YES, I’D LOVE TO COME TO YOUR SCHOOL, LIBRARY OR WRITER'S WORKSHOP!

This is one of my favorite “hats” to wear as a writer – I love to meet students to talk about science projects, writing, or anything else under the sun. I am also available to present workshops for adults on various aspects of writing. In the past I have been a featured presenter at the American Christian Writers Conference ( Richmond) and the Space Coast Writer’s Guild ( Brevard County, FL) as well as an adjunct writing professor at a local community college.

My honorarium depends upon the type of program, distance from my home and travel expenses.

Presentations include:

For Kids

Science Fair Fun

For Grades 1-5, 45 minutes total (30 minutes presentation; 15 minutes Q&A)

Make amazing gook, defy the laws of gravity, or blow a square bubble in this hands-on discussion of science. I discuss the Scientific Method in step-by-step terms so that even young scientists can understand and apply this process. I also cover how to develop a science project and “what not to do” in preparing for the fair.

Writing Outside the Lines

For Grades 3-5, 1 hour total (50 minutes presentation; 10 minutes Q&A)

Six interactive and creative writing exercises show students to secret to making their writing compelling. I also call these exercises for kids who (think they) hate writing because they are so fun and revealing.

A Day in the Life of an Author

For Grades 1-5, 45 minutes total (30 minutes presentation; 15 minutes Q&A)

What does it mean, to “be a writer?” Where do I get ideas? What is the publishing process like? Can I be published now? I answer these questions and more in this discussion of the writer’s life. I also share writing from my own school days and draw upon my experiences, first published professionally when only 14.

For Middle School/High School Students

Strategies for Winning Science Fair Projects

For Grades 6-12, 1 hour total, (45 minutes presentation; 15 minutes Q&A)

I uncover some of the “tricks of the trade” as a former international science fair winner. In this presentation, I discuss as selecting a topic, writing a research paper, creating a backboard, and presenting before judges.

Writing for Dollars

For Grades 9-12, 1 hour total (45 minutes presentation; 15 minutes Q&A)

In this workshop, we cover scholarship application essays, college admission writing, and other competitive writing high school students face. I share my experience as a reader of thousand of freshmen application essays while working at the University of Florida, with an emphasis on how to craft essays which stand out from the crowd.

The Path to Publication

For Grades 9-12, 1 hour total (45 minutes presentation; 15 minutes Q&A)

I wrote my first published book before the age of 21, and know first-hand the joys and challenges young writers face. In this workshop I explore the importance of writing at any age. I also look specifically at ways young writers can influence society, using The Diary of Anne Frank as an example and also discuss opportunities for young people to share their work with the world.

For Adults

Helping Your Student with a Science Fair Project

For parents of elementary and middle school children, 45 minutes total

The line between helping a student with a school project and doing it for them can be very fine. In this discussion, I explore ways parents can encourage and facilitate learning while leaving the responsibility and ownership for a science project with their child.

Writing for Children

For writers

I am available to speak to writers from beginners to those more experienced about a wide range of topics related to “Writing for Children.” In the past, I have discussed:

• How to Write Dynamite Query Letters
• Writing for Magazines
• Creating a Nonfiction Book Proposal
• Picture Books and the People who Love ‘Em
• Carpe Write ‘Em: Goal Setting and Time Management for Writers
• And much, much more! Please contact me for more information at htomasello@tampabay.rr.com

A full day includes up to four presentations. I prefer to speak before groups no larger than 60 to keep them interactive. Please allow 15 minutes between sessions and factor time for lunch (preferable 1 hour.) I am also happy to eat lunch with a small group of children (in the past schools have had a special “lunch with the author” for writing contest winners or the like.)

Neighboring schools/libraries can split the cost of a full-day visit by having me visit one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I am very flexible – contact me and we can arrange a visit tailored to your needs.

I am delighted to sign books during my visit to your school/library. You’ll need to order them through a bookstore or from my publisher, John Wiley & Sons by calling 201-748-6372.

For fees and schedule information, please e-mail me at htomasello@tampabay.rr.com

My visit wish list:

• An overhead projector/screen
• A microphone (for larger groups)
• Enthusiastic, well-prepared students
• Someone to hand me books while I’m signing them

There are some great resources for media specialists and teachers planning author’s visits: author Dan Gutman's site The Perfect Author Visit, or author Toni Buzzeo's resource The Author and Illustrator Visits Home Page, both chock-full of great suggestions.