Through our experience in over 175 schools, libraries, and conferences we have found that many children seem to be excited, and often inspired, by meeting a "real" author. They never run out of questions about us, our desert lifestyle, publishing, and the creative process. If you would like to have us speak at your school or conference, please feel free to contact us for information about our speaking programs and workshops. (Our fees are reasonable and references are available.)

Suggested program for schools:

During the day we can speak to the entire student body of a school in sessions. The optimum arrangement is to have four or five sessions of about an hour each, where the students are of similar grade level. Also, because the discussions and questions tend to be similar from group to group, we find that it is preferable to arrange fewer and longer sessions with more students in each, as opposed to smaller groups with shorter sessions. If any grades need to be excluded due to scheduling, we suggest dropping the youngest ones for this particular program. We can comfortably handle two or three classes at once, or from about 50-90 students, but we can deal with more, if necessary, to include everyone in the larger schools. [K-3 programs can be shorter--25 minutes for K, 30-35 for 1st, and 45 for 2nd and 3rd grades.]

Within the hour session, about fifteen minutes is devoted to reading our books. About twenty-five minutes is for discussion, and the last twenty minutes is for questions and answers. We also need at least ten minutes between groups.

Writing workshops are also available for smaller groups of up to 24 students of comparable age/ability. Each session should last approximately half a school day, or from two to two-and-a-half hours. These workshops are best suited to grades 3 and up, and are excellent for interested students who need help to develop their descriptive writing skills.

We recommend holding general sessions in the school library, wherever possible. Not only is it the most appropriate environment for an author's visit, there is something about getting the students out of their regular classroom that gives them the impression that what is happening is something special. As far as we're concerned, they can sit on the floor or on chairs--whatever situation is the most comfortable for the students, and for the school to arrange. We like the relaxed atmosphere of floor seating, but we're flexible on this, as with all aspects of our program. More than anything, we desire to give the school the best program we can, and that includes being adaptable to the school's size, schedule, and needs. We've had a lot of practice adjusting our program to different groups.

Whatever schedule a school chooses, we are also available for a reception or luncheon with staff and/or students, either before school, during lunch, or after school. We have found that many teachers are interested in asking a lot of questions, too, which they often don't get to do during the regular sessions. This is entirely optional and has no bearing upon our fees.

We've found that there's just not enough time to give out autographs between sessions. If the students really want them, please set aside a time and place to do it.

If you are interested in learning more about the variety of flexible programs available and the very reasonable fees involved, please contact: [email protected]
or call Debby Buchanan at (503) 338-4322
or write to the Buchanans at 4931 Cedar St. / Astoria, OR -- 97103.