School
Talks
by
Maggie
Stern
OVERVIEW
In my class presentations,
I informally discuss my experiences with the writing process. With grades
K-2, I focus on where I get my ideas and the importance of writing them
down in a journal or on a scrap of paper or anywhere. I tell them some
of my best ideas are forgotten because . . . I haven't written them down!
(I give out a small notebook and pencil to each student at the end of
my talks.) I read a few of my own journal entries and explain how they
became stories. Then I read one of these stories aloud to show how the
idea grew into the story itself, and they can see for themselves how one
of my small journal entries turned into a book. I also discuss all the
different places — both real and imagined — that story ideas
can come from, using my own books as examples. For older grades, I discuss
my work in more detail, explaining how I construct a story, rewrite it
(I emphasize the revision process.) and see it through to publication.
Multiple-day programs are also possible. These can be organized by individual
classes or larger groupings. Naturally, these events also require more
planning and coordination between myself and the school.
AUTOGRAPHING
I am happy to autograph
any copies of my books, new or used, in conjunction with my visits. As
you may know, you can order books on consignment from publishers in connection
to any author visit, and your discount is generally 40%.
FEES
For up-to-three talks
within an hour's driving distance of my home: $600.00/day, all expenses
included. For talks over one hour's distance, but still within a one-day
driving distance, add $50.00/day for expenses. For up-to-three talks involving
an overnight stay away from my home: $800.00/day (plus transportation,
lodging, meals). If needed to complete a schedule, an additional (4th)
talk may be added for an extra $150.00.
NOTE:
A talk can last from 40-60 minutes.
(K-2 tend to run closer to 40 minutes; older grades are closer to one
hour.)
CONTACT
MAGGIE
For
further information, or to discuss your plans in more detail, please contact
me directly:
Phone: (978)287-4722; Fax: (978)287-1454
Email: maggie@maggiestern.com
School
Talks
by
Maggie
Stern