Teachers and Librarians
Each of my books has its own paget hat includes information such as study guides.
I love talking with students from fourth grade to high school. I believe my visits should make every child feel both comfortable and empowered.
Author Visits
“Making dreams come true may seem impossible to young people. But possibilities are real, and struggle often bears fruit. That is the message behind my books, and the message in my visit, no matter what the subject.”
What People Say about Barbara's Talks
“Bravo! Please let her know how very pleased I was with her presentation, breadth of knowledge, articulate message, and passion."
Stephanie
“Her talk was excellent. Great find."
Alice Powers
"Thanks for your presentation yesterday. It was great to "see" you! It went well, and I enjoyed it very much."
Author Lynn Lovegreen, SCBWI Alaska
"The [mentoring] experience was positive and productive."
Aspiring author Suzannah Sebayan, SCBWI Illinois
"he thanks and praise for your webinar continue to flow. It's clear how necessary your work in this area is. Add my thanks to the heap."
Author Jen Funk Weber, SCBWI Alaska
PROGRAMS
Getting in Print
55 minute presentation and Q&A session for grades 8-12 and adults
This workshop covers issues in the current and still-evolving publishing landscape, including:
- Print, eBook, audio books, and enhanced eBooks
- The role of the agent, editor, distributor, marketing, reader and ‘street team’
- The enhanced role of readers
- Why most authors still need day jobs
Beginnings, Middles and Ends – Writing tips to improve your fiction
55 minute presentation and Q&A session for grades 5-12
An interactive discussion and workshop on novel writing that covers topics such as:
- Crafting strong openings
- Creating memorable characters
- Setting
- The role of Action (not Activity)
- Endings that will have readers coming back for more
- Editing & Revision – yes, you do have to
Adding The Spice of Diversity to Your Writing
60 minute presentation and Q&A session for grades 8-12 and adults
An interactive discussion and hands-on workshop on diversity in fiction:
- Do’s and Don’ts for crafting multi-cultural characters.
- Religion and cultural issues
- Respecting your reader
- The REAL truth about ‘write what you know’ (a. k. a. Research!!)
- Voice and the use/misuse of dialect
Also available as an expanded 6-week course for adult writers.
“Ripped from the headlines” or how make real life meet fiction
40 minute presentation/workshop for grades 8-12 and adult
What makes realistic fiction “real”? Students see how to use the life around them to develop characters and story ideas. This will use excerpts, themes, and outlines from fiction and memoir to showcase examples of ‘the lie that tells the truth’ Students will brainstorm some story ideas of their own.
Cost and Scheduling
Single 1 hour session – $300.00 plus travel expenses.(reduced price available for visits to Chicago Public Schools and locations Chicago libraries. Contact the author for details.)
Half day (2 sessions back to back) – $450.00 plus travel expenses.
Full day (up to 4 sessions) – $800.00 plus travel expenses.
Half hour Skype Classroom visit plus Q/A sessions – free
Longer sessions are available on any subject on a negotiated scale.
Contact me to schedule a visit or to discuss your needs and price range. Something can always be negotiated.