SCHOOLS

Making Stories, Making Books (K-1^st Grade, 30-60 minutes).

The author will do some traditional storytelling as well as share her own books. She will also discuss the making of her books, including where she gets her ideas and working with an illustrator.  Includes a question and answer session and hand-outs for teachers. A book signing may also be arranged.

Meet the Author (2^nd-8^th Grades, 45-90 minutes depending upon the age group). 

The author will discuss writing, revising, submitting, working with an editor and illustrator, where she gets her ideas and what makes a successful story, which may include elements of plot structure and literary technique. Includes a question and answer session and hand-outs for teachers. A book signing may also be arranged.

LIBRARIES & BOOKSTORES

For preschool and families:

Storytime (25-30 minutes)

The author will tell stories geared for 4 year olds and up. Story times may include the author’s books as well as the sharing of illustrations and materials of forthcoming titles.

For 5 year-olds and older, and families:

Making Stories, Making Books.  (See description above.)

For families, older children, young adults, and adults:

Meet the Author.  (45-90 minutes. See description above.)

For young adults and adults:

Out of Slushville and On Your Way!  (45 minutes to 2 hours.)

The author will discuss the “slush pile”; genres; submitting; rejection; working with editors and illustrators; maintaining business relationships; networking; and helpful references and resources.  Bibliography and handouts included.

CONFERENCES

Shutta is available as a keynote speaker to participate in a panel on any of the above topics as well as many others related to children’s literature, writing, poetry, teaching writing, and library services for children.