Presentations for Kids

These presentations are suitable for small groups (up to 50) in grades 5-8. Please allow 50 minutes or one class period for each presentation. I can schedule up to four presentations in one day.

    How an Idea Becomes a Book

Using samples from my books, I show the stages in creating a book, from rough draft to revisions to finished book. I talk briefly about research techniques and how students can use them in their own projects. There will be time for a question and answer period.

    Every Life Tells a Story

A more in-depth exploration of researching and writing a biography, using Sacagawea as an example. We discuss how to choose the best sources, and what to do if sources provide conflicting information. We talk about how to find interesting information that brings the past to life, and how to use creative writing techniques to add spark to the story. 

    The Writing Life

"Where do you get your ideas?"... "Do you know the ending of a book when you start writing?"... "Can you tell me how I can be a writer too?"... I'll talk about the challenges and joys of the creative process.

Presentations for Adults

These presentations are for adults who want to get acquainted with the world of children's books, and can be hosted by libraries, book clubs, or other community groups. Allow about an hour for formal presentation, and another hour for informal chat.

    Writing and Publishing Books for Children

An overview of the world of children's books and what it takes to break in to a profession that's extremely competitive and often low-paying, but highly rewarding. There will be time for Q&A at the end.

Presentations for Writers

I give these presentations at writers' conferences and workshops:

   Your Foot in the Door: Query Letters that Work

How do you get editors to read your stories even at "closed houses"? With a great query letter! Learn when to send a query, what information to include, and how a query is different from a cover letter.

© Stacy DeKeyser 2006