Marsha weaves storytelling, information on the writing process, and a vivid PowerPoint slideshow into an entertaining and inspirational presentation.
She travels nationally and internationally as a speaker. She usually does school presentations for K-6, but has also spoken to junior high and high school students about the writing process. She often speaks to adults/educators at conferences and workshops. Educators often share stories of how she inspires students, not only in the areas of writing and reading, but in self-esteem and confidence.

Honorarium is $975 and travel expenses for a day of 3-4 presentations and autographing.

For more information you may email Marsha.

Presentations are modified in content and detail, according to the group's age. For the youngest students, presentations are usually 20-30 minutes in length.

Marsha says:

“The young ones have great fun chiming in as we read together some of my early readers like QUICK, QUACK, QUICK. For older students, my presentations are 45 minutes to 1 hour. Always included is my entertaining slide show, which weaves information about where I get ideas with my family life and my life as a writer. I discuss the process of creating a book and show examples of how the story and illustrations evolve. Reflections on rejections (I received 13 for my award-winning book HEART OF A TIGER!) and perseverance are also shared. I want students to know that those who succeed in reaching their dreams often fail more than anyone else, because they never give up!”

Almost all presentations include all of the following, in some form.

Scribbles and Scraps: We peek inside my idea file, where a jumble of scribbles and scraps live. (Napkins, envelopes, and check deposit slips are some of the more unusual scraps that hold ideas that may someday blossom into books.) I share how I capture ideas and encourage students to begin an idea file of their own.

How a Story Grows: I show the process of creating a book by demonstrating how the story and illustrations evolve from a scribble on a scrap of paper. I emphasize the rewriting process, showing samples of my own rewrites. I show manuscript, galleys, press sheets, f & g’s, and finally the beautifully illustrated book. I also touch on the illustration changes; students enjoy pointing out changes as I display early sketches and the final picture.

Keynote Slide Show — Ideas are All Around Us: I weave stories about where my book ideas come from with fun information about my family life. Learning the "story behind the story" is an extremely popular part of my presentation. Through the slideshow, students see that ideas are all around them and that they can use these ideas to build stories. My goal is to show students that authors are people just like them. I want them to know they can write books too!

Readings from my Books: For younger children, I read or story tell one of my early readers or young picture books. Little ones especially enjoy helping me read Quick, Quack, Quick, chiming in whenever Mama Duck calls "Quick, Quack, Quick!" For older students, I always read or story tell favorite parts of some of my picture storybooks.

Rejections and Perseverance: Perspectives on rejection and perseverance are shared, including readings from some of my own heart-wrenching rejection letters. Students are always sympathetic! More importantly, they see how important it is to "keep trying."

There's always time for Questions and Answers and my favorite time, Autographing!

OTHER PROGRAMS

Writing FUNshops: Magic Story Bags (one filled with characters, one with plots, one with settings) and Four-line poems about someone special are just two methods Marsha uses to inspire students to write.

Family Evening Presentations: To bring the family together for a reading/writing Fun Night that's also educational. These usually include a family writing activity, storytelling, and slideshow. A popular activity is for family groups to write a Family Four-line poem together. Nearly every child wants to share their Family poem with the audience!

Young Writers' Festivals

Reading Association and Library Conferences: Marsha presented “Rhythm and Rhyme — Music of the World” at San Francisco's Reading the World Conference and the California Reading Association in 2007. She will be presenting “Storymagicians: The Power of the Imagination” at CRA in 2008.

How Do I Get There from Here?: Marsha provides insights on moving from being an unpublished author to a published author. Besides information on the submission process and writing tips, she shares what to do and what not to do at the beginning of your children's book career. As always, Marsha weaves humor and inspiration into her presentation, which is for teachers, parents, and other adults interested in writing a children's book.