Debra Doyle & James D. Macdonald

School and Library Visits

Titles:

Groogleman
Knight's Wyrd
"Nobody Has to Know"
The Stars Asunder
School of Wizardry
Tom Swift: Aquatech Warriors

Numerous others novels and short stories for middle grades, young adults, and adults (see our bibliography).

Workshops:

Regular instructors at the annual Viable Paradise workshop.

Awards:

Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature—1992—Knight's Wyrd
New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age list—1993—Knight's Wyrd

Programs Available:

Grades:

Most appropriate for middle grades (4th-5th) up through seniors in high school (12th).

Length:

Thirty-five minutes to one hour, or as required. Our usual talk is "The Happy, Carefree Life of the Free-lance Writer" which covers writing as a career. Questions and answers mingle with our show-and-tell as we describe the practicalities of writing, from idea to publication. We can talk about movie novelization and using licensed characters. Our goal is to encourage kids to read, to write, and to love both. Age appropriate.

Assemblies:

We'd prefer not to, as Bartleby said, since taking questions is a big part of what we do. We want everyone to understand the art and craft of this trade.

Writing Workshops:

An hour and up, with up to a dozen students per workshop. We can do several in a day. We will require a finished short story from each participant, in advance, plus enough copies for everyone in the workshop. Students read their works, and comment on their own and others' stories. We guide the discussion, and make our own comments on prose and plot.

Teachers' In-Service:

All part of the deal. We'll talk about how to recognize the common faults of written fiction, and simple tricks for fixing them on the re-write.

Artist in Residence Programs:

Up to two weeks, meeting with small groups and intensely re-writing submission pieces. The goal is to create a student-produced literary magazine. Can be combined with visual artist residency.

Equipment:

Access to a photocopy machine for workshops; a table to lay out examples and exhibits for other presentations.

Signings:

We'd love to. You provide the books, we carry the pens.

Fees:

$750/day, plus travel and lodging, for up to four presentations in a day. Scheduling multi-day multi-school visits is encouraged to help schools save on travel expenses. Negotiate for residencies. Ask about our special in-state New Hampshire and "North of the Notch" rates.

Doyle&Macdonald Contact Information:

James Macdonald and Debra Doyle
127 Main Street
Colebrook, NH 03576

Email: doylemacdonald@sff.net

Phone: (603) 237-4082 (streetmail or email preferred)

The Doyle&Macdonald Home Page

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