ALEX FLINN

BIOGRAPHY I BOOKS I PRESENTATIONS I BOOK ORDERING

Alex Flinn's Presentations

Alex Flinn has spoken at SCBWI, NCTE/ALAN, The Miami Book Fair International, Florida Library Association, International Reading Association, and dozens of schools, libraries and bookstores.  References are available.  She speaks to readers of all ages about her books and the writing process. She is a resident of Miami, Florida, so appearances from Vero Beach  to the Upper Keys are easy to do.

JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL

Alex has spoken about her books to students in grades 6-12, from gifted "magnet" students to "at-risk" schools and everything in between.  She will be happy to provide references.

Book Talk Program:
This program focuses on Alex's books, Breathing Underwater and/or Breaking Point and the question of "What would make anyone choose that topic for a young-adult book?" Dating violence, the focus of Breathing Underwater, is a topic unfortunately faced by many middle and high school students. School violence, and peer taunting, the focus of Breaking Point, is on many students' minds. Alex leads a discussion of these topics in the context of the book and answers questions.  She also shares her experiences writing these books and being published, and talks about writing in general. Time permitting, she will lead the group in a writing exercise on using memories to create character emotions.

Young Adult Writing Program:
Suitable for smaller groups (30 or fewer). A "ten-minute fiction" workshop, featuring writing exercises on Plot, Characters, and Setting, combined with a general talk on Alex's writing and what makes a good book.

FOR ADULTS

Alex has spoken at the Int'l. Reading Assoc. Conference and the Natl. Council of Teachers of English, as well as several state library association conference and book fairs, and can speak to large or small groups about "Researching Reality: How an Author Researches," "The Safe World of a Book: Why Teens Need Realistic Fiction," or "How to Get Started on Your Young-Adult Novel." Upon sufficient notice, Alex can also tailor a talk to your group.

EQUIPMENT NEEDS

It's a good idea to have a microphone on hand, especially if Alex is speaking to a large group.

HONORARIUM AND NUMBER OF PRESENTATIONS

Ms. Flinn's honorarium is due by the end of the last day of the author appearance. Her fee structure is as follows:

Local Visits:

$1,000 a day plus expenses - for Vero Beach, Miami-Dade, Broward and the Upper Keys (3 presentations). For South Miami-Dade, the fee may be a bit less but this is limited and is for one presentation.

Out-of-town Visits, but still in Florida:

$1,250 plus expenses - for the first day and discounts may be available for subsequent days (3 presentations)

Visits Outside Florida:

$1,500 a day, depending on how many days are wanted and, in some cases, the location.

A Fourth Session:

This may be available for appearances and would cost a bit more.

Expenses include travel (airfare to/from Miami; if she's driving, mileage costs; if she's renting a car, rental cost plus mileage), hotel if needed, and meals.

For further information, contact Balkin Buddies 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."

REFERENCES

Sarah Applegate
National Board Certified Teacher Librarian
President-Elect Washington Library Media Association
River Ridge High School
Lacey Washington
sapplegate@nthurston.k12.wa.us

Marie A. Baker
School Library/Media Specialist
Marlboro High School
50 Cross Road
Marlboro, NY 12542
bakerm@marlboroschools.org