Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Author Events!

I've got two this week.

Today I'm spending the day at a local elementary school for career day. I'll let you know how it went on Friday. I'm excited to talk to the students about what I do as a writer. I've been practicing keeping it simple since I only have 30 minutes per class with 3rd and 4th graders. Mostly I'll show them my books and talk about my process so they can ask questions.

My approach for the younger grades is simple. I'm a secret agent there to give them some training. We talk about the two most important skills an agent can have.

Observe
Ask Questions

Then we talk about characters, beginnings, middles and ends. That's about all you can fit into that time frame. And it can be tight!

For those of you who've never talked to kids this young, here's what the all time most asked question has been so far.

You're an author? Do you know (fill in the blank with their favorite author)?

Somehow I think my coolness level falls each time I have to say, "Sorry, no." 
Ah well. I really need to try and write a MG novel.

What approach do you or would you take with 3rd and 4th graders?
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7 comments:

  1. Alex J. CavanaughMay 27, 2015 at 5:35 AM

    Good luck! Sorry, never spoken to a classroom full of kids before.

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  2. AnonymousMay 27, 2015 at 9:29 AM

    Good luck. I can't offer any advice because I've never done something like that. Sorry.

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  3. Chrys FeyMay 27, 2015 at 9:35 AM

    I've always wanted to go to career day at the elementary school I attended. I hope you have a blast! Good luck! :)

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  4. Michael Offutt, Phantom ReaderMay 27, 2015 at 10:13 AM

    Oh that sounds fun. Maybe you will inspire a young kid to follow in your footsteps.

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  5. Liz A.May 27, 2015 at 12:43 PM

    I won't tell you about my disastrous day covering a 3rd grade class. I have no idea how to deal with that age group. Good luck.

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  6. Charity BradfordMay 27, 2015 at 2:13 PM

    Thanks for the well wishes all! It went pretty well. Don't know how inspiring I was though. I'll share some funny moments when I get a chance to sit down and write more.

    Heh, heh @Liz. I prefer to talk to older kids about writing, but at least all my subbing has been K-4th.

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  7. Jolie du PreMay 28, 2015 at 3:29 PM

    I think the way you want to handle it is perfect!

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