Appearances

I'm happy to talk with groups about the early territorial period of Kansas, some of the real and fictional characters in A Voice for Kanzas, the Underground Railroad in Kansas, and/or answer questions--including why my book title spells Kanzas with a "z."

Schools, libraries, historical sites, book clubs, scouts, homeschool groups or other groups who would like to schedule an author appearance/book signing, may contact me at debra[AT]debramcarthur[dot]com  (reformat to send).

I will tailor my talk to the needs and preferences of your group.

(Most presentations below require a computer and digital projector. I can bring my own computer, or bring digital media to use in a PC on site.)

• "From Idea to Book." A general talk about the writing process behind A Voice for Kanzas, including idea-generating, feedback, revision, and working with an editor. (Grades 4 and older)

• "History and Historical Fiction." A presentation on the research behind A Voice for Kanzas, and how I used the research to make the book realistic in its setting, and how I incorporated historical events into the story. (Grades 4 and older)

• "Visit Lawrence, KT, 1855." A look at life in Lawrence in the territorial period. (Grades 3 and older).

• "Same Writer, Different Voice." A writer's transition from writing nonfiction to writing fiction. (Of interest to writers, high school or adults).

• "Those Pesky Jayhawkers and other Shady Characters of Kansas Territory." A look at some of the key players in Kansas Territorial history (High school or adults)

• "Writing Nonfiction for the Educational Market." (for writers).

• "History in the First Person." Stories from history through the eyes of people I've interviewed for 20th-century topics. (Grades 4 and older).

• "Historical Fiction and the Common Core Standards." How teachers can use this genre as the basis for reading and writing activities to practice and reinforce CCS at all levels from elementary to high school. (For teachers).

• "Raoul Wallenberg: One Man's Quest to Save a Nation." The story of the Swedish diplomat whose daring actions saved thousands of Hungarian Jews during World War Two. (Best for middle school, high school, or adults, due to some graphic details.)

I can also present these programs:

• Factual presentations on the subjects of any of my nonfiction books. (see the Books page for details).

• Writing workshops with activities in writing fiction and/or poetry (grade 4 or older)

• Girl Scout badge writing workshops ("Scribe" for Juniors; "Novelist" for Seniors) [Pricing varies from that shown below. Contact me for details.]

For visits in the Kansas City area, or within 40 miles of Parkville, MO:

• $450 for a half-day visit (2 presentations in either morning or afternoon). Cost and time may be shared between schools in the same area or district.

• $650 for a full-day visit (4 presentations). May also include teacher in-service on the same day.

For visits 40-100 miles from Parkville, MO:

• $650/day plus mileage (up to 4 presentations). [If last presentation is after 5 pm, will also require funds for overnight stay.]

For visits to more distant locations:

• $800/day plus travel expenses (up to 4 presentations)

Also available:

• Visits by Zoom

• Single, shorter presentations for clubs or groups

• Public library presentations

[Contact me for rates on these.]

Upcoming Appearances Scheduled:

Online event: PirateReads virtual author event, February 2021

River Read Children's Literature Festival, Park University October 12, 2021