School Events

PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION

A full-day school visit typically includes 3-4 presentations of about 45 minutes each, plus a book signing. Four is the maximum number of presentations Rick can do per day. Rick’s goals for these visits are to give the audience a behind-the-scenes look at the writer’s life, to explain how one gets published, to stress the importance of reading and to inspire student writers. Presentations may include:

1) Large group presentation (50-500+ students). This is most appropriate for grades 4-8. Rick discusses how he became a writer, how a novel is written and published, and why he chose Greek mythology as the basis for the Percy Jackson series. The presentation includes “show-and-tell” items like an original manuscript, novel cover art, foreign language translations, examples of outlining and brainstorming, and Rick’s rejection notes. Rick may give a short reading from The Lightning Thief and play a quiz game with the students on Greek mythology. He will allow plenty of time for questions. About 45 minutes.

2) Writing workshop (10-30 students). This is most appropriate for grades 4-8. Rick will work with a classroom-size group, offering hands-on activities to increase writing fluency, develop characters and structure plot. This type of presentation offers a good chance for those students who are aspiring writers to ask questions and get answers from a practicing author. 45-60 minutes.

3) Storytelling from the Greek myths (20-200+ students). This is most appropriate for grades 2-3. Though he writes for older children, Rick is well-known for his dynamic storytelling for younger audiences. Rick will offer a quick introduction to the Greek myths, then share two exciting stories about heroes and monsters. Rick brings pictures and cover art to show the children, and encourages audience participation. About 30 minutes.

Exact details for each visit will be catered to meet the needs of each host school. Note: A day’s visit should include at least one large group presentation. It is best if the large group presentation happens before any writing workshops, so the students have already been introduced to Rick. If a day is split between two schools, each half-day visit would consist of two presentations and a signing time. Rick does not generally present to children younger than second grade.

PRICING DESCRIPTION

For the fall 2008 - spring 2009 school year, Rick’s standard honorarium will be $2500 per diem plus travel expenses. It is also possible for two schools to share a day (two presentations each) to make the costs more affordable. Half-day presentations work very well if you can find another school close by to “buddy up” with. Multiple day visits are possible. However, since Rick does a limited number of visits which must be spread geographically across the U.S., and since he prefers not to be away from his family for an extended period, three days is the maximum amount of time he can commit to any single trip or any single school district.

Rick is happy to provide an invoice in advance for host schools. Payment is due on the day of the visit.

Rick with the students of Pilton Community College, Barnstaple, England
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