Kevin Major St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada E-Mail

School Visits / Speaking Engagements

At Selwyn House School, Montréal

Over the past eighteen years, I have given hundreds of talks to students and adults, all across Canada, and in the U.S. The following information pertains to school visits. For information on other speaking engagements (including availability for conferences, writing workshops, and public library readings) please contact me by E-Mail. For information on Canada Council's assistance for public literary readings,see The Canada Council: Literary Readings.

School Presentation: The presentation usually begins with a look at my background and what led me to a writing career. I talk about getting published for the first time and give a brief survey of the published novels. In doing so, I take two or three and deal with the process I go through to get from the idea stage to the finished book. If a class has studied a particular novel, I will spend considerable time with it. During the course of the presentation I attempt to give a sense of the range of my work, punctuating the talk with short readings appropriate to the age group. I encourage questions and allow lots of time for them. After the session is completed, I'm happy to autograph books, as time allows. (If a teacher wishes the presentation to take a particular focus, or deal with one book only, I am open to doing that as well.)

Duration: One hour is the usual length, although that can be shortened if less class time is available.

Class size: A single class is ideal. Two to three classes together can work well. The upper limit is 100 students per session. Beyond that the personal connection is lost.

Space: I like working within a classroom or library. When this is not feasible, a multi-purpose room or auditorium makes a good location. In such a space the arrangement of seating is an important consideration. Students should all have comfortable seats, if possible, and not be positioned around tables. School cafeterias and gyms often prove problematic because of the acoustics and seating, though with careful planning they can work.

Preparation of students: Ideally, they should be aware, in general terms, of who I am and what I have written. I would like to think all of them would have read at least one of my books, although I never assume that. If they are 'readers' I should have much to say that will interest them; if they are not, then perhaps I can turn them on to the fact that books do contain the stories of teenagers much like themselves.

Additional requirements: A table and a glass of water!

Fee: Very reasonable! Contact by E-Mail to discuss this and any travel costs outside the St. John's, Newfoundland area.

For further information, or to discuss the possibility of a school visit or other speaking engagement contact the author directly.