I’ve always tried to adapt my presentations to fulfil the teacher and student’s needs. For the most part, the teachers have asked me to present in all of their classes but on a couple of occasions, I have presented in the morning to a couple of larger groups and worked with a smaller group of about 10 to 12 students who showed a particular interest in writing in the afternoon.
I often use my first book, Remembering Honey to demonstrate how the book went from the scribbled outline stage in the beginning to the finished product complete with illustrations and an award sticker. This helps show the student the process and value of re-writes, etc. Included in the workshops are discussions about how to find ideas for stories and a Q and A time).
Usually I read a story about my mischievous West Highland Terrier named Ben Nevis to the younger classes (K-2). This story isn't in a book yet, but it was selected for Canadian Living's Pet Story and Photo prize a few years ago. When it first came out in 2000, Remembering Honey was chosen to be on the Nova Scotia School Library list. It is written with 5-10 year olds in mind. Also one of my manuscripts, 'Willa, The Diary of a Maritime Girl (1914-1918)' placed second in the NB Literary awards last year and I have read parts of it to the Grade 3-5 classes. Three of the books I have written are historical, (When Canada Joined Cape Breton, Historic Grand Manan and Historic Sussex) but I could pick out some interesting facts found in them for readings or share how to do research for a project or writing assignment. For instance I could read about Sussex Ginger Ale or The Picnic King from the Sussex book or how my great, great grandfather fooled some pirates from the Grand Manan book.
I haven't updated the website http://elainehogg.tripod.com for a long time, but it does give more information about my stories and writing.