Hosting Terry
Trueman: A few details!
If you decide to consider inviting Terry to be a guest
speaker at your school or conference, please remember, it is standard
practice to pay an author honorarium PLUS travel expenses -- airfare,
airport transportation and lodging, plus in some instances, meals.
Remember that one day with your group means three days travel time
for Trueman, if you live outside of Spokane.
Because the combined cost of honorariums and expenses can really
add up, you might consider joining forces with other schools and
libraries to share the cost. Terry will do up to four events per
day, so up to four sponsors can share carry share the fiscal burden.
If you still can't meet his fee structure, let him know. He might
be able to work with you on a lower cost -- a half day for example.
That said, most hosts sincerely believe having Terry visit is more
than worth the expense (note librarian Stephanie Squicciarini's
message below).
What constitutes an event? Keynote speeches, school assemblies,
classroom presentations, breakout conference sessions or workshops,
auditorium events, library presentations (length to be determined
by mutual agreement). Book signings, casual breakfast, lunch or
dinner get-togethers,and press interviews -- student or professional
-- are not considered "events." So you can feel free to
add those special moments to Terry's schedule, in addition to the
official events.
VIDEOCONFERENCES:
You might also consider hosting a videoconference with Trueman if
your facilities have videoconference capabilities. For a look at
a March 8, 2005 Orange County
Why Trueman? We'll let the experts explain...
If you are looking for a fun, dynamic, approachable, charming, and
engaging author for a school visit you cannot go wrong with Terry
Trueman! We had a most enjoyable school visit here at one of our
Middle Schools - a real pick-me-up during a few rainy, Rochester
(NY) November days. I was fortunate enough to tag along for the
ride and it was just the best. I have been a huge fan and have booktalked
Stuck in Neutral to every sixth grade class on my pre-summer visits
since its publication (I was a brand-new Teen Services Librarian
and this book made the scary first booktalk easy) and now I have
another great title of his to add to it - Inside Out. Students who
have said "I don't like reading" took to both books and
had a terrific time interacting with Mr. Trueman. It was just an
inspiring thing to witness. He was even gracious enough to have
lunch during two separate periods with teachers who seemed as in
awe of his presence as the students were. Now I cannot wait for
his next book - a companion to Stuck in Neutral. It takes place
during the same time period, but is told from Shawn's brother's
(Paul's) perspective - the title is Cruise Control, due out next
fall - really, I can't wait!
I could go on and on about this, but then I would seem like a crazed
fan - which I probably am. But seriously, he would be a great choice
if you are searching for an author to visit - worth every penny!
He got the students involved with the presentation and the interaction
was so natural. They were as disappointed that the visit had to
end as I was.
Stephanie A. Squicciarini
Teen Services Librarian
Fairport Public Library
Fairport, New York. |
