*UPDATE: Availability for Cynthea Liu’s Spring/Summer 2010 schedule is extremely limited. Currently, only local or on-tour visits will be considered. Cynthea is now booking visits across the country for Fall 2010!*

Every student is involved when Cynthea visits!

Cynthea’s visits are designed to inform, engage and inspire. Most of all, she makes learning about writing, story development, and authorship FUN. She specializes in grades 3-8 and high school students.

“You made our family literary night wonderful! The students have not stopped talking about you and your presentation.” – Jen Johnson, Teacher, L.E.A.R.N. Charter Schools

“Cynthea Liu has an extraordinary ability to reach children and their level with her message about voice – in a way that is humorous, engaging, and relevant to their young lives.” - Rebecca Fallico, 5th Grade Teacher, Roosevelt Elementary, in reference to a classroom workshop, “Write at the Top of Your Voice”

“Cynthea is an outstanding, vivacious presenter! Our hearts and minds were opened up to the possibilities of what we could all do with writing. She made writing attainable through her carefree, optimistic style. Her current materials, music, props, etc. were captivating & relevant.” – Tammy Beadles, Language Arts Specialist, Briarglen Elementary

Presentations

A signing doesn't have to include a lot of standing around. These kids love reading PARIS PAN with their flashlights while they wait!

The REAL Life of an Author (large assemblies or classrooms, grades 5-12)

This presentation begins with a brief three-minute video to get the audience excited about the topic and a quick overview of the REAL life of an author.  Then through a rousing game that involves all participants, attendees get an inside peek to a children’s book author’s life. Using Cynthea’s books as examples, students will learn surprising facts about what it takes to do the job successfully, from weathering the writing process, to dealing with rejection, to scoring a sale with publishers. Emphasis: story arc, revision, writing from experience.

So You Think You Can Write? A Reader’s Theatre (grade-level assemblies or classrooms, grades 3-7). Cynthea gets kids excited about writing by breaking down common myths and obstacles that stop kids from writing today. Using real-life examples, Cynthea shows kids that nothing can stop a writer if one shows up to write. Then through a Reader’s Theatre (where students act out one of the biggest scenes in PARIS PAN,) she shares three magic writing tips that’ll help any book get off to a great start. Includes videos, music, and some seriously funny acting! Emphasis: story arc, revision, writing from experience.

Write at the Top of Your Voice (classrooms only, grades 5-12)
Cynthea will help attendees develop the one thing that makes their writing stand out like no other-voice! Interactive and fun exercises will help participants gauge if their voices are cracking or if they’re singing loud and clear.

Why not make it a “Slumber” Party? (Great for assemblies or the classroom, grades 3-7) In true Paris Pan style, students will get to attend a slumber party featuring the author and the book PARIS PAN TAKES THE DARE. Have the kids wear purple. Bring a flashlight, pillow, a favorite wooby?  Includes any of the presentations above and a signing.

Format

An ideal session with Cynthea is 90 minutes which includes an interactive presentation, Q&A, and a signing where every student receives an autographed bookmark or bookplate from Cynthea, regardless of whether or not the recipient has purchased a book.

Cynthea is also very comfortable working with large and small audiences. She can speak to several grade levels in a day without sacrificing quality time with the students.

Students make cards with their thoughts about Paris Pan for the author inside. Check out the discussion guide for more fun activities!

*Don’t forget all of the fun activities that are easy to work into your curriculum and contests (Take the Dare: Dare to be You!) associated with Cynthea’s latest book PARIS PAN TAKES THE DARE.*

Fees

No funding? Apply for a grant to bring author Cynthea Liu to your school.

2009-2010 Rates:

Local visits: One presentation: $300, Two presentations: $500. Three presentations (full-day): $600.

2010-2011 Rates:

Local visits: One presentation: $400, Two presentations: $600. Three presentations (full-day): $750.

Out-of-town visits are charged at a full-day rate + travel and lodging expenses.

Honorariums can also be shared among schools for visits performed on the same day or sequential days.

In many cases,  travel and lodging expenses can be waived if the visit coincides with another event on Cynthea’s calendar.

Virtual Visits

The REAL Life of an Author (Virtual Visit)

Read all about my first virtual visit with district 27J in Brighton, CO.

A fabulous option for organizations wishing to bring Cynthea into the classroom, virtually!  You will need a projector, a screen, a laptop or computer with a camera (so Cynthea can see the audience, too), and an Internet connection that can make calls through Skype. In this 30-45 minute session, Cynthea gives attendees an inside peek to an author’s life, filled with fun facts and behind-the-scenes info about PARIS PAN TAKES THE DARE and/or THE GREAT CALL OF CHINA.

“One might wonder if it’s possible to have an author visit without him/her physically being in the room … the answer is YES!  Our virtual visit with Cynthea Liu was amazing!  She maintained kids’ involvement by asking group questions and then even encouraged students to participate individually by asking them to raise their hands to answer questions she had (teachers throughout the room would call on one of the students to respond).  The virtual visit also offered the opportunity for students to see where Cynthea worked … it allowed them to “be there with her,” and they LOVED the chance to meet one of her best listeners – her pet bunny. It was a perfect mixture of talking and interaction!” Dawn Lewallan, Stuart Middle School Librarian

No Cost Meet the Author Visit: 10-15 minutes. However students should be familiar with at least one of Cynthea’s books in advance of the visit (a three-chapter sample reading is sufficient). Here are some fun ways to incorporate Paris Pan Takes the Dare into your curriculum.

In-Depth Visit Length: 30-50 minutes including Q&A.

In-Depth Visit Cost: A virtual visit is $150 for each session, $250 for 2 sessions in one day. $325 for 3 (the maximum # of sessions per day.)

“My class loves listening to the book. They are still talking about the visit! They can’t believe how many times it takes and author to edit a story and how many times a story is turned down. They now understand the importance of revision!” Julie Tosto, 5th Grade Teacher, Independence Elementary

“Cynthea Liu was an excellent speaker for our students. She had them engaged immediately. The students learned so much about being an author from her presentation. They enjoyed it tremendously. The teachers were very impressed also. They recommend that we have her back for our third and fourth graders also.” Anne Martin, Librarian, Grove Elementary

“I absolutely LOVED the way Cynthea interacted with the students. She gave them a true and engaging picture of how to write. They walked out motivated and inspired!” Lindsey Watts, Middle School English Teacher, Riverfield Country Day School

Author Visit Materials

Download the School Visit Info Sheet to share with your principal or library media specialist.

Download PARIS PAN TAKES THE DARE Book Order Form.

Download PARIS PAN TAKES THE DARE Book Order Reminder Form.

Download SASS: THE GREAT CALL OF CHINA: Book pre-order form for students and reminder form.

To request a visit …

Complete the quick questionnaire below or contact Cynthea.

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