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Author Visit Information

Readings, Tours, and Conference Info

Thank you for considering me to do a reading, author visit, writing workshop, or as a speaker at your conference!

Note: Although I often do readings through the SWG Readings and School Visits Program, I will only be able to do private readings for the time being, due to my now being the Executive Director of the SWG. Please contact me directly to arrange a personal visit.

Bio...

 

Contact Judith...

Telephone: 306-949-5499

Email: jsilverthorne@sasktel.net

 

Skype An Author Virtual Tour

Reading Length and Costs

I follow the SWG guidelines for readings for in-province readings. One reading is considered to be 45 to 60 minutes in length, and includes readings, discussion, and an opportunity to ask related questions about my writing and myself. The Saskatchewan Writers Guild pays $175.00 for one reading (45-60 minutes), of which you make arrangements with them to pay a portion. They also cover my mileage expenses at no cost to you. If accommodations or meals are required, this is your responsibility as the host. Arranging readings with other schools or locations for congruent dates cuts the mileage costs for you and for the SWG and myself.

If you require additional readings, I would be pleased to book them for an additional charge of $150 per session (45-60 minutes). When booking me directly, I charge mileage (.45/km), meals (or per deims), and accommodations where applicable. I can normally do two locations in a day, or 2-3 or sometimes 4 readings in one location per day.

I also do out-of-province readings; please contact me for fees.

Audience Numbers & Ages

I do not have a limit on the number of children/people present, although smaller groups (up to 50-75) sometimes work best for school age children in grades 3 to 8. I have spoken to larger groups at this age level and it works okay, although sometimes a microphone is needed, depending on the venue. I can speak and read to children in pre-school, and kindergarten to grades two, however my books are generally too old for them. For school classes, readings also work best if teachers and students are familiar with at least one of my books and/or body of work.

I also produce, research, and write television shows, write periodical articles, and screenplays and am willing to talk about these genres, as well as any writing process topics.

Suggested Reading Material in Preparation of Author Visit

My current books for children include:Dinosaur Blackout (2008), Dinosaur Stakeout (2006), The Secret of the Stone House ( 2005);The Secret of Sentinel Rock (1996); Dinosaur Hideout (2003); and Dinosaur Breakout ( 2004). I also have two non-fiction biographical titles; Made in Saskatchewan: Peter Rupchan, Ukrainian Pioneer and Potter (1991, revised 2003); and  Ingrained Legacy (2003) (for higher grades and adults.) Additional information about my writing career may be found throughout this web site or through the Links to other sites.

Reading Formats

To enable me to provide the best experience for you, I need your assistance in determining what and how you would like me to present to your group, class, or conference. I have prepared the following suggestions that you can discuss with me beforehand so that I can arrange to meet your needs.

Many teachers have been using my books in their classrooms. I would suggest that bringing me in works best if you are already partway through one of my novels as the children are able to ask more relevant questions and have a preliminary understanding of the particular story. They are then more prepared to ask questions about the writing process, the story development, and other writing experiences that pertain to a particular novel, which then enhances their experience in a variety of ways. I am also then able to format my answers to the particular school curriculum topics – creative writing, studying Saskatchewan history, genealogy, etc.

Optional Activities:

• Readings from my biography Made in Saskatchewan and Ingrained Legacy
• Also visual displays of pottery pieces, clay and tools used by Peter Rupchan for Made in Saskatchewan
• Publishing & printing information
• Slide presentations of information on Made in Saskatchewan
• Writing activities
• Presentation on novel writing background/information
• Presentation on adapting a novel to a screenplay
• Videos on both Made in Saskatchewan and Ingrained Legacy

*Please ask about other types of information or activities you would like me to provide.

For additional information on holding a rewarding author visit, you may also want to refer to the SWG Guidelines For Hosting A Successful SWG Author Visit, which is available through the Saskatchewan Writers Guild office or web site.

I am looking forward to having a visit with you!