Don in the Classroom (Last Update: 2010 January)
I am available to do readings or workshops in the school classroom. I feel an author visit is a great opportunity for teachers to expose students to the practice and joy of an art and skill that will help students throughout their lives.
Readings
I read from my novels, The Search for Grizzly One and Dog Runner and discuss how my experiences as a wildlife biologist and outdoors person provide material for my stories and magazine articles. As well as language arts, I relate my discussion to aspects of social studies (western and aboriginal cultures) and science (e.g., environment, aerodynamics). I illustrate my presentation with a small selection of photographic slides, using PowerPoint® for which I bring my own digital projector. My readings last about 40 minutes plus time for questions.
I prefer to work with small groups of classroom size, 40 students or less. I will talk to larger groups but feel the larger size inhibits many questions. The focus of my novel writing is on students in grades 5 to 9 and older. I always assume teachers will supervise their students during my presentations and participate where they think appropriate. I can address specific needs if we discuss them ahead of time.
Books
If possible, students should be familiar with my novels. This allows more
involvement with my presentation and elicits interesting questions. Books can be ordered through
your local bookstore, or from me. If you are interested in a class set (3 or more books), such are available for $12 each plus shipping and GST—contact me.
If desired at my presentations, I can sell and autograph copies of The Search for Grizzly One and Dog Runner for $15.00 each (Cdn, including GST).
Other Presentations
As outlined on my Services page, I also make presentations about Alberta wildlife.
Fees
Please be aware that I make a good portion of my living as a professional writer, and my time is
valuable. Therefore, I must charge for these services.
My fees (Cdn $$) are as follows:
| Full Day: | $500 | Maximum 4 — 40 minute presentations |
| Half-day: | $300 | Maximum 2 — 40 minute presentations |
Fees include preparation and travel time within one hour of Edmonton. If you are outside this area, contact me for calculation of travel costs.
I am registered to
collect the GST which is in addition to the fees charged.
If you are interested in a reading or presentation, please
contact me. Thank you for your time!