Author Presentations by Ann Dixon

Each year I visit numerous schools as a guest author. In Alaska, I've covered most of the state in my travels as
an author, from Barrow and Kaktovik in the far north to Ketchikan in the south. My most popular presentations are
described below.

I am also available to speak at conferences and seminars about my experiences with books, publishing,
storytelling, writing for children, and encouraging a love of reading and writing.

	Story Time (30 minutes) Story reading, story telling, poems, and rhymes for young children. Puppet Rita the Raven often assists the author. If more time is allowed, a story-related art project can be arranged.
Traveling Tales: Legends of the North (45 minutes) The author discusses northern legends and the basic elements of folk tales, with examples from her own books and those of others, using a combination of puppetry, reading, story telling, and slides of The Sleeping Lady.
	Putting It All Together: How a Picture Book Is Made (45 minutes) Learn the process, from idea to book-in-hand, involved in making a picture book. Props include manuscripts, dummies, galleys, proof sheets, F & Gs, and books with mistakes. Changes in writing, editing and illustrating are discussed. Compare the artist's initial sketches with the finished paintings using slides of The Sleeping Lady and overhead transparencies. Emphasis is placed on the creative process and the importance of editing and revision.
Word Play: Poetry for Fun (60 minutes) The author shares some of her own poetry, published and unpublished, then leads mini-lessons in observation, imagination, and language. Best for smaller groups of one to two classes, depending on class size.	Group Story (60 minutes) Writing a group story is a great way to generate enthusiasm for writing stories and model the story-writing process. Using the imagination and choosing effective language are emphasized. Best for smaller groups.
Times listed are estimates. Presentations may be modified, depending on age level, scheduling needs, and group sizes. The author welcomes suggestions from teachers and encourages discussion of particular needs and interests prior to her visit. Four sessions per day is customary, with additional time for book signings and possible informal meeting with a small group of student writers. References upon request.	For more information about public appearances contact: Ann Dixon P.O. Box 1009 Willow, Alaska 99688 E-mail: ann@anndixon.com Phone: (907) 495-6595* Fax: (907) 495-6599 *Please remember: Alaska time is four hours earlier than Eastern time.