Using her family’s Virginia back porch storytelling tradition, Candice makes any group she speaks to feel at home. For more than 25 years, she has presented lively programs to schools and at libraries and conferences nationwide. Though most of her programs are aimed at children in grades K-6, she has given writing workshops to middle school and high school students. She is a sought-after speaker at reading conferences and prepares custom in-service workshops for educators.

Honorarium is $1250 per day plus travel expenses from Virginia.

Candice gives three presentations plus an autographing session. Many of her programs are PowerPoint slides, peppered with an enthusiastic discussion. A choice of programs for grades K-1, 2-3, and 4-5 is available. Candice is flexible and accommodating.

Programs Include:

How I Came to Be a Writer – In this program Candice discusses how she began writing at 7. She shows old stories (not outstanding!), report cards (ditto), drawings, photographs, and ephemera to illustrate her journey from child-writer to published author. PowerPoint. 3-7, 50 min.

Time Spies – The creation of her 10-book fantasy series involving time travel to little-known events in American history. See the real house that inspired the Gray Horse Inn, the storyboard, and photographs of “real” characters in the series. PowerPoint. 2-5, 50 min.

The Big Green Pocketbook/The Old Blue Pick-up Truck – Two autobiographical picture books—one about a fun day with Candice’s mother, the other a fun day with her stepfather—show young children to “write what you know.” PowerPoint. K-2, 45 min.

Tractor Day/Big Rigs – One picture book, one nonfiction book about big machines! (Don’t be fooled—a girl rides the tractor!) PowerPoint. K-2, 45 min.

Student Workshops:

Writing Fantasy – Students learn the ingredients of a secondary world. They create a story map, learn the importance of names, setting, and rules of magic. Using the first book in her Time Spies series, Candice demonstrates how to create a plot. Gr. 3-6

Writing Your Story – Students learn how to turn autobiography into fiction. They isolate an event in their lives and create a serious or humorous story. Gr. 3–6

Writing Memoir – Using exercises, older students tap into their pasts to create a short nonfiction piece. Gr. 7-10

Adult Workshops:

Transitional Readers – In-service, conference presentation, or workshop regarding the needs of readers who are beyond emergent readers, but not yet ready to make the leap to full independent reading. Part of an initiative Candice is developing.

Family Fun Nights – How to get children excited about books by integrating reading into family routines.

For additional details, check out Candice’s website.

To book Candice for a visit, please contact:

Children's Literature Author/Illustator Booking Service
naomiwm@verizon.net