LOLA DOUGLAS

BIOGRAPHY I BOOKS I PRESENTATIONS I BOOK ORDERING

This chick-lit queen offers adults and students alike programs on chick-lit writing and YA literature, and how the two work together.

Lola's programs feature a variety of one- and two-day long programs, including writing workshops. Lively and interactive sessions can include writing exercises focusing on character development, drawing on the five senses, and creating flash fiction (also known as the short short story). Informative handouts and/or PowerPoint presentations may be used. She's also available for programs of extended length. With Lola, you get the benefit of hosting someone teen readers and writers can truly relate to on a personal level.

SCHOOL VISITS:

Below are some of the programs Lola offers to teen audiences (Young Adult):

True Confessions of a Chick-lit Author: Why (and How!) I Became a Writer

Ideal for larger groups, this talk relies heavily on audience interaction. After giving a 30-minute talk about her route to becoming an author, as well as the stories behind her books, Lola will open the floor for Q & A. She's given this presentation to students ranging from 7th to 12th grades, and the interactive format makes for a lively discussion!

From My Brain to Your Book: How an Idea Becomes a Novel

In this presentation, best suited for groups of 25 or less, Lola walks through her process of writing a novel. She starts by discussing how she creates characters, what she does once she has them, and where they wander in a first draft. Next, she talks about revision and how she works with her editor to turn the manuscript into a bound book. There is no formal Q & A portion; students are encouraged to ask questions along the journey.

Fiction Writing Workshop

Lola guides budding authors through several writing exercises -- everything from creating characters to putting them into action; from exploring point of view to how using the five senses in descriptions makes a piece come alive. Revision exercises can be included as well. Again, smaller groups work best for this type of presentation.

Get Your Blog On: Finding Your Voice through the Safety of the Screen

This program explores the increasingly popular art of blogging. Lola will begin by discussing how she discovered blogging and what kinds of things she writes about in her online journal. The talk will then turn to how journaling can be an outlet for an expression, and how online journaling fosters a sense of community. Tips for being safe on the internet are included. The crux of this presentation is to show teens that writing can be fun, and she encourages them to explore the subject they are most familiar with -- themselves.

CONFERENCES:

Lola can speak on a variety of topics, everything from strategies for engaging reluctant readers to workshops on incorporating blogs into the school or library setting. She has been a featured speaker at conferences for teachers, librarians, educational media specialists, and writers. She is a total ham and can present to small or large groups, and she's more than happy to tailor a presentation to suit your group's needs.

While Lola is more than happy to create new presentations to suit your group's needs, here are some of the talks she's given in the past:

Connecting with Teens Through Young Adult Literature

Motivating Reluctant Readers

Sex and the Young Adult Novel

How Far is Too Far? Bending (and Breaking) Boundaries in YA Lit

The Crossover Novel: What It Is, and Why It's Important

Your First Novel: From Inspiration to Publication in Seven Steps

Blogging for the Classroom and Library

Lola is also available to speak on a variety of topics pertaining to teen culture in general and chick-lit in particular.

EQUIPMENT NEEDS

For PowerPoint presentations, please provide a digital (data) projector, a laptop, and the obvious accessories to go with them (screen, AV cart, extension cords). Please note that the computer/projector must be able to take a flash drive. For large groups (over 50), please provide a microphone.

NUMBER OF SESSIONS PER DAY AND HONORARIUM:

Lola's per-day honorarium is $1,000 for four programs, $800 for three programs, and $600 for two programs, plus expenses. Discounts may be available for schools and libraries in DE. Her set fees may be open to negotiation depending on location, etc. She and her friend, Lara Zeises, visit Massachusetts on a regular basis and schools and libraries that arrange events during Lola's trips do not have to pay for travel and hotel accommodations.

She can access schools in PA, NJ, MD, DC and parts of NY State fairly easily. Travel outside Delaware requires mileage and meal reimbursement; if the venue is more than 90 miles away and a morning presentation is requested, hotel accommodations are required. For distances more than a two-hour drive, train or airfare may be requested and hotel accommodations must be provided.

For further information, especially about the expenses (travel, hotel, and meals), click the "Arrange An Appearance" button and see "General Information on the Cost of an Author Appearance" as well as the 'Honorariums' section near the bottom of "How to Plan an Author Appearance."

AUTHOR DAY CHECKLIST

__Confirmation letter received;

__Invoice/check request/payment paperwork completed and check made out to author;

__Travel arrangements confirmed, as needed;

__Directions sent, as needed;

__Schedule finalized;

__Author's books displayed in media center;

__Students have read the author's book

__Books ordered (or arrangements made with a bookstore);

__Books sorted and checked against orders;

__Autographing slips or post-its filled out and put in books;

__Lunch arrangements made;

__Program room set up with appropriate equipment;

__All teachers are given final schedule.

REFERENCES

Lola has been to every school and organization that Lara Zeises has, so see Lara Zeises's references.