Writer
| Region: | Michigan |
| Age Levels: | 5-10, 11-13, and 14-17 |
| Will Travel: | Anywhere in the world |
| Skype Visit: | Yes |
| SCBWI Profile: | Member Profile |
| Speaker Email: | carrieapear@aol.com |
| Publications |
Bio:
Carrie Pearson feels that being a children’s book author represents the best merger of her education, occupations, and passion. She holds a BA in early childhood education from the University of Michigan, taught at the University’s preschool, and then moved into the business world for 15+ years. She is now a full-time children’s book author and owner of a consulting business in the children’s book industry. She is a Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Michigan chapter and a member of Michigan Reading Association, Society of Midland Authors, and Upper Peninsula Publishers
and Authors Association among other literacy-focused organizations. Carrie is the proud recipient of the 2019 Michigan Reading Association’s Gwen Frostic Award for literacy development.
Carrie is the author of three traditionally published nature-themed
picture books, A WARM WINTER TAIL (gold Gelette Burgess Award, Nature for All
Ages), A COOL SUMMER TAIL, and STRETCH TO THE SUN: FROM A TINY SPROUT TO THE TALLEST TREE ON EARTH (silver Eureka Award for outstanding nonfiction) and two upcoming nonfiction picture books REAL PRINCESSES CHANGE THE WORLD (Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan April 2023) and VIRGINIA WOULDN'T SLOW DOWN: THE UNSTOPPABLE DR. APGAR AND HER LIFE-SAVING INVENTION (Norton Young Readers/W.W. Norton August 2023). Carrie would love to be social with you on Twitter @carrieapearson, Pinterest
carrieapearson, Instagram @carrieapearson.author, and Facebook carrieapearson and
through her website www.carriepearsonbooks.com
Presentation Description:
Programs/Workshops/Assemblies
* educational
* aligned with age-specific curriculum, school, and/or classroom or library goals
* fun
* memorable
Each program below can be engineered for ages K-8. Each visit includes Q&A, story reading (if appropriate), and book signing. Possible topics:
* The Story Behind the Story (a behind-the-scenes look at how A Warm Winter Tail was born)
- where did the idea come from?
- writing stages (early drafts/sloppy copies, revisions, critiques, final draft)
- what happens at a publishing house and how author, illustrator, and editor work
together
- students perform A Warm Winter Tail as a play
* Oh, Baby. It's Cold Outside: Animal Adapations to Winter (From the itty-bitty Monarch butterfly to the big old Black Bear, every animal living in a cold climate has amazing strategies for staying warm)
- what's the difference between instinct and learned behavior?
- what are the three main strategies animals use to adapt and survive?
- students perform A Warm Winter Tail as a play
* Making the Magic
- idea generation tips and tricks
- how to turn an idea into a story
- plot vs theme: what's the difference?
- dialogue: did he just say that?
- elements of memorable writing (five senses, universal themes, rich language)
* Let's Be Funny
- adding humor to writing
- what makes a story funny - or not
- authors and illustrators who make us laugh and how they do it
* Taking It To The Next Level
- self-editing (oh, the pain of it)
- partner critiquing (how to's and how to not's)
- what to let go and what to keep and how to know
Fees and Arrangements
My fees are:
Half Day, Local (Marquette County to one hour away): 2 or 3 presentations/workshops, $300
Full Day, Local (Marquette County to one hour away): 4 or 5 presentations/workshops, $500
Full Day, More Than One Hour Away: 4 or 5 presentations/workshops, $600 (plus transportation and hotel, if necessary)
Multiple Day, Local and Multiple Day, More Than One Hour Away: let's talk!
Single presentation/workshop, Local (Marquette County to one hour away): $150
Full-day visits can include "something extra" --- maybe lunch with a small group of students, or brief individual classroom visits, or something else that helps make my visit memorable. Full-day visits could be split between two schools in close proximity to each other.
I do give a small discount for incorporating book sales into the event. Please note that book signings need to be arranged so that I can have a special moment with each person. My preference is to arrange book sales with a local bookstore or PTO. If this is not possible, I can offer book sales through an arrangement with my publisher. Either way, a four week lead time is usually necessary.
If you have special needs or would like to discuss other options, please contact me and we'll make it work.