1. Can workshops be divided over two or more days?

Yes, they can. I offer half-day and full-day programs, with a discount rate for multiple days. Let’s talk!


2. Can more than one school share you over several days to get the discounted rate?

The more the merrier! I’m happy to travel between schools if they are located near each other. Principals and superintendents should look for partner schools. Public schools may want to contact private and parochial schools in the area too.


3. Do you have a flat day rate?

Yes, I do. Please contact me for details.


4. What grades are your workshops best suited for?

The Henry Hudson program works well for fourth graders studying New York State history and for fifth graders studying mapping skills. However, I can adapt this program (and any program) for the ages and abilities of the students. I’m used to working with a variety of ages, and even mixed-age groups. Young explorers can be as young as kindergartners! I am also happy to work with special-needs students in an integrated program or separate workshop.


5. What other programs do you offer?

I offer over 25 programs, many based on books I have written. You can learn more about my programs here.


6. Do you have reference letters available for review:

Yes, you can read them here.


7. Will you offer the Henry Hudson program beyond the Quadricentennial Celebration in 2009?

Absolutely! This is an excellent program for students studying explorers, mapping skills, or New York State history at any time.


8. Do you offer large-group programs or just small-group workshops?

I do both. My preference, however, is the smaller program or a large program with smaller break-out sessions. I like to give the students individual attention, when possible. (Teachers get more from the programs too.)


9. Do you offer evening family programs?

I do, and they’re one of my favorite things to do. If you’d like to include a meet-the-author program or a regular workshop as part of a family event, please contact me for rates. (There is a discount rate if it is attached to a day program.)


10. Do you offer in-service programs?

Yes, I do. I enjoy working with adults. I teach an online course called Writing for Children. It is offered through a consortium of over 2,400 colleges and universities around the world. My in-service program can focus on writing for children in general to integrating one of my books into a specific part of the curriculum. I also offer “teach the teacher” programs to take my workshops into the classroom with teachers as the primary presenters.


11. What books are soon to be released that you’ll design programs around in the next year?

Great question! I am currently under contract to write three science fair project books for upper elementary students.

I am also working on several picture books for elementary students that focus on state history.

Visit often to see new programs spotlighted on my web site.


Henry’s not the only one celebrating this year. I just finished two books for Milton Hershey School’s centennial celebration. The first is a picture book that parallels the life of the school (founded by chocolate-maker Milton S. Hershey) with that of a red oak tree. The second is a journal-style middle-grade book that takes place in 1977-78. (This is the year girls were first admitted to the school and the boys were not too thrilled about this!) Both books are great introductions for other students to write a history story, either about their school or life, and present it in one of these formats.

You can learn more about these two books here.


12. Do you participate in author-in-residence programs?

I do! I can share classroom or library space with your young authors for a day or a week. I also offer a virtual author program, where I meet with students and teachers using Web technology. This virtual program works best when combined with an initial in-person program. It’s great for crazy winters where weather can make travel difficult.


13. Do you work with special needs students?

I am happy to adapt my program to meet the needs of your students.


14. Are you available for summer camp programs?

Yes. I travel throughout the region in the summer, working primarily with the New York State Library Summer Reading Program. The 2009 summer theme was “Be Creative.” The 2010 theme will be “Make a Splash,” which is just perfect for a children’s author who holds an environmental engineering degree with the focus on water resources! I’ll be sharing theme-specific programs with librarians and others in January 2010.


15. Are your school programs BOCES aid able?

Yes, my programs are listed on the BOCES Arts in Education web site. Please check with your regional BOCES Arts-in-Education Coordinator for specific details.


16. How many books have you written?

25 and counting! Each day brings a new writing adventure! Most of my programs are based on my books. Some of my books are still in editing or in preparation to go onto the printing press. Click here to view my children’s books currently available for sale. Come back often to see newly released titles!

17. Do you write for adults too?

I do! You can view my nonfiction guides here and books in which my work is spotlighted here.


18. Do you ever work with other authors?

Like most authors, I usually work independently, but one of my favorite projects had a co-author – my daughter, Elise. She was only 13 years old when she was published by Barnes and Noble. Together, we wrote a guide about horses. Elise is a hippophile. (Look it up!)


19. Do you visit places other than schools?

One of my favorite places to visit is a community’s public library. In the summer, I travel around to present workshops as part of the summer reading program. You may also find me and my books in museums, environmental centers, art galleries, visitors’ centers, and amusement parks! (One of my books is about mathematics in the amusement park. It runs on a wi-fi network. Still photos become running video. Words become voice overs! It is one of my books soon to be released!)


20. Have you been cleared to work in the public school system?

In May 2009, I was fingerprinted and received clearance to work in New York State public schools by the Department of Education.


21. Do you belong to any professional writing or teaching associations?

Yes, I do. My memberships include Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Association of Teaching Artists, Teachers and Writers Collaborative, International Reading Association, Adirondack Center for Writing, Sacandaga Valley Arts Network, and The Movable Book Society.


22. What advice do you have for others who want to write for children?

The best thing you can do is read, read, read! Then, write, write, write! I encourage writers to take a writing workshop, such as Writing for Children attend conferences and workshops, and purchase the latest edition of Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market. Relax and have fun! You’re on an adventure!