School Visits

I’d love to come to your school or library! I particularly like classroom/small-group situations, where the students can participate in lively discussions.


1. LET’S INVESTIGATE

In this presentation, I’ll discuss, from original concept to finished product, the process of writing a Who-Done-It. There are lots of things to think about before even beginning to write a mystery, like the Bad Guy(s), the Good Guy(s), Motives, Clues, and—of course—Red Herrings (they’re not just fish, you know)! We’ll put this into action and develop a simple plot outline of a class mystery involving everything I’ve discussed: a protagonist, antagonist, motives, clues, and—of course—Red Herrings.

2. WHAT A CHARACTER!

I’ve often been asked questions about the main character, Billie, in Tracking Daddy Down. “Was she a real person?” kids have inquired.

In this presentation, I’ll explore how an author develops his or her characters. Are they based on real people, or totally “made up?” We’ll talk about how specific personality traits of the main character, along with secondary characters and the antagonist, propel the story’s plot. I’ll discuss what might’ve happened differently in Tracking Daddy Down if Billie weren’t such a fiery protagonist, but rather a shy and reserved child. Finally, the class and I will develop a simple story plot (main character with a problem). We’ll then analyze how–by experimenting with and changing the main character’s personality traits–the story’s outcome is affected.

Teachers and librarians can contact me regarding availability, fees, and honorariums.

Hope to hear from you!