| TIM J. MYERS Writer & Storyteller BIOGRAPHY I BOOKS I PRESENTATIONS I BOOK ORDERING I can do a number of different presentations, and I'm happy to work with you to customize my visit. This might include emphasizing certain curricular themes, introducing kids to specifics about writing or literacy in general, or helping to inspire them in terms of reading and writing. I can also often find oral stories to fit curricular standards or some particular focus you or your school are working on. I can also talk to or with teachers or parents or other adult groups (I've been a university education instructor for over a decade, and my wife is the director of Santa Clara University's Reading and Learning Center). I'm open to lots of things!
What I usually do, though, are 20 to 40 minute sessions, generally organized by grade level, in which I talk briefly about writing and show my books, then tell stories. I've found that this author visit/storytelling combination really gets kids interested and excited! I've been a professional storyteller for over twenty years and have a huge repertoire of tales from around the world, and I know how to choose material appropriate for different ages and settings. Kids like author visits, but they respond even more when I add stories, and I've found that the liveliness, inspiration and just plain fun of storytelling are very effective in reinforcing the principles of literacy we're all trying to instill. I'm also happy to do Q & A.
As far as normal sessions go, K-1 kids can usually handle twenty minutes to half an hour, but even the older kids, say, 5th and 6th graders, can't usually go longer than 30 or 40 minutes -- as I'm sure you know! We always want to leave them wanting more. I can do a breakdown based on individual grades, or something like K-1, 2-4, 5-6, or variations of that. If the teachers have read my books to the kids ahead of time, they're much more motivated for the visit and get more out of it. And, of course, I'm happy to sign books.
My needs are few. I need to know the size and age of the group or groups I'm presenting to, and I need a setting with good acoustics. Some gyms echo and are inappropriate for presentations, and school libraries, multi-purpose rooms, or classrooms are often a better choice. I almost never use a microphone, and I feel more comfortable on the same physical level with the audience, not on stage.
I'm happy to present to large groups, but smaller groups often encourage a more intimate and effective atmosphere, so I'm willing to do a number of presentations per day, anything this side of exhaustion and a parched throat! HONORARIUM:
Tim's honorarium is due at the end of the last day of the visit. Generally speaking, as of 9/1/08, for local visits, he charges $500 for a half day, and he doesn't charge expenses; however, due to travel time and preparation, $500 is his minimum rate, even if just one presentation is requested. His full-day rate for Bay Area visits is $1,000 a day (again, he doesn't charge expenses). He also has a special rate of $300 for evening "Literacy Nights/Young Authors Fairs" as long as they are local and run no longer than two hours. To get rates for Tim's appearances outside of California, please contact Catherine Balkin. All of the above can be discussed with Catherine Balkin of Balkin Buddies. Please contact her by phone or email. For further information, especially about the expenses (travel, hotel, and meals), click the "Arrange An Appearance" button and see "General Information on the Cost of an Author Appearance" as well as the 'Honorariums' section near the bottom of "How to Plan an Author Appearance." COMMENTS ABOUT TIM J. MYERS' PRESENTATIONS: "I want to thank you for the WONDERFUL job you did. I have received nothing but compliments from teachers and students on how much they enjoyed your presentation and stories." --Teresa Zarrin, parent coordinator, Saratoga Elem. School, CA
"A dynamic storyteller. The magical stories you tell enthrall our youngsters. It is a joy to see the joy in the faces of the children as you weave the tales." --Tom Glasglow, principal, Bailey Avenue Elementary School, NY
"His storytelling was fantastic and the classes and teachers so enjoyed the treat. The fifth graders were particularly puffed up by the experience." --David Hall, principal, Crown Point Elementary School, NY
"I was just accosted by everyone I saw all the way up to my office. They attended your presentation and LOVED it! I can find no words to tell you how absolutely incredible your presentations were. You were fabulous!" --Heather Haskins, Clinton Community College, NY
"Your presentation was just great! It was an incredible performance." --Dr. Ernie Coons, Plattsburgh State University, NY |