An Author's Dream Come True!

In October 2002, I traveled across the country to my old hometown in Morganville, New Jersey and visited Robertsville Elementary (where I attended when I was a kid) and it's sister school, Asher Holmes Elementary!

 

I was reunited with Mrs. Trachtenberg, who was my Fifth Grade teacher (back in 1975)! (That's me on the left.)
 

Thanks to all of you at Robertsville and Asher Holmes who made me feel right at home!
 

Author Visit

 

Questions & Answers
There are lots of authors, why should we invite you to our school?
 
Being both an author and publisher, I am able to talk to students about the craft of writing (i.e. plot and character development), as well as how a book is made from start to finish (students find it especially interesting to see the stages of cover design!) What makes my visits really unique, however, is the subject matter of my books: Firefighters!  In addition to learning about writing and publishing, students get an inside view on the lives of firefighters and learn how they, themselves, can be everyday heroes too!
 
What grade level are your books and visits aimed at?
 
Fire Kids! is best suited for 3rd - 5th graders (4.2 Reading Level), while The Heart Behind the Hero is most suitable for 5th & 6th graders and up. My presentations, however, have been quite successful for 1st graders all the way up through 6th graders. When visiting schools, I typically alter my presentations to match each individual age group (i.e. focus on "heroes" for 1st & 2nd graders, focus on plot and story development for 5th & 6th graders.)
 
What is your fee?
 
I charge $350 for a full day (3 assembly presentations and lunch with small group.). $175 for half day (1 or 2 assembly presentations.) With special arrangements, my husband Curt (a real firefighter and co-author of The Heart Behind the Hero) will join us and talk to students about firefighters and other "everyday heroes." Plus the PTA or PTO can earn 30% cash back from book sales. Wow!! Two authors for the price of one and cash back ... Who can resist!?!
 
How long are your presentations and how are they structured?
 
Presentations are:   

30 minutes for 1st & 2nd Graders

45 minutes for 3rd - 6th Graders
 
Presentation:  First, I talk about what I was like as a kid (including overheads of two of my less than perfect report cards!!) I encourage students to hold on to their dreams and work hard toward their goals ... they can do anything if they take things one step at a time. Next, I talk about the book creation process from creating characters, to writing the story, editing, cover design and, finally, publishing. (For older kids I talk in more detail about character and plot development.) Finally, I talk about publishing opportunities for children and offer an opportunity for Questions & Answers.
 
 

How to Have a Successful Fire Kids!

Author Visit at Your School!
 
          When kids get the chance to meet the author of a book they've read, a special connection is made. They are energized with a new focus and appreciation for reading. Schools play a vital role in creating the right atmosphere before and during the visit, which helps nurture the enthusiasm of their students, thus getting the most out of the author visit.