Author Talks

Book A Talk

Jane Drake and Ann Love will bring a dynamic presentation to your class or group. We will entertain and educate through storytelling, digital slideshows, hands-on activities, anecdotes and fun facts.

We provide a variety of flexible school (grades 2-12), library and professional development talks that can be customized to suit your school, library or group (teachers, librarians, parent-school associations).

We offer 1- 1¼ hour presentations or up to 3 hour workshops depending on size and age of group. We try to limit our days to 3 presentations or 1 workshop per venue.

Student Talks

In all our presentations, we use examples from our own works. Beyond language arts we can bring in secondary curriculum links from our research and published works, including:

Please choose from the following talks or contact us to design a talk to suit your specific needs:

1. Creating Good Non-Fiction.

Discover the art of non-fiction, from the kernel of an idea, through research, writing, revising, editing, designing, illustrating and publication.

2. Focus on Non-fiction.

Explore the similarities and differences between fiction and non-fiction. Review the handles or language required to access fiction (character, plot, setting) and learn new vocabulary (with the use of the acronym "SKILL") to participate in and discuss non-fiction.

3. Writing workshop.

Discussion and exercises to sharpen non-fiction writing skills.

Professional Talks

1. Writing Between the Lines

Discuss the relationship between non-fiction writing strategies and reading skills. Meshing non-fiction text and reading level.

2. Reframing Non-Fiction

Making Information Inspirational

3. Partnering in Non-Fiction

As co-authors and sisters, we explore the ups and downs of writing with a partner.

4. Finding the Vocabulary to Access Non-Fiction

"I highly recommend this book of non-fiction. It has a great index." ACK!! Help kids develop language to access and discuss non-fiction.

Group Size

• 1-2 classes of same-grade students (approximately 60) is an ideal size.
• Staff help/supervision is required.
• We may accommodate larger groups on request.

Venue for Presentation

• We prefer presenting to children in their classrooms or library.
• Chairs are preferable but carpeted floor works too.
• Hard gymnasium floors are not conducive to our style of talk.

Venue for Workshop

• Each participant will require a chair and table space.
• Some open space for group activities is also needed.

Audio/Visual and Presentation Requirements

• a digital projector
• a screen
• 2 extension cords and access to 2 plugs
• a flipchart and markers or a blackboard and chalk
• a table for books and show-and-tell
• 2 chairs
• water

Getting in Touch

Book a date or inquire about our current fee schedule:

• Contact the authors by e-mail: Jane Drake: jane.drake@rogers.com or Ann Love: meadowatch@routcom.com