How often do children get the chance to meet the author behind their favorite stories? It is a special event that creates a lasting impression. It kindles a love for books and creativity. When they meet an author, they discover the truth that books are written by normal people who are just like them. They leave asking, “Could I make my own book?” Yes! The answer is yes. B.T. Higgins loves to inspire kids to embrace their inner writer.
They will learn where book ideas come from, how ideas grow to become books, and how they can be shared with readers all over the world. Where do characters come from? What makes a book interesting? Students will learn about how reader’s brain make it all seem so real. It’s like a magical power. How does a writer make a story exciting? We’ll talk about it.
An author visit is an excellent way to get young readers excited about books. Reading them. And writing them!
With unique programs designed for children from Kindergarten through 8th grade, I am able to inspire, educate, and entertain a wide range of readers and writers.
A simple program that’s interactive, exciting, a little silly and a great introduction into the art of telling stories for the little ones.
– 30 minute session
– Quick introduction to my life as a creative and writer. MAKE SOMETHING EVERY DAY!
– A childhood story that led to my first book. The Movers and the Setters. IT DOESN’T NEED TO BE PERFECT.
– Reading of my short story, Chisel and the Grinder. The students guess the lesson.
– There’s always time for questions.
A slightly deeper program that includes interactive activities which highlight all the various skills involved in creating a picture book.
– 45 minute session
– Introduction to what writers do, how I got started and the creative path I have followed shown through stories, books and publishing business.
– I’ll show how a string of green Christmas lights inspired an entire career. The Master of Disaster.
– Explanation of where ideas come from.
– Discussion on the importance of rewriting and rewriting to make a story better!
– Reading from Master of Disaster.
– Examples of how I create a story from seed to page.
– It’s magic! Or maybe it’s your fabulous brain?
– Reading from Minty Nothingmore.
– They’ve got questions, and I have answers.
An even more elaborate presentation designed to show older children how easy, how much fun and how possible it is for anyone to create their own book.
– 45 minutes of everything in the previous program.
– An explanation of the original idea for Becoming the Plagiarist and how I invented a new kind of school for the story.
– Greater detail on the process of writing a story.
– Reading from both Minty Nothingmore and Raykin Smythe
– A step by step sample of story from concept to completed book.
– A focus on having a dream and how both big and small dreams can lead to amazing accomplishments!
A detailed program that shows students that creativity is in everyone and applies to every possible career from writer and publisher all the way to nurse or mechanic.
– A background of my career, as well as a detailed explanation into what is necessary to create books with a focus on how it is entirely possible for students to create their own books now.
– Technology has removed all limitations, and they can publish tomorrow. The Cottonwood Project is my publishing company, which allows me to publish books like Night Night Ned.
– Creativity as a joy engine. Sad? Create. Worried? Create. It makes the difference.
Angry? Create. Writing, drawing, sculpting, music, dance and many other
forms of creativity are the solution to most of life’s problems. Even organizing is an art form.
– Detailed background on forming ideas, growing ideas, and eventually
navigating the heroes journey to write your story.
– Got problems? Me too. How setbacks, illnesses and mistakes are normal
and can be used to fuel incredible ideas.
– Introduction to my middle-grade novel, Island Chronicles or Becoming the Plagiarist.
In Person Author Visit: (Limited to Anchorage, AK) $350
Three hours of age-specific presentations. As many as your staff and space require. (All for a single price.)
Teacher guides for each title filled with curriculum and projects to extend the visit.
Includes a set of 4 paperback books for your library. 1) The Master of Disaster. 2) Minty Nothingmore: The House on Rocky Ridge, 3) Raykin Smythe: The Last Red Ship, 4) Minty Nothingmore: The Magician’s Guild.
Virtual Author Visit: $300
Three hours of age-specific presentations. As many as your staff and space require. (All for a single price.)
Everything I show, explain and introduce students to during an in-person, but through Zoom.
Teacher guides for each title filled with curriculum and projects to extend the visit.
Great way to include both in-class and remote learners at once.
Includes a set of 4 paperback books for your library. 1) The Master of Disaster. 2) Minty Nothingmore: The House on Rocky Ridge, 3) Raykin Smythe: The Last Red Ship, 4) Minty Nothingmore: The Magician’s Guild.
B.T. Higgins BOOKS 