Kevin Janison

Writers used to squirrel themselves away in remote cabins, dusty offices, revealing themselves only briefly to hand over completed manuscripts to their publishers or to appear shyly at the corner bookstore or coffee house for a book signing or reading. Rarely did authors speak to large audiences or get involved in marketing their great American novel.

But times have changed. Bookstores are closing — both big chains and little indie shops — providing fewer opportunities for book signings and appearances. Authors develop follows through their websites, tweets, and Facebook pages, but never meet face-to-face with their audience. Readers buy online or download straight to their Nooks and Kindles.

Stephen Nasser

What’s a writer to do? Stephens Press authors have found a way to reach out to the community and share their stories by visiting schools and speaking to students. Stu Michaels, author of You Can’t Make This Up! spent time with high schoolers in a creative writing class. Stephen Nasser, author of My Brother’s Voice, has presented stories of the Holocaust at middle school assemblies and Kevin Janison, has entertained elementary-age students with his Deputy Dorkface series. What a delightful partnership! Professional authors doing what they do best — telling stories — and inspiring a whole new generation of budding readers and budding writers.

Stu Michaels

Click here to view the embedded video.

Kevin Janison of KVBC-TV, Channel 3, holds a microphone for Amelia Smith as she shaves her dad's head Saturday at McMullan's Irish Pub. To John L. Smith's left is oncologist Dr. Jonathan Bernstein, who was buzzed by patient Ethan Freer, bottom right. Courtesy photo.

A couple of “good guys” from our family of Stephens Press authors were recently in the news — or making news. Getting scalped for a good cause was popular Review-Journal columnist and author of Bluegrass Days & Neon Nights, John L. Smith, whose gleeful daughter (and brave brain cancer survivor) Amelia did the honors. Our own Deputy Dorkface author Kevin Janison covered this breaking event for Las Vegas Channel 3 where he’s a meteorologist. The annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser helps in the fight against childhood cancers. Bravo! ]]> http://workingtitlez.com/2009/03/14/shiny-scalps-for-st-baldricks/feed/ 0 http://workingtitlez.com/2008/10/14/book-bites-for-kids/ http://workingtitlez.com/2008/10/14/book-bites-for-kids/#comments Tue, 14 Oct 2008 05:38:21 +0000 admin http://carolynhayesuber.wordpress.com/?p=340

The National Writing for Children’s Center is the home of the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club (CWCC), and a growing resource for children’s writers, aspiring children’s writers, parents, elementary school teachers, and librarians. The Center also produces Listen to Book Bites for Kids live every weekday afternoon at 2:00 CST on blogtalkradio.com. Each episode features an interview with a children’s book author who has a new book coming out or a book currently in bookstores.

Host Suzanne Lieurance is a former classroom teacher, now a freelance writer, children’s author, speaker, and The Working Writer’s Coach. She is the author of over 20 published books for children.

Four Stephens Press children’s authors have been featured on Book Bites in recent months. You can listen to their interviews by clicking on the author’s name below.

Mike Miller

Mike is the author of our popular Tomas the Desert Tortoise series of six books about plucky Tomas and his Mojave Desert friends. His presentations include “Draw Tomas” lessons! The web site includes downloadable teacher guides and kid’s activities.

Polanco

Jorge Betancourt Polanco is the author/illustrator of Dreamygirl’s Field of Wishes which is printed in Spanish and English, side by side. The book was just named a finalist for the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards.

Lewis Kimberly

Miss Kimberly is the author of Granny McFanny, the zany grandmother who lives life with zest. Kim is also the founder of the Dare to Dream program, offering school fundraisers to promote children’s literacy.

Kevin Janison

Las Vegas Channel Three weatherman Kevin Janison is the author of Deputy Dorkface: How Stinkville Got Cleaned Up and the soon to be released Deputy Dorkface: How Sugaropolis Got Dessert Back. Kevin is the chair of Clark County Reads, an avid literacy advocate and presents popular school assemblies.