Soar With Skype
All Ages
(FREE! 20 minute visit) In 1911, most little girls played hopscotch and jacks but Elinor Smith wanted more. Her grit and determination inspired me to soar as a pilot and a writer. Come fly with me with this free Skype visit! Ideal for scout troop badge work. Contact me for technical and logistical requirements. It`s My Story And I`m Sticking To It
Grades K-8
(30 minutes for younger grades, up to a 4 hour writing workshop for older students) Everyone has a story to tell. We’ll mine memories to uncover our own epics, then draft beginnings, middles, and ends.
The Thrill Of The Chase
Grades 2-5
(1 hour) Research isn’t just educational. It’s a thrill uncovering clues and learning the true story. I’ll share my journey researching the life of Elinor Smith- from the Smithsonian archives to 3000 feet up in the wild blue yonder- as I created the picture book biography SOAR, ELINOR! This presentation can be expanded to a full day biography/women’s history project, live or using Skype. Students examine primary sources, conduct mock interviews, prepare an outline, and write a short biography.
Shoot For The Record
Grades 2-5
(1 hour) Elinor Smith set aviation records for altitude and endurance, many of which still stand today. We’ll follow the process Elinor used- evaluating the risks, weighing the benefits, preparing for the task, and accomplishing her goal, and apply these lessons to challenges today’s kids face. I’ll present other world records set by children and students will write their own record setting press releases.
Follow Your Dreams
For Teens and Adults
(1 hour) You’ve always dreamed of writing for children but how do you get started? There are free resources and insider advantages to jumpstart your career as a children’s writer. I’ll lead you on a lively tour of what’s available on line, where to find a critique group, how to submit a manuscript to agents and editors, and how to cope with rejection- and success!
How Do You Know When It’s Ready To Go?
For Teens and Adults
(45 Minutes) Nearly everyone has a great idea for a children’s book but that doesn’t mean everyone can produce a polished manuscript and make a sale. Avoid novice mistakes and put your best foot forward by following my tips for developing manuscripts that are too good to be ignored. Occasionally groups have specific needs. I’m happy to tailor a presentation to your group’s interests. Just ask. See my website for details.

Audiences: K-8, teens, and adults

Available Times: Flexible

No recording of Skype Sessions without permission from the author.

No Cost Meet the Author Visit: 20 minutes
In-Depth Visit Length: 45 minutes to 1 hour. All day workshops can be arranged.

In-Depth Visit Cost: See my website or contact me.

Prerequisites: Classroom visits work best if students are familiar with SOAR, ELINOR!, available at bookstores and libraries nationwide. Find a Curriculum Guide and Women's History Month Activity Kit on my website. For Skype visits 45 minutes and longer I will send a free copy of SOAR, ELINOR! to your classroom. Contact me for details.

Contact Information: Email me at tami@tamilewisbrown

Affiliations: Vermont College Of Fine Arts MFA in Writing For Children, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, American Library Association