I love to meet young people and to look for ways we can connect. I hope my books and stories will entertain young readers, open their eyes to "something new," and maybe help them understand both themselves and the world a little better. If I can also help them have an idea of what goes into the creation of a book--not just "how you get it published," but the patience and determination needed--that's great!
Since I write for all ages except the very young, I can give presentations from first grade through high school, as well as talks and instructional workshops about writing, for adults. Wherever possible, I tailor my topics to fit curriculum or other special interests. For instance, I can speak on many topics about ancient Egypt, a perennial favorite with kids; and for social studies units about the Middle East or gender studies, I can discuss the status of women in the Arab/Muslim world. Another subject I like to talk about is American archaeology--such as the Moundbuilders, Mesa Verde, and southwestern rock art.
I have spoken to schools and libraries in several states--Indiana, Massachusetts, California, Illinois, Texas, Iowa, Louisiana, Rhode Island--and overseas: Germany, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon.
What's it like to be a writer?
--How I got started, and why I write for children
--Where my ideas come from
--Highlights and low points
Hatching a Plot (can be done interactively)
--What makes a story sparkle
--Targets and pitfalls
--How to get it right the first time (!)
Imagination: what it really means
--Monsters and mermaids, and...
--Every child's right
--How it can change you--and the world
Mummies and More!
--Life and death in ancient Egypt
--What the ancient Egyptians believed
--Strange tales from the search for ancient Egypt
Veils and Hi-Tech: Women in the Middle East today
--Survey of what women's lives are really like
--Why women "veil"
--What the rise of religious fervor means for women
Writing nonfiction
--How it can be as exciting as a story
--Twists and turns of research
--Where my books have taken me
Children's literature about the Middle East
--A lot more than The Arabian Nights!
--What do we need to know?
--How stories can open windows on the world
