AUTHOR OF BOOKS FOR THE VERY YOUNG

Dianne Ochiltree has been writing poems and stories since she was a kid growing up in a small Ohio town.  Her childhood was filled with dozens of cousins, countless family pets and an endless supply of books from the local library.  Today---after thirty years as a professional writer---she loves to share her love of   reading and creative writing with students of all ages.  Her books are in the collections of schools, libraries and homes nationwide, and have been included on several ‘best of’ lists.  For a complete list of Dianne’s books and all kinds of other information, please go to her web site, www.ochiltreebooks.com   

Dear Teacher, Librarian, Reading Specialist, Conference Organizer, Literacy Advocate, Parent or Bookseller:

Most of my work days are spent alone at the computer keyboard in my home office, so of course I’m delighted to have the chance to visit with real people every now and then. 

I am available for author visits, writing workshops, author panel participation and booksignings at schools, public or private libraries, book festivals, bookstores, and professional conferences.  Wherever book lovers convene, I’m pleased to join you. 

Author Appearances and School Visits

Here’s a sampling of my programs:

GROWING A READER, GROWING A WRITER.  Using vintage slide show images of the author as a kid, the program shows how encouragement of childhood reading and creativity by the adults in my own life made me the writer (and voracious reader) I am today.  At the end of the program, I offer a few suggestions on how grownups can help the children in their classrooms and lives
get ‘hooked on reading’ and help hone their writing skills.  Includes Q & A.  For adults.

HOW A STORY GOES FROM AN IDEA IN A WRITER’S HEAD TO A REAL, LIVE BOOK ON A SHELF.  Using actual materials from
her published work, and her experiences as a professional writer, the author will share both her creative process and the path
to book publication.  Includes Q & A.  For kids, grades K-3. 

PAJAMA-RAMA!  Wearing jammies and fuzzy slippers---and hoping that her young audience will, too---the author will sit on the
floor with the very young and read her acclaimed picture books aloud.  While entertaining the little ones and their parents, she
will emphasize her message of the importance of daily reading, especially at bedtime.  Includes Q & A.  For kids, ages toddler
to preschool.

EVERY STORY TELLS A PICTURE.  The picture book format is a different breed of book.  The author will use her extensive experience in writing for this genre as a springboard for a discussion of how to craft stories that will inspire both illustrators and readers.  Alternately, this program can be adapted for those wishing to learn more about how a picture book works, and what to
look for when choosing books for the very young.  Includes Q & A. For adults.

OBSERVATION + IMAGINATION = THE START OF A STORY.
Or poem!  Using her own creative process as a model, the author will guide kids through a creative writing exercise that emphasizes pre-writing techniques such as brainstorming, and observational skills centered on the five senses.  A variety of creative writing games and projects can be offered.  An optional end-of-the-day sharing session is available, if time permits. 
For kids, grades 1-3. 

I hope this sampling of possible programs is helpful to you in deciding whether my presentations might be appropriate for your particular audience.  My goal is to tailor my programs to suit the needs of each age or grade level I may visit in a school, or to the specific interests of adults I may meet at conferences or other literary events.  For more information about costs and availability, please contact me at DianneOchiltree@ochiltreebooks.com. 

Thanks for your interest in my writing workshops and my books!    

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Books