Laurence Pringle

After a recent school visit, a staff member wrote, "You gave me a great deal of teachable topics to follow up on, for which I am extremely grateful."

Another wrote, "The teachers made many positive comments about how you exposed the kids to the revision process and your candidness in answering their questions." And another: "All of the kids, teachers, and the staff had wonderful things to say about your presentations. You related to all of the age groups very well."

These are some of the goals I aim for in school visits. The students may feel they are being entertained, but they are also being gently reminded of some basic skills and knowledge about writing, and more.

Some are probably startled to learn that I--with more than a hundred books published--don't find the writing process easy, and still strive to be a better writer.

Increasing numbers of educators recognize the wisdom of focusing more attention on nonfiction literature. One good result is that many teachers and children are discovering nonfiction's diverse wonders (including gripping stories). Another result is that schools across the country (and sometimes overseas) invite me to meet with their students.

Besides offering help for young writers, my school programs stimulate interest in reading, especially nonfiction literature. My books in print--about 22 in number--include both picture book fiction and many high-interest nonfiction subjects, so programs can be tailored for all elementary grades and middle school students. Of course I also give programs at conferences and other gatherings that celebrate children's literature.

PROGRAMS

After attending all of my 5 or 6 programs one day, a library media specialist praised their diversity. She recalled other author visits, where each presentation was exactly the same as the others. In mine, she kept hearing new things. One reason: I've had more than a hundred books published. That's a wonderful wealth of experience, as a growing writer and also simply from interacting with many experts, editors, artists in the creation of those books. This diversity is one reason that I don't describe my programs down to fine details, as some authors do. However, for information about programs and fees, write to me octopushug@​aol.com, or at Quick Links, below to the left. Also, information about programs, plus reviews of many titles now in print, are at Quick Links: "reviews and school visit information"

REFERENCES

Plenty of references are available. One place to start is at Quick Links: "school programs and references"

BULLETIN During the first week of June and week of May, I visited schools in the Pacific Northwest, including the Tacoma-Seattle area and farther south. This was my very first "visiting author" trip to Washington and Oregon. Fortunately, there was time to visit Fort Clatsop, where the Lewis and Clark expedition spent a few months after reaching the Pacific. Farther north there were tide pools, banana slugs, snowballs thrown on Hurricane Ridge, puffins and seals at Cape Flattery. Oh, and
going through the "Twilight" country of Forks, WA and vicinity.