“FIREFLY MOMENTS” 

A VISIT WITH AUTHOR COLEEN PARATORE

I love sharing the joy of writing with people of all ages. The gift I offer is my enthusiasm, my unabashed love for writing – the thrill of hearing a character’s voice, a first line, a new idea—then catching those sparks like fireflies in a mayonnaise jar.

CONFERENCES/ORGANIZATIONS: I offer an inspirational talk about the writing life, filled with anecdotes and humor, followed by discussion and a signing. I need two long tables for props (and a clip-on mike if the space is large).

SCHOOL VISITS: I begin with an upbeat All-School Assembly followed by grade-level gatherings where students have a real opportunity to connect and participate.

All School Assembly. Everyone brings: a favorite book (preferably personally-owned), a writer’s notebook, and a pen. I need two long tables and a clip-on mike (I move about).

Grade-level Gatherings: Students and I meet in a comfortable place where students and I can sit and chat together. I need two tables next to my chair for props. Students should wear name tags and bring a writer’s notebook, pen, copies of my books, and lots of questions/comments. In a k-6 building, a schedule might look like this: (*) 30 minutes with combined 3rds; 30 minutes with combined 4ths; Lunch (turkey on wheat/mustard/diet cola or anything light); 45 minutes with combined 5ths; 45 minutes with combined 6ths; Signing in the Library (*) My experience is that k-1-2 friends get enough “author visit” from the Assembly, but I can also stop by classrooms for a quick hello if teachers wish.

Advance Preparation:

-Students in K-2 should read How Prudence Proovit Proved the Truth about Fairy Tales; 26 Big Things Small Hands Do and Catching the Sun

-Students in 3-4 should read Sunny Holiday and Sweet and Sunny

-Students in grades 4-8 should be familiar with all my books and have read at least two of my novels, preferably their own, so they can mark with personal connections: Sunny Holiday; Sweet and Sunny; The Wedding Planner’s Daughter; The Cupid Chronicles; Willa by Heart; Forget Me Not; Wish I Might; Mack McGinn’s Big Win; The Funeral Director’s Son; Kip Campbell’s Gift; and A Pearl Among Princes.

BOOK SALES

Please draft and distribute book-order forms (in conjunction with your favorite local bookstore) well in advance of our visit so that people have ample opportunity to read my books BEFORE our visit. This makes for a more meaningful and memorable experience. Please also have books for sale the day of our program. I will happily autograph.

PUBLCITY: Please publicize the event through all internal communication vehicles and through your local media and direct people to my website: www.coleenparatore.com

Please contact me for pricing information.

Looking forward to catching fireflies with you!

                            Coleen 

                                                           2010