Educators & Librarians » Scheduling Appearances with Ann Downer

I'm available to do readings, signings, and workshops for young readers and aspiring writers, and for adult writers, librarians, and teachers. For talks or presentations at libraries and schools, I negotiate my fee on a sliding scale, depending on the resources of the library or school. For appearances outside the Boston area, I ask for an honorarium sufficient to offset my expenses for airfare and lodging.

Sample workshop topics include:

For young readers: A guided discussion of Hatching Magic in a book-group format.

Download a PDF of the Book Group Guide (1.2mb)

For aspiring writers: "Hatching Your Own Magic," a guided workshop for 9-14 year olds. This can involve writing only or easily expanded and modified to include an art component, depending on the interests and inclinations of the kids.

Download a PDF of the Creative Writing Workshop (1.1mb)
Download a PDF of How to Build Your Own Dragon (250kb)

For established writers: "Waiting in the Wings: When Minor Characters Take Flight," a workshop for children's book authors.

For educators and librarians: “The Usefulness of Dragons,” talk more broadly about fantasy writing for children and adults, based on a presentation I gave to the 2004 meeting of the National Council of Teachers of English in Indianapolis.

Comments from teachers and workshop organizers about past appearances:

"The highlight of the Morse School's book festival was a visit by author Ann Downer, a fantasy writer whose most recent novel, Hatching Magic, is now in its fifth printing. She brought in copies of the original manuscript, bristling with Post-It notes from her editor. Even highly acclaimed authors have to write several drafts! She passed around versions of the cover for students to examine close up, and, perhaps most importantly, shared tips for becoming a successful writer. Her presentation captivated children, parents and teachers."
--Gretchen Adams, Morse School PTA

"Ann Downer's visit to our store was a wonderful success. The kids thoroughly enjoyed her reading of Hatching Magic and the time she spent answering their questions. She inspired both the readers and the budding writers. We would have her back again in a minute!"
--Deb Sundin, Hearts & Stars Bookshop, Canton, Mass.

"Ann Downer, author of Hatching Magic, visited us during the 2003-2004 school year. She came to speak to two groups of 6th graders. Some of the students had heard parts of Hatching Magic in the library. Having Ann here made the book come alive for my students as she explained how she created her dragon-like creature. She brought along a lesson for the students in which they had to create their own creature. They could pick the size and other characteristics--both physical and behavioral. Several of the boys created their own creature and made a huge poster of it for the library. As these are students who are usually difficult to engage, it was gratifying to have them so involved in a project. The poster is very beautiful and all of the other students always ask who made it. They are quite impressed that students in their own school conjured such an imaginative creature."
--Judith Nierenberg, East Somerville Community School

To book Ann Downer for a signing, reading, workshop, or speaking engagement, please contact:

Laura Antonacci
Laura.Antonacci@simonandschuster.com
Marketing Associate, Author Appearances
Education and Library
(212) 698-2713 phone
(212) 698-4350 Fax