donnybaileyseagraves

Suggested Topics

Meet the Author

Writing Workshop for Young Writers

Finding Fiction in Your Own Backyard

Creating Characters, Setting and Plot

How to Become a Kid Writer

The Five Senses and How to Use Them in Your Writing

A Customized Talk or Workshop 

More Information

I usually speak to no more than 60 students per session, no more than three-four sessions per day, at the rate of (negotible - email me to discuss), plus travel, lodging and related expenses, if more than 50 miles from Winterville, Georgia.

For schools within 50 miles of my home, please inquire about my special local rate.

Note: School Visit Rates are subject to change at any time.

SKYPE Virtual Visits also are available at a very affordable rate. This is an excellent way to bring an author to your school, especially one who lives far away.

I am also available to do Book Store visits, book signings, church and religious group talks and events and some nonprofit events at no charge, as my schedule permits. Email me to learn more.

West Jackson Middle School Students Writing

Above are West Jackson Middle School Students writing what they see after a recent "Finding Fiction" workshop I conducted at their school for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

My favorite part of writing is meeting young readers when I visit schools. I would love to meet your students so I can talk to them about Gone From These Woods and writing in general.

Picture this. Your students listening to an author tell how she got her inspiration for the book they've just read. Imagine your students asking questions: "Why did your character do that at the end of your book?" "Who was the inspiration for your protagonist?" "Where did you get the details for your setting?"

The author reads a passage from the book and then talks about the meaning of what happened in that scene and why that scene is crucial to the plot. Your students get their books signed and some lucky young readers enjoy lunch with the author, where they are treated to more details and inspiring information about writing.

Author visits are one of the best ways to inspire your students and help them develop writing skills that strengthen and enrich the curriculum. When an author comes to your school to speak to young readers and writers, students will want to read, write and learn more about the process of writing. But the success of these events depends on effective planning.

Want to learn more about how to set up a school visit with me and how to make that visit a big hit with fellow teachers, parents, students, and administrators? Click here to download a guide prepared by Jamie Kyle McGillian, a founding editor of Creative Classroom and a freelance writer in New York. Note: You may contact me directly to set up a school visit, rather than going through my publisher Random House.

MORE ABOUT SCHOOL VISITS

I recommend that your students be familiar with my book, Gone From These Woods, before I visit your school. Fifth grade and up students should have read the whole book. Fourth graders and any students who have not read the book may read the excerpt from the first chapter here.

If you are unable to afford my honorarium, the cost of my author's visit may be offset or even covered by pre-sales of the Yearling paperback edition of Gone From These Woods. I also offer a special rate for local schools. I am willing to work with you on making an author visit possible and within your budget, taking into consideration that each school visit I make takes me away from writing and involves at least two days of preparation plus travel time and expenses. Please email me at donnyseagraves@gmail.com for more information. 

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