More Great Book ‘Em Speakers

As I said yesterday, I am not the only one speaking at Book ‘Em in Waynesboro, Virginia, this Saturday, October 16th. Here are some more interesting speeches:

Jonathan Queen

The Need to Read ‘Inspiring the Next Generation of Young Readers’

Author, Mentor, and Motivational Speaker Jonathan Queen presents a powerful dialogue with parents, teachers, mentors and anyone involved with today’s youth about the positive influence of reading and writing. Jonathan shares candidly about how reading ‘saved his life’ and helped him turn from a lifestyle of drugs and crime to the positive man he is today. This is an interactive discussion designed to answer some of your questions on how to inspire young people to read more.

Dirk Robertson

Title: The Art of Storytelling
Content: Characterization, plotting, things to avoid, commercial as opposed to artistic composition of stories, in print.

Sofie Couch

It’s All in the Perspective: Square Pegs in Round Holes

Whether you’re a writer, a teacher, a parent, or a young adult you will enjoy this fast paced presentation about perspective in writing, in reading, in the way we view the world, and in recognizing that sometimes a disability is actually a gift in disguise. We will look at the left-brain/right-brain writing process, the “rules”, and discuss how some writers are challenging those rules.

Barbara Stremikis

Misfits, Bullies, and Fish Out of Water

Ever had that “I don’t fit in” experience? Social isolation is particularly painful for teens. What are the causes of exclusion and what steps can be taken to ease the discomfort? Join educator, psychologist, Barbara Stremikis as she explores universal loneliness and the inspiration for change; themes incorporated into her young adult novel, March Misfit.

I’ll be speaking on 2012 and the End of the World at 1:00 p.m. in the Auditorium.