Appearances
One of the special
parts of being a published author is the opportunity to speak to groups of
readers and writers. I have developed a number of presentations and I would
be happy to work with your school or group to create a talk tailored specifically
to your needs. If you are interested in inviting me to speak to your school
or group please email me at pfitsch@mwt.net.
Talks for Schools and General
Audiences
Talks for Writers
Fee Schedule
Appearance Schedule 2006-2007
I'll need these items for my talks.
Talks for Schools and
General Audiences
The Story of My Stories
Middle Grade to Adult Audiences
This is a 45-50 minute talk in which I speak about how I became a writer,
how I get my ideas, and a bit about how I develop my characters. I talk about
revision, and I answer questions. During this presentation I show slides
of the real-life people and places that have inspired my books. I let
students see the copy-edited manuscripts and galleys; the stages from manuscript
to published book. I also have a display of photos and touchable items
related to my books set up in the room. This talk works well for schools:
I can do this presentation up to four times in a day. Audience size ranges
from 15 or less to 150 or sometimes more, though the smaller the audience,
the more effective the presentation.
Using the Story of My Stories to talk about writing skills
Middle
School Audiences
This presentation is similar to the first one but focuses more on writing
skills. I meet a larger group (up to about 150 students) for a shorter
version of the above talk. With this many students it is impossible to answer
many questions, and this talk, which lasts about 30 minutes, is short enough
that even a larger group doesn't get too restless. Then I meet with those
same students in smaller groups of up to about 40 children and talk in more
detail about developing character, 'showing' the story using scenes, revision.
During this small group sections the students can ask questions.
One Day Writing Workshop
Middle Grade to Adult Audiences
This is a 3 to 4 hour workshop (includes a break for lunch or snacks)
for a small group--usually between 15 and 30 participants. I've worked with
both middle school and high school writers, and adults. Using my own
writing as examples, I focus on character development, plot, setting, revision,
etc. I show slides and use other visual aids. The class and I do writing
exercises together and I leave time for participants to begin a story. At
the end, I ask for volunteers to read their work to the class.
The Story of Westward to Oregon
Pre-school to Third Grade Audiences
In this 30 minute presentation I talk about WESTWARD TO OREGON. I explain
how I got the idea for the book and show slides of the real-life things that
inspired the story and the pictures.
Is There a Lighthouse In Your Future?
Middle Grade-Adult Audiences
In this hour presentation I use my books, the real life heroines I've discovered
in my research and my own life as a writer to discuss the importance of taking
risks and following your dreams. This makes an effective keynote speech for
a conference.
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Writer's Conferences
I frequently speak at Writers' conferences. Some of the above presentations
(most often "Is there a lighthouse in your future") work well for keynote
address. Other popular topics include: researching historical fiction; writing
historical fiction; revision; writing for magazines; and the ten rules for
staying sane in today's chaotic publishing world. I can work with you to
develop a talk on a new topic. I often do individual manuscript critique
when I speak at writers' conferences.
Multi-Day Writing Workshops
I teach multi-day writing workshops for various schools and colleges. For
this I can either work with your curriculum or use my own, which includes
1.5 hour workshops on plot, character, setting, revision, selling your work,
etc. This workshop can include individual manuscript critique.