Author Visits

Author Visits

I am Author/Illustrator Johnnie W. Lewis and am available to visit schools, teachers' groups, and civic/political organizations to demonstrate "how to write paragraphs and essays with less stress" or other subjects as the audience prefers. I can entertain/inform on a variety of additional topics, i.e., child advocacy, nostalgia, women's issues, career changes, and "uplifting outlooks." These speaking engagements are tailored to the audience, regardless of age. News Media: click here for suggested on-air shows.

A 4-hour stint is the minimum arranged visit, regardless of speaking topic chosen.

Instruction of The Five Finger Paragraph© includes:

Brief author's introduction, including how I came to be an author and illustrator and how I developed The Five Finger Paragraph© (useful for "Author Visit" Days).
1-3 hour interactive demonstration of The Five Finger Paragraph© with audience participation encouraged (required for students). Time period is determined by age of participants in the audience (the younger the students, the less time spent instructing; the older the students, the more time spent instructing; the more adults, the less time spent instructing).
Overhead projection of the written demonstration as instruction unfolds.
Brief question and answer session with the audience.

I am rather flexible as to schedule and facilities (auditorium, cafeteria, classroom, or boardroom). Photographing is permitted, although videotaping is not. The only items that schools or HomeSchool groups need to provide are an (1)overhead projector (please have an extra bulb available), (2)a screen, and (3)a microphone (if the group to be addressed is large enough to require same). In lieu of using transparencies, I can bring a PowerPoint presentation (please provide a projector and screen). If the physical set-up does not permit showing projections, the presentation can be adjusted accordingly, using an easel and chart paper (though projection is highly effective in getting points across and heightening student responsiveness). If at all possible, please verify that the room can be effectively darkened at the appropriate times.

While the same core projections are used, presentations are altered to suit the age groups addressed in each session. Although optimal (student) audience size is 30-60, on occasion, when a single large session is preferred, I have addressed entire student bodies at one time. I am also willing to visit individual classes or select groups of students, if this is preferred to larger gatherings. As always, I am happy to try and meet a school’s wishes in this regard.

Please visit here to determine if your purchases of kits might warrant a FREE (or almost FREE) Author Visit and demonstration of The Five Finger Paragraph© methods to your HomeSchool Group or Public/Private School.

Autographing time will be separate from presentations. This can be arranged between presentations, or can be set up for after presentations, depending on the group's wishes.

I am open to the possibility of brief visits to kindergartners (a.m. and p.m. classes), speaking with PTSA/PTO groups, local library appearances, civic organization banquets, etc., if desired.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL APPEARANCE

Preparation: Please prepare the audience ahead of time with information about my visit (visit my website for more information at http://www.thefivefingerparagraph.com). Also, try and publicize the event in advance with displays and/or classroom activities.

Breaks: Please schedule enough time before, during and after the appearance to allow for necessary breaks, such as for lunch and restroom stops. Some evenings should be free to allow for quiet time and resting the voice.

Supervision: Please do not leave me alone with the audience during the presentations. I might get hungry!

Fees: $300 per 4-hour session, plus travel expenses. If more than two sessions in one day are desired, please contact me for price quote (johnnie@thefivefingerparagraph.com). NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: Save half your fee by arranging TV and/or radio exposure to include the author alone or with your group. Travel in excess of 200 miles from Atlanta, Georgia may require an overnight stay. For travel requiring an overnight stay, additional expenses will include: air/train/car fares where required; lodging; and meals. Travel is from Marietta, Georgia (suburban Atlanta), so schools/groups in a given area may find it helpful to pay for me to come for several days and split expenses between the groups/schools.

Accommodations: If overnight stay is required, I prefer to stay in a hotel or motel, not in any private residence or shared space. Also, be sure to keep in mind the timing of the appearance(s) in light of arrival and departure times. If the appearance is scheduled to begin in the morning, the best arrival time is on the day prior to the appearance (unless the location is the metro Atlanta area). Accommodations need not be fancy—but a place to eat within walking distance is desired. I am happy to participate in dinners or other events. I have no dietary restrictions at this time and a non-smoking room is preferred.

Airport Pick-up: I prefer not to drive when traveling, but can rent a car in a distant city if necessary.

Flight Costs: Unless you request otherwise for accounting purposes, I prefer to make my own flight arrangements and to bill the school or conference myself. I can approve prices ahead of time with you.

Payment Due Date: Payment on or before the day of the event is preferred. If this not possible, please make payment arrangements with me in advance. Be sure to let me know what is required for me to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. Transportation to/from hotel/school/venue would be appreciated.

Contact: Please contact me directly at my email address (johnnie@thefivefingerparagraph.com) to arrange speaking engagements.

Contact: Johnnie W. Lewis

1860 Sandy Plains Rd., Suite 204 - 150, Marietta, GA, USA 30066

770-977-4185 (ofc.)

770-973-4128 (fax)

Send email to support@thefivefingerparagraph.com with questions or comments about this web site.