From: Paul Volponi <pavolpo@cs.com>
Date: Sun, Jan 22, 2017 at 7:20 PM
Subject: in-person author visits/workshops in CT schools
To: Shannon_McNeice@whps.org

I recently did a wonderful full-day writing/reading experience with the students of Eagle Hill School (Greenwich) with the help of longtime librarian Ann Chase-Karel, and at Fairfield Warde and Fairfield Ludlowe High Schools with LMS Diane Faiella.

Unlike most visiting authors (I was a NYC teacher for 16 years, six of those years on Rikers Island, the world's biggest jail)), I spur creative writing by actually reading in advance of a visit, one page of material from each student in a creative writing class (or by students chosen as a creative writing participant by teachers). So I walk through the door already knowing students' names, things they are doing well, and what they can possibly do better. I was also a non-reader during my own middle school and high school experience, and absolutely the last person you would have thought would go on to write 12 novels and win 11 ALA awards. That's why my reluctant reader talks are simply stellar--they are born from my own experience, and I can completely relate to students who do not read FOR FUN. During the course of a full-day visit, I am prepared to work 5 periods (usually giving three reader talks and hopefully, a double-period with the schools creative writers). Naturally, I am willing to work with a school in creating a great schedule. I am also willing to work with a school in finding a reasonable honorarium for such a day. I am pleased to have several of my YA novels on the Nutmeg Awards List, as well as The Final Four on the NYC Chancellor's Reading List and Game Seven (about Cuban Refugees) on the NYC Public Library Summer Reading List. I hope you will consider having me at your school. I'd be more than happy to speak with you about what I could bring to your students.   --Paul Volponi (718) 726-9872 or pavolpo@cs.com.

                                                                

You can read excerpts from all of my YA novels and get author's notes on their origins at   paulvolponibooks.com