Author Visits or Speaking Engagements.
An elementary teacher for sixteen years, Mark enjoys engaging with all ages. He creates a safe environment for students to try new things and help get words on the page. Presentations can be customized to whatever the goal or curriculum.
School Visits
K-3: Getting Started With Writing – The Story Behind the Story
Mark will read his picture book and share tales behind its creation. He’ll share a story he wrote as a child and where he gets his ideas. He’ll end with a concrete writing prompt to inspire each student on their own story. Option: Can share additional picture books and how they might inspire creative writing projects.
Rates
VIRTUAL: $75 for one 45 min period.
IN PERSON: $250 for one 45 min period. $550 for a half day. $950 for a full day I’m always happy to work with your school’s budget.
4-8: Find Your Writing Voice – An Author’s Journey
How do you tap into your author voice? Mark will share his struggle to find his own writing voice through essays and novels. He’ll describe his path to publication, share unpublished books, and talk about what inspires him. Through a writing prompt, he will help lead a discussion on how to unleash each writer’s unique voice through details.
Rates
VIRTUAL: $75 for one 45 min period.
IN PERSON: $250 for one 45 min period. $550 for a half day. $950 for a full day I’m always happy to work with your school’s budget.
Upper Grades: Write Historical Fiction – Melding Nonfiction With Narrative
Mark will share his process of writing A TICKET TO THE PENNANT and how he melded nonfiction within a narrative. He’ll share other picture books he believes do this well. If students come with a topic, he can give feedback on how to build a narrative around a historical event of their choosing. (This has also been used with high school students for science topics).
Rates
VIRTUAL: $75 for one 45 min period.
IN PERSON: $250 for one 45 min period. $550 for a half day. $950 for a full day I’m always happy to work with your school’s budget.