like the friendly feeling of a small group, but many schools just can't, or won't, fit me into their schedule that way. And a lot of my originals are also looking awfully tatttered, but then again, so am I. I may start doing some auditorium programs, though I don't do as well with a microphone as you do Wendie. I need both hands to talk.
Deb, to answer your question about mounting originals, I have some of my illustrations mounted on a piece of foam board, about 21x14 inches, and shrinkwrapped. It was originally done with a real shrinkwrap machine but when that tore I used the clear plastic storm window material that you can shrink with a hair dryer. It looks very good. Most of my manuscript materials are in clear sheet protectors, but the uncut press sheets are starting to look like they've been throug a shredder. I carry everything in a good canvas portfolio bag. Everything but my animals!
Michael
Subj: Re: Show and Tell
Date: 96-03-06 22:11:14 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Michael:
ROFL about needing both hands to talk.
I do that too. But I've been giving talks and doing storytelling (as a librarian) for so many years that I can speak into the mike and then do the gesturing. Or move only the free hand as I talk.
you said
"carry everything but my animals!"
That's intriguing. what animals? -w
Subj: Re: Show and Tell
Date: 96-03-07 19:19:37 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
Stephanie and Judy, Sue and I made color transparencies for the talk we did at IRA last year. They worked very well.
Lisa
Subj: Re: Show and Tell
Date: 96-03-08 00:13:56 EST
From: Cosmo109
Posted on: America Online
You can now get transparencies to run through your laser printer. The overhead is light proof (don't need a dark room) and indestuctible (bulbs don't burn out very often). I use it to draw pictures for large groups and now small too so the teachers can make copies for the kids. I have developed 2 formats for younger and older kids to apply this drawing to an after the event exercise. I use slides, real stuff too.
Changing formats provides for a break for the kids and keeps their interest peaked. Just watching you fumble with the cords will wake up some kids. :)
Max
Subj: one more thing
Date: 96-03-08 00:21:34 EST
From: Cosmo109
Posted on: America Online
I have developed a scheme for the younger grades that you might like to emulate. I created a VERY simple story that can be broken up into 22 scenes, one for each kid in the class. The story is graphically very simple so that Ks and 1s can draw the action. I print up the story with a big box on each page so that the kids can illustrate their particular scene. When finished it can be bound or displayed as one long story board-- a team effort with their favorite (at least for the week) author. Its a project than can be finished in about 15 minutes so teachers can use it in class to settle down their kids and still celebrate the event they have just shared. It's a cheap way for you to add value to your visit and create a lasting "book" with the class.
Max
Subj: show and tell
Date: 96-03-09 17:12:13 EST
From: Limulus P
Posted on: America Online
Max, I really like your suggestion to create a story in which each kid can illustrate his/her own scene. Do you print up the story ahead of time, before you meet the kids? Do you read it with them before they draw the pictures? Or are you at the school for a whole week, creating the story with the kids? I make up sea animal stories with the younger grades and encourage the kids to write their own stories after I'm gone, but I think your idea would be welcomed by the teachers and kids too. I'd like to try it.
Wendie, you asked about the animals I mentioned in my last note. I bring live sea critters like crabs and clams to my presentations. They tie in with my seashore books, and do wonders to motivate the kids. They're also better than school lunches <just kidding>.
Subj: Re:show and tell
Date: 96-03-09 21:25:57 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
I know what you mean about school lunches. (grin) I don't care if the teachers can get double helpings of what is being served. Reheated something that was prepared elsewhere and trucked in can be strange. (g)
Bringing live animals is neat. But, How in the world do you show clams to a group of 235 students at a time?
The school near my worksite has 8 classes in each grade and when they have assembly, that's what you get. I thought I was doing good to get three separate showings. (3, 4, and then 5th grade) instead of the whole crowd like some visiting authors get. -w
Subj: squirting clam
Date: 96-03-10 14:39:19 EST
From: Limulus P
Posted on: America Online
Wendie, I only talk to small, classroom size groups, up to 40 kids. I spoke to some 6th graders this year at a school I'd been to 7 years ago, and I of the kids remembered seeing me in Kindergarten. After all these years his strongest memory was the squirting clam I brought!
Michael
Subj: Re:slides
Date: 96-03-11 17:56:27 EST
From: AuntEater
Posted on: America Online
Jennifer-- I used to cart around a caurosel slide tray with my slides until I was twice caught with a machine that wouldn't take the tray (I asked if they had the right projector and they said yes. But the tray didn't fit. No one's fault; there are a couple of different projectors out there). Now all I do is carry my slides with me in their original plastic box (very small and easy to carry) and I ask for an empty slide tray before hand. It takes only a couple minutes to put the slides in (they're all numbered and labeled which way is up).
As for the rest of my stuff, I draw pictures and show originals. I can fit all of it in a small overnight suitcase that I can pack inside another suitcase. Saves room. My originals are on foam board and shrink wrapped as someone else talked about here. I used to carry a 30" x 40" portfolio all over the country with paper pads and easel until I discovered most schools can get those very easy. I make sure I have a picture of the easel I need in my info pack. Saves describing over the phone. Good luck!
Doug
Subj: New question
Date: 96-03-12 09:19:15 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
I just spoke to a librarian at a school I did a visit at a few weeks ago. She said the only thing the teachers wished was that they had been able to prepare the kids better with my books (I thought they were the best-prepared school I'd ever been to, but nevermind me.) Anyway, the librarian had only had it in her budget to get one of each book for each grade, so they were sharing them among 5 teachers. She requested that I ask you all how she could get more copies of the books beforehand. Do publishers ever ha ha give free copies to schools to help them prepare? What do you guys do? (These, by the way, are my biographies; I think it might be different with picture books, easier to share around.) Thanks,
Deb
Subj: Re:New question
Date: 96-03-12 11:59:08 EST
From: MJAlso
Posted on: America Online
Deb - Sometimes when I've done school visits, the school will gather copies of my books from other schools within their district. They have done the same thing with their public library system, and can often put together a pretty good number of books this way.
MJ
Subj: Re: Old friend - New question
Date: 96-03-12 12:01:50 EST
From: Kthirty
Posted on: America Online
Hello again - Congrats on getting your own place and not having to hang out with the Writer's Union.
It's KyPn, for you veterans and Kthirty, for the rest of you, the lady who has been on a year long quest for an author visit and I DID IT!!!!! Or at least my committee finally DID IT!!!
I am pleased to announce that Doug Cushman, AOL's very own AuntEater is coming to visit Badger Mt. Elementary in May. Thank you to all of you who contacted me for help and with suggestions.
Deb -- A couple of thoughts on getting more of your books into the school that you are visiting.
-- A rep of the PTA could ask for donations from local bookstores.
--We made a special gift to our librarian so she could purchase more books.
--A request in the school newsletter for parents to donate.
-- Our parents are being informed that autographs by the author will be made in copies of his books only (we have 772 kids!) I included the needed information to allow parents to order the books through our local bookstore.
-- Doug Cushman's publisher (one of the them or the current one) sent me a letter offering to sell us books at a discount. (Gave me a heart attack, I thought all my children's submissions had come back already!)
Good luck!
Kathy - cruising at 53,728 words and four victims in my adult mystery.
Subj: Re: how I do it
Date: 96-03-13 01:04:52 EST
From: Cosmo109
Posted on: America Online
I can't answer your questions about the illustrate-a- book-together kit because I haven't had a chance to test it out yet but I suspect that the teachers will handle the whole thing in their classrooms as I have other things I want to do with the kids. I am going to be spending a week with a school soon and so might get more involved in the process as a part of repaet visits to those classrooms
Max
Subj: Re:New question
Date: 96-03-13 09:44:18 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
Thanks, guys, for your ideas. I'll pass them on to the school I visited and future ones. What a wealth of knowledge here!
Deb
Subj: Just to let...
Date: 96-03-13 17:34:36 EST
From: THopeB
Posted on: America Online
Just to let everyone know....
I'm working my way down this message board, removing and moving inappropriate folders. By tomorrow, you should have a nice clean message board. :)
Also, you may notice that the message board name is now "Children/YA Book Writers". Hopefully, that will cut down on any misunderstanding on what the message board is for.
Tracey, WC
Subj: Transparencies
Date: 96-03-13 18:49:08 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
I've used color transparencies with adult audiences, but never with children. They're great in that a room doesn't have to be darkened. Also, most conferences will supply an overhead projector, but other equipment (like slide projectors) needs to be rented by the speaker. When I do a slide presentation, I carry them in my carousel. (I figure if my carousel doesn't fit their projector, it will take only a matter of minutes to transfer them.) The only problem I've ever encountered was location. I.e., I was once invited to do a slide presentation at a conference, but they scheduled me to speak/present in a sunroom off an auditorium (which was in use). There was no way to block the light, so we played "Where's Waldo?" or "Guess What This Is." One other time I rented a slide projector -- which arrived 15 minutes into my presentation and then was malfunctioning -- slides advanced by pressing the focus button. (I should have guessed that!) In spite of periodic problems, I think varying a presentation's mo keeps interest level high.
Larry Dane Brimner
Subj: Re: Old friend - New question
Date: 96-03-13 19:59:08 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Hurrah for you and your school, Kathy!
Doug Cushman? Wow! are your kids (and teachers) in for a treat. -w
Subj: Difficult visit
Date: 96-03-13 23:50:00 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
Just wanted to share a friend's recent experience with a school visit. She was at a school for several days and had a contract specifying clearly her 'duties.' She went into the rather iffy auditorium to talk to 70 3rd graders and noticed--how could she not?--150 rowdy 5th and 6th graders sitting behind them. The older kids couldn't even see her presentation! She asked the principal about it and he said, "Oh, they couldn't go to gym today, so I put them in here." She said, "My contract doesn't include presenting to them; I'm to give a talk to 70 3rd graders. Send them back to their classrooms." He said, "It isn't in the teachers' contract to have them in their rooms this hour; they're staying where they are." Now, her contract didn't have any provision for what would happen if the school didn't follow the contract, so she was stuck with those kids and, as you can imagine, no one got anything out of it! At least the other 2 days of her visit were fun, she claims! So, beware--what could we do to avoid such a situation?
Subj: Re:Difficult visit
Date: 96-03-14 08:11:30 EST
From: SendtoJMA
Posted on: America Online
If she had a contract that clearly spelled everything out, she would have been within her rights to walk out. I know there are authors who will take this hard line. It sure would take nerve to do it -- I'm not sure I could. But it really is important for schools to understand what their responsibilities are when it comes to visiting authors. Many of them behave outrageously. Everyone should always get everything in writing: I've trained myself to avoid a casual, friendly attitude about this. I try to couch it in polite ways, i.e. "I need it in writing for my records" or "just so I don't forget anything we agreed upon." That takes the sting out of a hard-line approach. As long as you've got a signed contract, you are justified in doing anything to hold the school to it.
Jennifer A.
Subj: Re:Difficult visit
Date: 96-03-14 12:28:44 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
I know it's after the fact, but if I were your friend I would write a letter to the principal explaining exactly why that didn't work, having the older kids in there with no notice. Then, perhaps, he won't do it to another author.
Subj: Re:Difficult visit
Date: 96-03-14 19:40:18 EST
From: ECMott
Posted on: America Online
Do our lecture contracts really make a huge difference? Has anyone ever walked out of a presentation and challenged a school to pay the full amount? If so, what happened?
I, too, have a tendency to let things slide. I'd probably do rowdy 4th and 5th graders with 3rd graders. It just seems with school visits, we have to be flexible. Nothing ever goes as planned, does it?
I'd love some of your thoughts on this.
Evelyn Clarke Mott
Subj: Re:Difficult visit
Date: 96-03-15 16:09:48 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Yes, I walked out of a school visit once and cashed a check for the full amount. The last presentation was to have been to the 6th grade classes in one assembly. The sixth grade teachers, however, had taken the day off -- I assume because an author was going to be babysitting them. The subs didn't know who was who and couldn't have cared less because anyway because they were getting paid while some author entertained their charges. Two second into my presentation spitwads began to fly and I stopped. I explained that I didn't appreciate their behavior. And I started again. Well, once again spitwads began to fly. I looked at the principal and said, "I don't think they're benefitting from this and neither am I." He demanded order, and I started a third time. Mind you, duing all of this, the subs sat in a corner chatting. Well, a few minutes into my third attempt, spitwads again flew and a squabble broke out between two girls. I gathered up my materials and told the principal, "Get my check ready because I'm leaving." He said, "You can't." I said, "Watch me." The 5 subs sitting in the back of the auditorium suddenly were engaged with what was happening on the stage and, for the first time, attempted to control their kids. But I left, and the principal gave me a check and an apology on the way out.
I'm flexible, as any former teacher would be, and often do more than my contracts call for, but I don't think it's my responsibility to discipline. I would have no hesitation about leaving a difficult situation. Life's just too short not to.
Larry Dane Brimner
Subj: Re:Difficult visit
Date: 96-03-15 19:46:06 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
Good for you, Larry. I'm going to remember you if ever the spitballs come a-flying.
Usually my school visits go well. The teachers and students, if not well prepared, at least consider me some sort of celebrity and have lots of fun questions like "How much money to you make?" and "Did you ever really use an outhouse?" But once the teachers didn't prepare at all and, as in your case, used the time for a chat-fest, which isn't a good idea with the seventh grade boys from the remedial section. I wished I'd brought my tap shoes and an outfit from Frederick's because I think that would probably have been my only hope of getting any real attention.
If the school can't come up with enough books for adequate preparation, I have sent magazine stories or anthology stories that they could reproduce for everyone or read aloud. It can work well if your objective is to talk about the writing process. I figure if they're paying me to visit, I'm not really there to hawk books anyhow, so if I can use a short story to get into a good discussion, why not?
Lisa
Subj: Re:Difficult visit
Date: 96-03-16 19:38:17 EST
From: ECMott
Posted on: America Online
Thanks for sharing that horror story, Larry! Yes, I would definitely draw the line at spitballs and altercations!
I'm so glad that you were able to collect your check. Is anyone out there still waiting to be paid from a school visit?
As for kids who aren't familiar with my books, I don't mind. I read them a couple of my books during my presentation. But maybe this is easier for me because I'm a photographer and have my books on slides. The kids seem to really enjoy it.
Thanks for sharing your stories -- good and bad!
Evelyn Clarke Mott
Subj: Difficult Visit
Date: 96-03-16 23:35:13 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
Thanks for your comments, folks! I'll pass them on to my friend, especially you being able to pick up the check before heading out, Larry--and an apology yet! I don't know if her presentation was near the beginning or the end of her 3-day residency--that would make a difference.
Subj: Re:Difficult Visit
Date: 96-03-18 20:56:29 EST
From: Septawizrd
Posted on: America Online
Larry, good for you! It isn't our goal to discipline. Several years ago when I was teaching poetry to schools through an Arts Institute, one teacher had the nerve to exit. At first I thought he was just going to the restroom but then I noticed him taking pictures in the hall (of the light fixtures)...then he disappeared. The kids figured it was "party time". I came down hard on the kids and they did get something out of the program. Then I stopped at the principals office on the way out and made both a verbal and written complaint about the teacher. I also said I was not going to complete the curriculum (there were 3 parts) unless the teacher stayed in the room and also offered me an apology. He stayed. I got my apology. And those kids finally learned something. ///Lindy
Subj: Re:Difficult Visit
Date: 96-03-18 22:56:41 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
What would happen if you smiled and said, How many extra? Good. I charge $10 a child over and above the number in my contract. You will have the check ready when I leave." Or perhaps a bill should have been sent. I don't think any of us would mind a few extra, or even a request to handle more than planned, but it's usually the attitude that sets us off. That "You're here so you can do it" attitude. Warning flags should fly when you hear, "We thought you could just...." Thank goodness for the great schools and great teachers out there. They make up for the few who ruin it. We went to a terrific program at Claremont College this weekend. Kids signed up and were bused (bussed?) in for the day. We each spoke to three groups of 2-5th graders and they were absolutely terrific kids. A real pleasure.
When we visited schools, we didn't used to discipline, but now if there's a problem (and fortunately they are rare) we stop and talk right to the kids. Usually that's enough, but we're dealing with the lower grades. We have said that unless they want to listen they could leave, but in one group of "drug babies" several of them did get up and go out and the teachers chased after them.
School visits, they are never dull! Judy and Stephanie
Subj: Waiting
Date: 96-03-20 12:10:50 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
I must clarify that those spitballs weren't coming TOWARD me, but at each other. If they had been coming toward me, I would have left immediately!
Fortunately, most schools have been very prompt with payments -- usually on the day that I present and certainly within 30 days. But recently I had to send an overdue notices to two schools. They were in the same district and I was to be paid with a district check, but it took about 90 days and two separate overdue notices to get paid. (I invoice each school I visit with a notice that payment is due on the day of presentations and not later than 30 days from the date of presentations.) In one other case, things got down to me having a lawyer friend write a letter of intent to sue in small claims court for the amount due me -- this after waiting for 12 months to get paid. But these are the exceptions. Be ready for them, should they happen, but most schools are prompt and responsible.
Subj: Re:Difficult Visit
Date: 96-03-20 12:16:29 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Lindy--Good for you for sticking up for yourself. It's sad but true that many teachers are poor examples when it comes to audience behavior. My friend, Sara Holbrook, wastes no time with such behavior; she calls 'em all the carpet mid-performance. She handles it nicely, but everyone knows that somebody is being dressed down. She alludes to people sometimes doing others things instead of what they should be doing -- just like that teacher over there who should be paying attention instead of marking papers.
Larry
Subj: Re:Charging Extra
Date: 96-03-20 12:20:22 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Judy & Steph--
I do know of a couple of authors who have charged for the "extras" -- more kids than agreed upon and extra sessions. They've done exactly as you've said, "That's fine, but I'll have to charge a little extra. My invoice will follow." The result has been -- in every case they've used it -- that other arrangements get made. It's sounds like a good tact to me.
Larry
Subj: Bad visits, good librarians
Date: 96-03-21 16:51:23 EST
From: Peni G
Posted on: America Online
I havent been doing this long enough to have any horror stories, and I doubt I could handle kids who really acted up. One time I did get unexpected results with absolute honesty. One of the kids was being loud and disruptive, and I looked at him and said (reflexively; I had a teacher who used to say this, and if I had thought I wouldnt have done it): You know, Ill get paid just the same whether I say anything or not, so if you want to come up here and do this for free I dont mind. His jaw fell open. You get *paid* for this? He was quiet the rest of the session. I got lucky -- what if hed agreed?
On that occasion I was informed by the organizing librarian, who picked me up, that she'd had difficulties getting the proper checks from the district, but I would have a check to pick up at each school after each session. One principal had asked her that morning if I would mind being paid in two weeks, and she had answered promptly: *I* would mind and its not going to happen. You can write the check, or I can write it and you can re-imburse me, which is twice as much paperwork for you. May you all have librarians of that caliber at your schools!
Subj: book sales at schools
Date: 96-03-21 17:36:10 EST
From: SendtoJMA
Posted on: America Online
Do any of you have a preference how your books are sold at school visits? I'm thinking specifically of the difference between having the school order the books from the publisher vs. having a bookstore handle the business for the school. Often, if the school orders direct, they pass on their big discount to the kids; alternatively, they can sell the books at just under retail and keep the profit as a fund-raiser to help pay for the author visit. This is a good system for many schools. OTOH, if there is an independent bookstore around that likes to work with schools, throwing the business their way can be a guarantee of more professional business transactions, as well as supporting the store (something we all believe in doing.) They are more likely to charge the retail price, however, making hardcover books a big bite for many kids. I've been doing it both ways for years, and still haven't decided if one is better than the other. Anyone else have an opinion about this?
Jennifer A.
Subj: Re:book sales at schools
Date: 96-03-22 01:08:56 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
Jennifer,If they ask us about ordering books, we give the schools the name of the closest ABC listed independent children's bookstore (if there is one) so they have that option. Often these bookstores have a nice relationship with the school and will share their discount so that the school gets the same option they'd get from the publisher plus they don't have to handle ordering the books. We really appreciate it when the schools sell our books, no matter which way they do it. Judy and Stephanie
Subj: Re:book sales at schools
Date: 96-03-22 15:34:49 EST
From: AuntEater
Posted on: America Online
Jennifer-- From my experience, many schools work with the publisher. In my info packet I give them the name and adresses and phones of all the publicity folks at my publishers. They take it from there. Some schools, however, do work with a distributor or bookstore. Some use the discount as a fund-raising tool, others sell the books at the discounted rate so more kids can get books (paperbacks, as you can imagine, are big sellers). They all work differently. I try not to get too involved with that end of it because, one, I don't know a whole lot and, two, I have enough trouble trying to get schedules worked out with the different schools. I'll answer any questions they might have re: book sales (i.e., which books they should carry, how to handle the signings, etc.) but the publishers seem to handle it pretty well (unless of course the schools decide two days before my visit that they should order some books! It's happened). Hope this helps.
Doug
Subj: Re:book sales at schools
Date: 96-03-22 22:27:45 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
Jennifer, I am only rarely asked about this; most of the schools I've visited have had previous authors and have worked out a way to sell books. I'm not much of a business person, so I'm glad not to have to get involved; I figure it's their deal. Once, however, I did make the mistake of ordering the books for them. What a disaster! They packaged the unsold ones up at the end and sent them back, but they used the return address of one of the schools, so my account wasn't credited! It took a couple of years for me to clear my account with that publisher!
Subj: Re:book sales at schools
Date: 96-03-24 00:00:17 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
I've never made the decision as to how my books get sold in schools, as it's generally up to the librarian or a reading specialist. They have their own likes and dislikes about how to handle book sales. I simply present them with information about publisher discounts, but also mention that a local bookseller might want to do it. Some librarians hate to get tangled up with ordering directly from the publisher and dealing with postage and returns. Others want to pass along the discount to the kids. Others want to use the markup to help fund next year's author. And still others want to turn the orders over to a jobber. I figure they know best -- unless they're completely new to author visits -- what their own system dictates. The only time I cringe is when they ask me to supply books. I can. I will. I have. But I would much rather somebody else do it.
Subj: school folder
Date: 96-03-24 13:41:04 EST
From: Septawizrd
Posted on: America Online
Just a note to let you folks know this is one of my favorite folders. We can learn a lot from each other's experiences....good and bad.///Lindy
Subj: Seeking W/I for School Visit
Date: 96-03-24 23:54:13 EST
From: Portty
Posted on: America Online
Greetings,
I review this board periodically. I am a PTO active parent. This year I have been working with the cultural committee. We bring in the authors, illus. jugglers, clowns etc... I have spent hours and hours reviewing presentations, networking with others for info, trying to get input from teachers as to what to plan when, working with budgets, grant forms, fundraising. Our school has gone through four principals in five years, we have no set cirruculums, and are actively searching for a new superintendent. Wow and my daughter is only in kindengarten!
We have a limited budget. I try to get the most for our money by using Mass culture council grant approved artists. I have set themes for the next two years and budget requests to the PTO doubling my budget! ; 0 {they love me there}. I greatly appreciate the talented people coming to our schools. We have used Young Audience events in the past because many are MCC approved and they often have free or inexpensive event showcases to preview. Many events I book just after a preview because I am so excited!
Just wanted to let you know that some of the people doing the event coordinating are volunteers, spending time and often their own money making sure they provide good events.
I recently sent to scholastic for their author package and was disappointed at the limited availablity in the MA, RI,Conn area, and the $1000 price tag (however if I can preview and find it worth the $$$'s I am willing to spend it! I just work extra hard at finding a funding source. Let's see, who has some extra - RIF reading is fundamental, the local DARE officer, can this topic fit in drug prevention?).
I have heard of a Society of Childrens Authors and Illustrators, that often have an area listing for school visits. I would greatly appreciate contact information as I have been unable to find a listing. I would also like to receive information from visiting authors on what the event coordinator can do to assist in preparing the school for the visit.
If you are in the Boston/Providence area I am actively seeking events!
Peace
Mary Ann Stall Brook Elementary
Bellingham MA
Subj: Re:Seeking W/I for School Vi
Date: 96-03-25 17:51:10 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
Mary Ann,
E-mail me your snail address and I will send you information on the SCBWI and a Speakers List of authors residing in Eastern PA, which sounds close enough to you for some good connections. We have lots of wonderful people who speak for a lot less than $1,000.
Lisa Fraustino (LisaFrau@aol.com)
Subj: Big groups
Date: 96-04-09 07:11:47 EST
From: SendtoJMA
Posted on: America Online
Hi, gang
Had a middle school visit yesterday. All of sixth, then all of eight, then all of seventh, in a large auditorium. Because it helped control the kids, teachers seated their students in every other row.
So there I was, with my puny little materials, squinting to see students in the distance. I'm sure they couldn't see what I was holding up.
Now, obviously this would have been the ideal situation for a slide show, rather than a show and tell, but I wasn't prepared for a slide show. Much of my presentation hinges on the students being able to see what I'm holding up, and in a smaller group, in a library, this works fine, and I've become accustomed to presenting in this style. I'm also used to having a dialogue with the students, and that's nearly impossible in an auditorium, especially when you're dealing with cool seventh graders who, if they deign to ask a question, asked in slumped in their seats in an inaudible mumble. So when I realized I couldn't present in my usual way, I didn't have much time to come up with an alternative.
My question for you all is, what ways have you all found to improvise when you couldn't give your presentation in your accustomed manner?
And an additional question: does anyone give strategic pyschological attention to dress? I keep experimenting when I go to schools: if I dress casually, will the kids feel relaxed? if I dress formally, will the kids respect me and pay close attention? if I dress funky, will the kids think I'm eccentric and interesting (or a total spud)? etc. Or is this analysis a fruitless waste of time?
Jennifer A.
Subj: Re:Big groups
Date: 96-04-09 09:13:09 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Overhead transparencies can be made of most of your up-close materials. Of course, that can be done on the spot. When faced with the exact same situation, I simply venture into the audience walking up and down the aisles. It's not the best technique -- especially for those in the center -- but you'll manage to reach some.
As for dress -- I don't wear them myself. Seriously, when I started visiting schools I used to wear what I had to wear to teach in -- a suit. (So I taught in some very old-fashioned, stuffy schools.) About the second time I ventured out, a librarian said, "My, you don't look like an author. You look more like a teacher. I was expecting somebody who looked a little offbeat." That ended the suit, and without regret. Now I wear slacks and shirt -- or jeans and shirt. I don't go in costume or in anything far out because it's just not my personality, but I do know authors who dress a la Ms. Frizzle and it works for them -- but then they're more gregarious than I. I vote for being comfortable, but something a couple of notches higher than "slob."
Larry
Subj: Re:Big groups
Date: 96-04-09 21:11:05 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
I vote for comfortable, too. (Yuppie comfortable as Larry says, not worn and torn slob)
But I can't wait until I earn enough money to buy a really snazzy 'author' outfit. Long sweeping skirt of some one-of-a-kind hand-dyed material with a long flowing top. In Muted FALL color-tones. Dream on. (grin) I saw the dress I want at the National Craft show -- in the hand-crafted fabric area.
Wonder how that will look with sneakers? (need AVIAs for medical reasons.) Maybe long flowing slax would work better. (But I LOVE long skirts.)
I wore a skirted suit to my first talk, and felt very confined by it. It's great for meetings, but didn't work with me jumping from stage to audience and encouraging kids to ask questions. -w
Subj: Re:author outfits
Date: 96-04-10 11:46:40 EST
From: Septawizrd
Posted on: America Online
Wendie- palazzos pants with the long flowing top. See if they take payments.//Lindy
Subj: Big groups/dress/difficulties
Date: 96-04-10 16:53:10 EST
From: Redhed99
Posted on: America Online
Jennifer-
My presentation is also designed for a small group setting, so when I found out last month that I'd be addressing groups of 200 in an auditorium, I had my covers enlarged to 11 x 17 and laminated.
Also, I wore a wireless, lavelier mike, so I was able to walk all over the auditorium to talk to individuals. (I would never have been able to hear their questions if I hadn't been able to walk right up to them.) I find that moving around during a presentation helps hold the kids' attention, even though I often feel like Phil Donahue!
re: dress. I always wear a suit or skirt and vest. I believe that you garner more respect from the students *and* the adults when you appear as a professional. Plus, I need lots of pockets! Buy a few suits that you feel very comfortable in and write it off as a business expense.
Difficult visits: I had one of Larry's bad experiences at a private school which advertises "quality education for your children." The kids were rude, ill-behaved, and so were the teachers! They leaned against the wall in back with crossed arms, like they dared me to see if I could control their kids.
If it'd been my 'normal' presentation, former teacher that I am, I would have been better able to handle it. But they'd insisted that I do a writing session. The group was too large & I was backed into a corner, so could not move around to look at what the kids were writing. Then, I couldn't get their attention back each time I wanted to go on with the lesson.
My revenge (so to speak) was to stop my talk early, send them back to class, and turning down future invitations to speak there. It also changed a few of my "rules"-->only do writing sessions with small groups, and insist on plenty of room to move around.
re: teachers leaving the room. In most states, teachers must remain in the room when a guest is present. It's a law.------>Dian, who is heading off to Missouri next week to speak at a Young Authors' Conference--and hopes none of the above happens........
Subj: Re:Big groups/dress/difficul
Date: 96-04-11 12:13:38 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Dian--
re. teachers remaining in the room. True, it's a law, but laws are meant to be broken. Besides, if there's another teacher present somewhere...
And you don't really deduct those suits, do you? That, I believe, might get you into some deep hot water since a suit is technically "multi-purpose."
CYA - Larry
Subj: Re:Big groups
Date: 96-04-11 23:11:11 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
One advantage of being a nonfiction writer--I can wear appropriate outfits! I have my 'rainforest' garb, with a toucan necklace and Guatemalen skirt, and my 'wolf' outfit, with a shiny gold-finished necklace with wolves running around my neck--probably on the hunt, but I DO trust them--and matching earings. At least I don't look like a teacher!
Jennifer--you might find it worth your while to take slides of the stuff you hold up--galleys and such--then when you have a big group, you can use that version of the material. Jo Ann Ryder shows slides of her messy desk, cat, husband, mailbox, etc--the kids really enjoyed seeing her presentation--really showed her life, which is what they're most interested in anyway.
Subj: Re:Big groups
Date: 96-04-12 07:44:00 EST
From: SendtoJMA
Posted on: America Online
Dorothy, your suggestion about the slides is one I've taken. I have a whole carousel of slides, but I didn't take them. Unless the school was prepared to give a slide presentation, I wouldn't have been able to use them, anyway. My question really was for what do you do if you're expecting one thing but they give you another? THere probably isn't a good solution. You have to use what facilities the school has. I guess the answer is to spell out even more explicitly than I already do what the school should be prepared for. I must admit, it gets tiresome revising my brochure all the time! I keep having to add information that should be self-evident. Just griping, I guess.
Jennifer
Subj: Re:Big groups
Date: 96-04-12 10:09:14 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Jennifer,
After years of doing school visits and teaching before that, I've learned one thing: Nothing is self-evident. We may think it's self-evident, but others won't. When it comes to the "surprise" nature of some school visit experiences, just make the best of it. That isn't what you wanted to hear, but I seriously doubt there's any way to predict all the glitches that might occur and their remedies. Regarding your brochure, keep in mind that even when a something is spelled out in PLAIN ENGLISH, some people don't bother to really READ the brochure -- I learned this on my last swing through Texas in February where one school had none of the equipment I request. I asked the librarian if she had read my presentation packet, to which she answered, "Oh, it was in there? I really don't read those things." At least I know it wasn't my brochure and it wasn't my mind playing tricks on me! But I had arrived early enough to check on things and sent the librarian and her assistant off to round up some equipment. So at times like those, I smile, try to do the best presentation I can under whatever circumstances I find myself......and think about the check that going to help me meet my mortgage payment.
Sorry I can't be of more help.
Larry
Subj: Re:Big groups
Date: 96-04-13 08:45:01 EST
From: SendtoJMA
Posted on: America Online
Larry, Dorothy, et al., I guess I knew when I posted this that the only real answer is -- make the best of things! I'm running out of hair to pull out, though!
Thanks.
Jennifer
Subj: Re:School visits
Date: 96-04-15 13:49:48 EST
From: Septawizrd
Posted on: America Online
One only has to read through this file to know why the teachers at the Centrum Children's Writing course have been suggesting for writers to take Improvisation classes. It's the best training a person for get for school visits! ;-) Lindy
Subj: Re:School visits/outfits
Date: 96-04-16 09:37:25 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
Dorothy,
Do you switch outfits in the middle of your talks? I have a butterfly t-shirt and a corn t-shirt and I am trying to figure out how to wear both. . . . (Don't laugh, guys, this is important)
:) Deborah
Subj: Re:School visits/outfits
Date: 96-04-25 13:48:56 EST
From: Septawizrd
Posted on: America Online
Deb-You could 1. include a giant cape and change under cover, 2. Take a bathroom break during your presentation 3. Sew one of the t-shirts onto a skirt on the back of a jacket 4. turn one into a scarf hat or, 5. Decoupage one onto your briefcase. :-) Just trying to be practical.//Lindy
Subj: Re:school visits
Date: 96-04-27 07:25:08 EST
From: ETerr70499
Posted on: America Online
EMail me at 70499 thank you iam 13 years
Subj: a success!
Date: 96-05-05 19:22:27 EST
From: Kthirty
Posted on: America Online
Aunteater, Doug Cushman, came, he saw and he conquered the Badger Mt. Bobcats.
We had a wonderful two days visiting with Mr. Cushman. He is a talented illustrator/author to ask to come and visit your school. He even found some wild and crazy city librarians to take him on a tour of our wine industry.
Now.....I'm planning on hitting up the PTO for an ongoing budget for author visits, strike while the iron is hot.
best to all of you from Kathy - who now has three agents asking for chapters and stuff.
Subj: Re:School visits/outfits
Date: 96-05-14 08:49:58 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
Lindy,
A belated thank you for your great ideas re changing outfits. I've been on too many school visits to visit this board. So far what I've done is had a child put on the t-shirt for appropriate book. Still working on it. Wish I could do school visits in leggings and then pop the t-shirt over another one. . . . I hate having to get dressed up!
Deb
Subj: A kvestion
Date: 96-05-14 10:45:43 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
Hi, veterans. Do any of you do school visits to nursery/pre-schools or daycares? I have two new books out that are geared to that age and setting, but I don't think these schools can pay for an author visit. How can I make it worth my while? Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Deborah
Subj: Re:A kvestion
Date: 96-05-14 20:18:35 EST
From: Limulus P
Posted on: America Online
Deborah,
Some of the preschools and daycare centers are quite large and can afford author visits just as the elementary schools do. I've been visiting one preschool program every year for the past 7 or 8 years. It is associated with the town's school system. There are also many Head Start programs which are held in elementary schools. Many of my presentations include one or two preschool classes along with the Kindergartens. The little guys are a lot of fun, but you do have to keep changing your activities with them every 5 or 10 minutes, and do lots of role-playing stuff. They are pretty good at sitting still, though, while you read your book. Have fun with them!
Mike G.
Subj: what a surprise
Date: 96-05-15 06:40:49 EST
From: SendtoJMA
Posted on: America Online
I was in a school this week, blithely chatting with a nice small group of k's and 1's, when one little chap began barfing all over himself and the rug. His teacher picked him up and hustled him out (still barfing) and I tried to pretend nothing had happened. But all the other kids were holding their noses and groaning "ew," and "oh, sick!" and "it smells." I found myself surprised -- not that it had happened, but that it had never happened before.
Anyone else have a throw-up story to share?
Jennifer A.
Subj: Re:A kvestion
Date: 96-05-15 10:14:57 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Deborah,
You're a brave woman to even consider walking into a pre-K day care. Just the thought makes me grow faint!
Larry
Subj: Re:what a surprise
Date: 96-05-15 10:18:51 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Jennifer--I can't remember who this happened to, but a little guy approached an author during a school visit and tugged on her sleeve. She was talking with another child at the time, so the child tugged again. That didn't gain him any attention, so he barfed all over the author's leg and shoe. :-)
Subj: Re:what a surprise
Date: 96-05-15 11:02:54 EST
From: WriterBabe
Posted on: America Online
Dear Jennifer,
I'm the one who's usually gagging in the bathroom before school visits.
Marilyn
Subj: Re:what a surprise
Date: 96-05-15 13:18:51 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Marilyn,
What a surprise to discover we share a common pre-visit malady! Barf time is how I justify my fee:-)
Larry
Subj: Re:what a surprise
Date: 96-05-15 14:45:09 EST
From: Nickbooks
Posted on: America Online
Ugh, vomit. Stepped over some on my way home from school yesterday. Today we had a brighter day, author Caryn Yacowitz came to visit our school. Mercifully, the children were all well-behaved and no one engaged in any cookie tossing.
Caryn did a cute thing that kept the kids attention. She told her story using fabric puppets on wood dowels, then gave the kids diposable chopsticks so that they could use them to prop up puppets of their own making to retell other stories they knew.
Sandra
Not yet thrown up on but
did have a kid with a major nosebleed
rush up and hug me
the day I stole my husband's fluffy new white sweater
Subj: Re:what a surprise
Date: 96-05-15 21:15:12 EST
From: MJAlso
Posted on: America Online
Larry and Marilyn - I'm so relieved to hear that I'm not the only one who gets physically ill before school visits. My husband thinks I'm nuts!
MJ
Subj: Re:what a surprise
Date: 96-05-15 21:59:37 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
I used to get queezy long ago when I played an instrument.
I threw up before my lessons.
I threw up before performing.
and this was in college!
I guess I worked it all out of my system, because talking in front of kids doesn't bother me any more. I get a rush out of it. I LOVE to see kids get enthusiastic about books. (so far, that's all I've gotten. I 've really got to get going on advertising myself with fee attached. -grin) -w
Subj: Re:what a surprise
Date: 96-05-16 07:42:45 EST
From: SendtoJMA
Posted on: America Online
I myself never feel ill before doing a school visit or giving a speech or lecture, I'm glad to say. But of course, I have a HUGE ego and I can be quite a ham, so I like having a live audience! Actually, I do enjoy watching an audience respond to what I tell them. I like to see those ears prick up and the little noses begin to quiver. It assures me that perhaps I do, indeed, have something interesting and/or important to share.
Jennifer A.
Subj: Re:what a surprise
Date: 96-05-17 22:11:19 EST
From: Limulus P
Posted on: America Online
I was explaining today how a starfish pushes its stomach into its lunch, when a kindergartener lost his own lunch all over his lap. I was really stunned by it, after this week's flavorful online topic. I'm at schools nearly every day in the springtime but his was the first time this has happened to me in more than a year.
Do any of you get caught in fire drills during a presentation? They've been a real nuisance to me. A few years ago a school had a bomb scare and I had to give my presentation in the parking lot while they called the busses to take the kids home. I had to enter the building with a firefighter to retrieve my bags. And then there was the morning of the murder...
Mike G.
Subj: Re:what a surprise
Date: 96-05-18 10:36:55 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
I've had a murder in the parking lot, but schools have usually arranged fire drills AROUND my presentations. The tornado, though, had a mind and timing of its own...
Larry DB
Subj: Re:what a surprise
Date: 96-05-18 11:56:23 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
Ack
and
Oh MY!
Yes, I've been there through fire drills. At least the day was sunny. (grin) -w
Subj: Re:what a surprise
Date: 96-05-18 14:20:25 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
No barf, fire drills, or nosebleeds for me yet. I have so much in life to look forward to!
Lisa
Subj: highs and lows
Date: 96-05-23 15:16:51 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
So I just did two school visits in a row. At yesterdays they made me do it outside. Aside from having to share the arena with a crippled mother duck and her ten ducklings, aside from a faulty sound system, aside from the wind, which kept blowing my show and tell away, aside from my sunburnt nose, it was GREAT.
Today, I made a little girl cry. (Not on purpose, guys.)
And when I got home yesterday, my husband told me I had the aura of Bozo the Clown.
But there were many high points, after I've taken a long nap, I know I'll remember them.
:) :) :)
Deleriously yours,
Deborah
P.S.Next week, three days. How do you guys who spend all spring doing them survive?
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-23 19:01:37 EST
From: Limulus P
Posted on: America Online
Deborah,
Congratulations on your successful school visits, and a belated congratulations on your new books too. I hope you made way for the mother duck and her ducklings at your school visit. It's really tough trying to speak outdoors in the wind, to kids or anyone else. I'm beat too when I get home from a school visit, and I often have the aura, and sometimes the looks, of Bozo the clown, especially after "wearing" a live horseshoe crab on my head. I'm willing to stand on my head if I can get the kids motivated and excited by writing and science. I'm exhausted right now, after spending three hours a day in my car for the past couple of weeks. The rewards are great though. Feel good about yourself and relax!
Mike
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-24 12:56:51 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
Thanks, Mike. You're an inspiration.
Deborah
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-26 10:47:32 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Survival tips:
1.Go to bed as early as possible.
2.Take Vitamin C.
3.Take Vitamin B-12 & B-complex.
4.Eat lightly.
5.Keep a chocolate bar handy, just in case!
6.Laugh.
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-26 12:43:39 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
YeaH! for chocolate
Not to mention Ben and Jerry's New York fudge chunk. YUM.
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-26 14:21:15 EST
From: Limulus P
Posted on: America Online
Thanks for the tips Larry. Those vitamins might help me fight off the colds I've been picking up from all those kids. Do you have any good tips for a sore throat or laryngitis? I like the Ricola cough drops and some of the herbal teas with honey. It's kind of embarassing sometimes when I have to whisper to the kids that I can't talk anymore. Wendie, I love any kind of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, but it sure makes in mess in the car.
Mike
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-27 07:25:22 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
COFFEE!!!!
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-27 11:29:03 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
For laryngitis preventative:
Hot toddy is good
Even cold toddy
Or sipping either lemonaide or straight lemon juice. inbetween talks or even during talks.
I began losing my voice several days ago at a school visit and realized I had forgotten to prepare my voice. Before performing anything, you have to warm up -- and the voice is no different. On your way to the school, try this. (in your motel room, if someone else is going to drive you to the school. -grin)
repeat this to the tune of the Battle hymn of the Republic:
"One little eagle slipped out of the nest while another little eagle slipped in." over and over again.
Then do the "Peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers." bit.
the "Betty Botter bought some Butter
but she found the butter bitter
so she bought some better butter..."
You also might do some choral warm-ups.
do mi so mi doooo
re fa la fa re
mi so le so me
(and so on.)
And then there is the banana song.
Basically, it's --
I like to eat
I like to eat
I like to eat, eat, eat apples and bananas.
Then you replace the vowels with a single vowel, beginning with A
I lake to ate
I lake to ate
I lake to ate, ate, ate applas and bananas.
I leeeke to eeet
I leeeke to eeet etc.
If you are doing this in the car for the last ten minutes to half-hour of your trip, your voice should be fully warmed up and ready to go all day. with no hoarse voice. -w
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-27 17:18:15 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Mike--
I also do "lemon tea" to soothe my throat: lemon juice, warm water, and honey. Put it in a thermos and carry it with you. Besides, it beats the day-old coffee that is standard in some schools.
The voice warm up and good, too. Talk and sing to yourself -- or to others.
Larry
Subj: fees for school visits?
Date: 96-05-28 07:44:17 EST
From: Freeman808
Posted on: America Online
I'm just beginning to get asked to do school visits. My publisher suggested a fee for me to charge per day. But, what exactly is a "day?" One school asked me to come for one assembly of about an hour. Another wants four hours for four different age groups. I'm unclear on the whole concept....
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-28 14:26:18 EST
From: Limulus P
Posted on: America Online
Larry and Wendie,
Thanks for the voice lessons. I will try the lemon, though I can be pretty sour by the end of the day. You wouldn't want to hear me sing, though I used to be a summer camp director and had to lead the kids all the time. Music teachers have nothing to worry about from me, but the kids all figured they couldn't be any worse than I was, so I managed to coax them all into some sort of camp songs.
Mike
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-28 17:46:30 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
Mike, For a boost:: Mrs. Field's Cookies; Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans; For your throat: Halls Mentholyptus Throat Drops (for night--they smell awful--except to a koala bear), any kind of herbal tea, but lemon is best. Ice water all the while you are speaking. We sip a lot of water. Voice exercises sound fun. Maybe you could do them with the kids? Judy and Stephanie
Subj: Re:fees for school visits?
Date: 96-05-28 17:49:02 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
For Stephanie and me, a "day" is no more than four appearances. For some authors it's three. If the school wants you for only one appearance, cool. Decide what your minimum appearance charge would be for one presentation and your charge for the most presentations you'd be willing to do in a day. Good luck and enoy your visits. Judy Enderle
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-29 12:27:44 EST
From: Doropatent
Posted on: America Online
Wendy--those voice exercises sound really bizarre! Some of us are already on the brink, and those might just push us over! I got a good suggestion from Marie, RolandS648's wife when I felt "poisoned" after a busy day with the OR SCBWI--there's something called "adrenal complex" available in health food stores. The headache and exhaustion is a result of adrenal depletion--no more gas for the body engine, so to speak--and the adrenal complex pills are supposed to help. Just take them when you are under heavy stress. I'm going to try them next time I do an appearance to see if it helps. I feel great while I'm doing my talks or whatever, but feel awful the next day.
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-30 16:39:52 EST
From: MJAlso
Posted on: America Online
Larry - I used your hot water, lemon and honey in a thermos to get me through a school visit today. I'm just recovering from bronchitis that was slipping into pneumonia by the time I stopped self-diagnosing and went to the doctor. I was afraid the voice wouldn't last through three sessions, but I kept sipping and kept talking! I think I'll make it a permanent addition to my school visit kit even when I'm healthy.
Wendy, I also tried your voice exercises on the way to the school and got some really strange looks at a stoplight. You're probably supposed to have the car windows closed, right?
MJ
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-30 18:28:11 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
hhhmmm
car windows closed?
ROFL
Well, I've mostly done schools in a rural area, so the only things I disturbed with my voice exercises were birds and cows. (grin) -w
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-30 19:50:40 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
Yesterday in the middle of a three day school visit, five presentations each day (!--Live and learn), I had a lunch with 6 third graders who had achieved a certain reading level. The were so excited and asked me questions the whole time, while I shoveled food in (too hungry not to eat) and then, of course, during my next presentations, the stomach pains hit! Thank goodness for TUMS! Another lesson to learn!
Deb, who is, just about, done for the year. . . .
Subj: Re:fees for school visits?
Date: 96-05-31 08:22:28 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
A "typical" day is 3 to 4 presentations. Set a fee for that. One or 2 presentations should come in at a half-day fee -- which should be slightly more than half your full-day fee. For example, if you charge $500 for a full day (3-4 presentations), charge $275 or $300 for a half-day (1-2 presentations).
Larry
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-31 08:25:46 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
MJ,
I should mention that warm lemon tea sometimes acts as a diuretic, but usually nothing that will catch you off guard. :-)
Larry
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-31 17:06:17 EST
From: MJAlso
Posted on: America Online
Geez, Larry! Now you tell me!
MJ
Subj: Re:highs and lows
Date: 96-05-31 18:56:31 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
ROFL
Subj: Re:fees for school visits?
Date: 96-06-04 07:32:41 EST
From: Freeman808
Posted on: America Online
Thank you everybody for the helpful advice on money. After reading all the tips on school visits, I'm figuring out that the money end of it may be the least of my worries.....Suzanne
Subj: Kentwood, MI
Date: 96-07-09 11:38:00 EST
From: PritchWitt
Posted on: America Online
Hi guys,
I'm wondering if any of you have been invited to Kentwood, MI for presentations? I just got a very nice letter from the Kent District Library there asking if I would be interested in coming in April '98 (I hardly know what I'm doing next week, let alone 2 years from now!) for 3-4 days and doing "2 or more" presentations per day for local middle and high school students. They would sell the books at the same time. They've asked me for my fee, noting that they would pay travel expenses.
The letter is amusing and appealling, but I've never travelled that far to do a presentation. I usually do either local freebies or very low end stuff close to home (partly because I don't feel like putting the effort into getting as "glossy" as I feel you ought to to take your act on the road for big bucks. I have a limited amount of time and I like to use it to WRITE.) Still, this is sort of appealling and my newest book which is set in the Galapagos is fun to do with students and fits well into a number of curriculum slots. Any advice? What would you charge to do this kind of thing? (Keeping in mind I don't love travelling either.) Also, it seems like 2 years is a long time away to make a committment like this.
All advice appreciated! -- Ellen W.
Subj: Re:Kentwood, MI
Date: 96-07-09 13:59:14 EST
From: LBrimner
Posted on: America Online
Ellen--
Two years isn't such a long time. I routinely book 2 years out, even though it sounds crazy (and just try getting a 1998 calendar in 1996!). I've only had to cancel once and in one other instance -- pneumonia -- I rescheduled. You can do it.
Subj: Re:Kentwood, MI
Date: 96-07-09 14:53:11 EST
From: SendtoJMA
Posted on: America Online
Ellen, as for what to charge.... you say you value your time highly, so give your time a high price. Make it big -- and if they go for it, why not? Try somewhere between 700-1000/day. If they balk, you get to stay home and write. If they say "how should we make out the check," it's worth the trip to promote your book.
Good luck.
Jennifer A.
Subj: Re:Kentwood, MI
Date: 96-07-09 21:02:28 EST
From: Judink
Posted on: America Online
Ellen,
Be sure they pick all your expenses and go for it!
Subj: Re:Kentwood, MI
Date: 96-07-10 08:58:09 EST
From: PritchWitt
Posted on: America Online
Thanks for the tips, guys. I know you're right, Jennifer, about pricing myself high enough to make it worthwhile, and still I feel odd asking for so much. Not that I don't think my WRITING is worth the money; it's just I'm not sure my PERFORMANCE will be. (On the other hand, it's hard to make a lot of $ on YAs in my experience.) But if you charge a lot are you expected to bring lots of bells and whistles? Obviously I need to screw up my courage and go for this one. I've been telling myself I had to start promoting myself more but I've hated to give the time to doing it. And here they're handing it to me! --Ellen
Subj: Re:Kentwood, MI
Date: 96-07-10 10:10:22 EST
From: DebOnMove
Posted on: America Online
Ellen,
Try to schedule a couple of local things a week or two before your big trip so you are in the swing of things. Have fun! And definitely ask for the bucks. . . .
Deb
Subj: Re:Getting your bk. into sch
Date: 96-07-19 10:48:44 EST
From: Heycarla
Posted on: America Online
Dear Mary,
I teach and write. In my area, any teacher or librarian in the system can recommend a book to be included in the libraries. If the book is not controversial, this will usually do it.
As a practical matter, the more you can make people aware of you and your books, the better. This is where school visits, talks to teacher groups, visits to local libraries help. Those of us who buy books have fairly broad authority. We also have hundreds of books to choose from. If you are not a household name and if the book is not an award winner, you can get overlooked.
Subj: Re:How
Date: 96-07-21 14:43:00 EST
From: Mi Doe
Posted on: America Online
I have only published one book so far: Pocket Books, 12/95... It has sold about 30,000 to date. I
have a MEd from Harvard and have worked with children for years. I also produce children's television and have a preschool video on the market.
My question is this:
How do I book school and library and bookstore visits? So far it has been through local connections or when I am traveling to a city I call a bookstore and do a free workshop and signing. How can I get paid to lead these workshops and let schools know about me.
Many, many thanks for the information.
Mimi
Subj: hi
Date: 96-09-12 19:37:30 EST
From: Wendie Old
Posted on: America Online
just wanted to bring this topic back into focus.
has anybody gotten response to mailings to schools and has been invited?
When's the best time to send out a mailing.
To the school board?
or do you have to send to EVERY school in every school district. errrrrrg -w
Subj: Re:hi
Date: 96-09-12 21:27:18 EST
From: LisaFrau
Posted on: America Online
Wendie, I've had some response to regional mailings, but to librarians rather than school boards, with a note to please pass the info on to the coordinator of school talks in the district, be it a language arts teacher, parent organization, etc.
Lisa
Subj: Re:hi
Date: 96-09-13 03:51:19 EST
From: Heycarla
Posted on: America Online
Wendie, I am a reading teacher in a large district. One way writers get in is to contact either a reading teacher or librarian in a school, go to that school, do a good job, and the word gets out. At first you may have to speak for a modest fee. As you gain a reputation in the community, you can raise your fee. Elaine Moore did that in the Fairfax/ Washington D.C. area, and on the strength of one book and a bang-up presentation, she really got going.
Carla
2/3/97 0:09:27 PM Closing Log file.
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