School visits
Debby will tailor her presentations and workshops to the grades with which she is working. She is available for readings and Q&A sessions, and for specific presentations.

The Dangers of Gossip: Inspired by Debby’s picture book, A Sack Full of Feathers, this presentation is designed to make students more conscious about the implications of spreading stories. She starts out with a game that helps them to see what happens when a story spreads. From there, she gives students a chance to talk about their experiences with gossip either as victims or perpetrators. Depending on the student’s familiarity with her story, she will either read the entire book or sections of it. At the end of the presentation, students work in groups to come up with a cartoon, a poster or a poem that can be displayed in the school halls to warn against gossip.

Where do Stories Come From: Debby talks about what inspired her to become a writer, and gets the students thinking about experiences in their own lives that they can turn into stories. She will explain the parts of a story and give students prompts so that they can begin writing their own stories.

Writing Funny: Humor is one of the hardest genres to write. The trick is to find the right balance between reality and exaggeration. In this session, Debby will bring in some of her favorite funny books, and get the students talking about what makes the stories work. Time permitting, theyll then have a chance to start their own humorous stories.

Writing from Facts: As a journalist, Debby was trained to interview people and use the information she gathered to write news or feature stories. In this workshop, she’ll explain how reporters get to the heart of the story by asking their subjects who, what, why, when, where, and how questions. She’ll then give the students a chance to interview each other, and write stories based on their newly gathered facts.

Rates: $200 for a half day, $375 for a full day, plus expenses.
Available to speak to large groups, but workshops are limited to 25 students.

Reviews and feedback:

It was very captivating when you told us about your newspaper career and how you wrote about football. I also liked writing the character interviews from the book, A Sack Full of Feathers.”
—Nathanial, Grade 3

It was really nice to listen to you talk about your life and how you became an author and a journalist. When I grow up I want to be a hockey player but if I can’t I was thinking of being an author and you have reinforced that idea.
— Noah, Grade 3

I liked it when you explained how a book became a book.
— Evelyn, Grade 3

Thank you for your enthusiastic, informative, and thought-provoking presentations. What an inspiration you were for both students and staff! We really “lucked out” with our YABS choice.
—    Clara Tyner School, Edmonton

Thank you for taking the time to read your book to grades 4, 5, and 6. Both the students and teachers really enjoyed your presentation. Your book is excellent – a very important story for us all! Thanks again.
—    Windsor Park School, Edmonton

It was so lovely to meet you and hear your stories. We would very much like to maintain this friendship. Thank you.
The Thorncliffe Park Library Team, Thorncliffe Park Elementary School, Toronto

It’s been a delight having you visit our library. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your stories and best wishes on your forthcoming books.
—    Barrhead Public Library, Barrhead, Alberta