SCHOOL VISITS:

I visit colleges, high schools and middle schools, as well as public libraries. Events are carefully structured to provide a meaningful experience for each particular audience. My presentations may include slides, readings, group discussion, question-answer, and/or other activities. The focus may be:

motivational--for reluctant readers
encouraging—-for at-risk students whose lives are in turmoil
challenging--for advanced writers working on their craft
All presentations include an emphasis on the strength of the human spirit, the importance of reading for pleasure, and the necessity of listening to the inner voice which urges each of us, “Grow. Grow.”

RESPONSES TO SCHOOL VISITS:

“Now everyone in our school is trying to borrow your books. I will always keep the books you signed for me. They are very special.”
“She’s for real. She knows what it’s about.”
“She inspired me to take my own writing seriously.”
“Thank you for coming to our school. I have never finished a book before and now I’ve read four of yours.”

WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS:

In addition to decades of teaching experience, I hold a B.A. in English, an M.S. in Reading Education, a K-12 Reading Specialist credential, and am the author of I Won’t Read and You Can’t Make Me: Reaching Reluctant Teen Readers. With special emphasis on how to match students with activities that inspire reading and writing, I offer classroom-proven techniques that involve books, art, writing, individual studies, creative group activities, graphic organizers and more. My workshops are interactive and individualized to meet the needs of participants. In addition to education related events, I also speak at writer’s conferences and occasionally teach a short term adult writing class.

RESPONSES TO WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS:

Using Young Adult Fiction with Pregnant and Parenting Teens—
“The best workshop I’ve attended.” “Wonderful! Inspiring!”
Teaching Tolerance Through Young Adult Fiction—

“Very accessible, a delightful presenter.” “She is excellent and so are her books.”

Dealing with Reluctant Readers and Writers—

“Specific techniques that are applicable to class—Bring her back!” “Very knowledgeable presenter.”

Focus on Writers Conference—

“The evaluations were uniformly excellent.” “The only complaint was that they wanted more time with you.”

Author Talk on Censorship—

“Enjoyable, humorous, and thought provoking.” “Excellent! Great speaker.” “I wasn’t even close to falling asleep.”

OTHER PRESENTATIONS:

I sometimes speak to community groups, or parent groups, usually on a topic related to maintaining open communication with teens.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ARRANGING A PRESENTATION:

Please call 916-635-5995, or email me at mreynolds@earthlink.net.
Fees for visits vary according to specific situations. Travel and other related expenses are in addition to basic fees. I am happy to provide references.