| DAVE ROSS Author & Illustrator BIOGRAPHY I BOOKS I PRESENTATIONS I BOOK ORDERING SCHOOL VISIT INFORMATION
I am available for a limited number of school visits each year. While most of my visits have been inside New York State, I'm not adverse to traveling further. For more distant locations it may be worth trying to coordinate my visit with other schools in your area to share travel expenses. (I am a relatively low maintenance author, I don't mind flying coach and I don't need a fancy hotel, see below.)
PROGRAMS OFFERED
(Length of performance: 45-60 minutes, and will modify to fit your schedule).
"How a Book is Born" - This presentation is suitable for any age level. Items covered: how I come up with ideas, develop an idea into a concept, sell the concept to a publisher and work with an editor and/or art director to create a picture book. The presentation includes many examples of work, artifacts and interesting bits of publishing history created by yours truly. This "behind the scenes" look at children's literature includes many concepts useful to young writers (such as the role of the first draft in shaping the final product). However, facts and information about picture books are intertwined with humorous anecdotes to entertain as well as educate. After seeing this program, a student will understand how much "unseen" work goes into writing and illustrating.
"Let's Write a Story" - This presentation is a high energy and fast-paced exercise in creative writing. The workshop begins with the group playing with letters and words to invent a new name for a character. It ends with each student having crafted their own unique idea that could be expanded into a story. (If you have a very aggressive writing program, this may be appropriate for Kindergarten or first grade, otherwise I would suggest second grade or higher.) This program introduces and explains such processes as brainstorming, drafting, characteri-zation, writing dialog and constructive peer critiquing. It reinforces many of the concepts taught in "process writing."
EQUIPMENT NEEDS AND ROOM SET UP
I am extremely flexible and easygoing when it comes to where I perform. I have delivered these presentations in every conceivable type of school environment: auditorium, cafeteria, gym, library, lobby, classroom, open classroom and loading dock (if you can get the kids in the room, I can make it work). I like to begin each session by doing a special drawing for each class.
I have found it useful to have a blackboard (portable is fine), some large white drawing paper (18 X 24 is a standard art room size), masking tape, a fist full of black magic markers (standard size), a supply of coffee would be nice (I take it black, no sugar). If coffee is unavailable, water is fine but I'll probably whimper, whine and generally look pathetic between sessions. If I am doing "Let's Write a Story," students should come with a pencil and several sheets of blank paper.
GRADE LEVELS
Since 1974, I have spoken about children's literature to every age group from pre-K through graduate school. I adjust the content of my presentations accordingly. I will make every effort to accommodate the needs of my audience. If you don't see something here that you want, please don't hesitate to make a special request.
KEYNOTE SPEECHES/TEACHER WORKSHOPS
I have several playful, yet motivational presentations that explore the creative processes employed in writing and illustrating children's books. This approach may be crafted into a keynote speech or teacher workshop that will fit the time and content needs of your organization.
Topics include: How a Book is Born Developing Skills for Creative Writing Creative Problem Solving Setting and Achieving Goals A Positive Attitude called Creativity
All speeches and teacher workshops are tailored to fit the needs of the audience and are guaranteed to be full of humorous anecdotes and useful, common sense advice.
LOGISTICS AND HONORARIUM
$1,000 a day, plus expenses, in New York State $1,200 a day, plus expenses, outside New York State
This would include up to 4 assembly programs or workshops (and a bunch of original Dave Ross drawings to hang in your school).
Additional evening programs, keynote speeches and teacher workshops are all possible and may be negotiated separately at a discounted rate.
The fee for a Keynote Speech or a Teacher Workshop is generally $1,500 plus travel expenses. A discount is available for multiple bookings.
For visits within 50 miles of the Albany, NY area, there will be no additional travel expenses, but for visits between 50-120 miles, I charge $25 for my gas guzzling vehicle.
Beyond 120 miles, we need to talk about a bag full of take out food and a cheap hotel (please note: I gave up staying with well meaning teachers years ago after an unfortunate incident involving an asthmatic Yorkshire Terrier and a bowling ball).
The honorarium is due by the end of the last day of the visit. For further information, especially about 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."
REFERENCES
"I highly recommend Dave Ross! He was informative, enthusiastic and extremely generous with his time and energy. Dave was as comfortable working with our teachers as he was with students in grades K-6. He inspired everyone with his creative presentations!"
Ellen
Rubin, Library Media Specialist Mary Kegelman and Judy Stoffer, Reading Teachers Martin Luther King, Jr. Elem. School, Claymont St. & Todd Lane Wilmington, DE 19802 Tel: 302-7640-3750, Faix 302-323-2748 Patti Ansley, Staff Development Coordintor Garden City Public Schools, 1205 Fleming St. Garden City, KS 67846 Tel: 316-276-5109, Fax 316-276-5220 Zack Pfeifer, Principal Southeastern Middle School, 2003 Lancaster Rd. Chillicothe, OH 45601 Tel: 740-774-2003
AUTOGRAPHING BOOKS
Rather than fight my way through a sea of napkins, gum wrappers and shreds of loose leaf notebook paper, let me offer the following compromise. At your request, I will draw and sign a book mark design suitable for reproduction on your copier. These may be distributed in place of the aforementioned chaotic autograph sessions.
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