HOW TO
AVOID THE FEELING OF ISOLATION
BY
CONDUCTING AUTHOR VISITS
By
Donna M. McDine
Your
writing career is moving at a steady pace, but from time-to-time, the
feeling of isolation overwhelms you. What is a writer to do to get one’s self
out into the world of the living, but not neglect your writing goals? One of the best ways to get yourself known
locally as a serious writer would be to participate in author visits to
elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools in your area - depending
on what genre you write for. Also check out your local library and bookstores –
they too may be interested in having you conduct an event. Presenting your
short story or non-fiction article for children’s magazines can be fun way to
present the creative writing process to children of all ages without
overwhelming them. And since you are writing for children, why not spend time
with them?
It can
be daunting to research school visits, considering the Internet comes up with
over 2 million hits when typing in “School Author Visits.” Why not check out the following resources:
1.
Local
Schools – Contact
an elementary school in your area and find out whom you need to present your
school visit request to. The school secretaries are happy to point you in the
right direction, whether it is the principal, PTA or program coordinator of the
school. IMPORTANT: Keep in mind you don’t necessarily need to have a published
book to conduct a school visit. You may be able to present a published short
story or non-fiction article to the class. In addition, let the school know
that you can meet with respective teachers and conform the event to coincide
with their ELA State Assessment Guidelines.
2.
Your
network of fellow writers
– We are all cheering for one another and I’m sure your network would be happy
to discuss their ideas of school visits. If you are just starting out, the
Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators – http://www.scbwi.org, has a wealth of information on
all topics for writing for children.
3.
Local
Librarian – I
have had wonderful success in becoming “buddies” with my local librarian. They
are a chock full of information when it comes to conducting events for children.
You never know, they may be so impressed with your initiative that they may
request that you conduct a visit at their library. What better way to keep
children inspired to read by meeting a local writer living in their midst?
4.
Local
Bookstores –
Approach the manager or owner to see if they would be interested in having you
conduct an author visit. If they are, obtain their guidelines for conducting
such a visit and tell them that you will get back to them with your proposal /
school visit kit. Be sure to leave your business card with them.
Put
yourself out there…it will not only be fun for the children but for yourself!
About
the author:
Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author. Her stories,
articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online
publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and
publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna
has four more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, Hockey Agony, Powder Monkey, A Sandy Grave, and Dee and Deb, Off They Go. She writes, moms and is the
Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids and owner of Author PR Services from
her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI,
Working Writer’s Club, and Family Reading Partnership. Visit www.donnamcdine.com.
Posts
10 comments:
Hi Cheryl,
Thank you for publishing my article, much appreciated!
All the best,
Donna
Great article, Donna, and sagely advice! Most of us authors do live too much in our heads--nature of the business. This is good stuff.
Really great advice, Donna. Thanks for sharing.
Nice post, Donna! Thanks for the links and resources!
Mayra
This is very helpful and encouraging. Thanks for posting!
Melissa
Thanks Donna. I'll try and pry myself out of this chair. Maybe tomorrow.
This is very timely for me as I have a middle-grade novel coming out at the end of August and REALLY want to get in front of kids this school year. Thanks so much for the tips and ideas. :)
I'm wondering if you ever used postcards or general mailings to schools/libraries or did you always call/visit in person? I am thinking about ordering some postcards from VIstaprint and trying to use them strategically!
Good advice, Donna, thank you!
Thanks Donna...this is such good advice!
Thanks to social networking, you can put yourself out there virtually as well as in person. Staying grounded and in touch with the world is as important as being focussed in your writing. Thanks for the article.
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