Thanks for your interest in having me come to your school. Below are some frequently asked questions, but let me know what else I can answer. I love visiting classrooms!
What are we going to talk about?
This is entirely up to you. I am open to just about anything, but here are some ideas:
- Meet the Author: Life before, during, and after a book is born.
- Literature Can Save Lives: An overview of books, including Crazy and Behind These Hands, that deal with difficult subjects.
- Writing From the Heart in Verse: Hands-on writing workshop that focuses on books written in verse.
- What is Bipolar Disorder? Powerpoint presentation on facts about bipolar and mental illness in general, and author’s personal experience.
How might the schedule work?
Again, this is up to you, and here are some possibilities:
- Full day, beginning with “meet the author” assembly (20-30 minutes), followed by maximum of three classroom visits (45-50 minutes) or two 90-120 minute blocks for writing workshops.
- Single-class or multiple-class visit without assembly.
- Single-class visit.
- Any combination of the above tailored to your specific needs.
What age range are Crazy and Behind These Hands targeting?
- Both books are listed as being appropriate for ages 13 and up. (Young Adult)
- Writing workshops can be tailored for sixth grade and up.
- While the books deal with serious mental and/or physical illnesses, both books are appropriate for mature Middle Grade students and will lend themselves well to guided discussions.
How should we prepare for your visit?
- Author visits work best when the students have read all or part of the book.
- Teachers may want to download a free copy of the discussion guide for Crazy on Eerdmans website: https://tinyurl.com/nhsqysv.
- Sign and return Author Appearance Contract thirty days prior to visit.
What about ordering books?
- Books may be ordered through your local bookstore or your favorite online retailer. For Crazy, Eerdmans (cbridge@eerdmans.com or 616-459-4591) offers an author event discount of 50% – returnable.
- Be sure to allow 7-10 business days for shipping.
- Students may also have the option of pre-ordering through the author before the visit.
What equipment might you need?
- Microphone for large auditorium presentations.
- Screen and computer with Powerpoint access (depending on presentation).
- A glass or bottle of water is always welcome.
- Lunch if it’s an all-day visit, and I’m happy to sit with teachers or students.
How much do you charge?
- $150 for two hours or less.
- $350 for whole day.
- If I travel over 40 miles, I will ask you to cover expenses for gas, transportation, and lodging (schools in the same city may find it advantageous to team up to share expenses).
- Free: 30-minute Skype Q & A for any classroom that has read Crazy or Behind These Hands.