Speaking

Seminars, Book Signings and
Digital Slide Presentations

Looking for an interesting speaker for your group’s next meeting or event?

• book or other retail stores
• libraries
• writing & publishing conferences
• book fairs & festivals
• historical societies
• K-12 classrooms

I’m available for

• Narrated digital slide presentations
• Book signings
• Readings
• Panel discussions
• Industry Roundtables
• Seminars
• Workshops

on writing, marketing and publishing-related topics, as well as on the particular topics of my books. I appear at bookstores, gift shops, fairs and festivals, libraries, schools, civic group meetings, historical societies, active adult communities and retirement villages, special events and other gatherings. A selection of my stock presentations is listed below, but don’t hesitate to call if you’d like me to speak on something related. I’m happy to customize presentations to your specific needs.

For venues providing electricity and an adequately darkened room, I speak in accompaniment to digital slide presentations. For outdoor events, I speak extemporaneously using props. I offer my books for sale and signing following all presentations.

Devastation on the Delaware

• ONE-HOUR SLIDE PRESENTATION – 45-minute slide talk begins with a brief reading from my book, and contains supplemental information about the flood of 1955 and historical and contemporary photos, some of which don’t appear in the book. The slide show is followed by a 15-minute audience Q&A session, making this an ideal one-hour presentation for all ages. Presentations are customized to your locale.
  Fee: $200 within 50 miles of Ferndale, PA (18921). Add $10 travel expenses for each add’l 50 miles or any increment thereof. (Non-profit groups: Call to inquire about fee discount. Proof of non-profit status required.)

• 45-MINUTE EXTEMPORANEOUS TALK – I do a brief reading from my book, set up the context of conditions that made the 1955 flood so deadly in the Delaware River Watershed, describe highlights of and dispel myths about this record-setting weather disaster. I bring several display boards of historical photos (some of which do not appear in the book) and a few images from contemporary floods on the Delaware River. I also share copies of historical newspapers from the time among audience members, and answers any of their questions. This presentation is appropriate for all ages.
  Fee: $150 within 50 miles of Ferndale, PA (18921). Add $10 travel expenses for each add’l 50 miles or any increment thereof. (Non-profit groups: Call to inquire about fee discount. Proof of non-profit status required.)

Almost Perfect

• HALF-HOUR SLIDE PRESENTATION – (Indoors only) 20-minute slide talk contains supplemental information about the joys and challenges of rescuing or adopting and living with disabled pets. The slide show is followed by a 10-minute audience Q&A session, making this an ideal half-hour presentation for all ages. Within 100 miles of Doylestown, PA, this presentation is accompanied by bonus 15-minute visit from Idgie, my cat who was born without eyes, a condition called anophthalmia.
  Fee: $100 within 50 miles of Ferndale, PA (18921). Add $10 travel expenses for each add’l 50 miles or any increment thereof. (Non-profit groups: Call to inquire about fee discount. Proof of non-profit status required.)
• HALF-HOUR EXTEMPORANEOUS TALK – 20-minute talk begins with a brief reading from the book, then discusses the joys and challenges of rescuing and living with disabled pets. Followed by a 10-minute audience Q&A session, making this an ideal half-hour presentation for all ages. Within 100 miles of Doylestown, PA, this presentation is accompanied by a bonus 15-minute visit from Idgie, my cat who was born without eyes, a condition called anophthalmia.
  Fee: $75 within 50 miles of Ferndale, PA (18921). Add $10 travel expenses for each add’l 50 miles or any increment thereof. (Non-profit groups: Call to inquire about fee discount. Proof of non-profit status required.)

Secondary/Higher Education

Speaker’s requirements for digital slide show:

I will bring:

• laptop computer
• digital projector
• small projection screen, if needed
• 3-prong power strip

Host to provide:

• a small table or cart at least 30 in. square, positioned 10-15 feet from projection surface (a blank, light-colored wall will do just fine)
• a 3-prong, grounded extension cord to reach the table or cart
• a room large enough to seat the group comfortably for an hour, which can be suitably darkened for a slide show
• microphone and sound system for groups larger than 50 people. I prefer a wireless mic but can work with a wired version.

Teaching

I teach a variety of classes for adult students that range from single-night seminars to 8-week, in-depth workshops and weekend retreats for serious writers.

• I’m available for special one-period classes on writing, researching and history for students age 8-12.
• I’m happy to discuss with you the development of a special course or seminar for your classroom, office or special interest group. Give me a call at 610-847-2456 to discuss your needs and budget.
• Learn more on my Courses page.

Media Interviews

I’m available for interviews by editors, reporters, show hosts and bloggers about my books and their topics

• in person at my office or a location that suits you
• In your broadcast or cable/satellite studio
• via telephone
• on Skype
• through email

Call 610-847-2456 or use our Contact Form to request more information or to schedule an interview. I prefer to have prior notice of any interviews, but if you have a deadline coming up and really need a source, give me a call. I still do some of that work myself, so I’ll do my best to make time to talk with you.

Generally, I’ll be most effective as a source on the following topics:

Photos

• Photos of me are available in digital format in this site’s PressRoom to create promotional posters and flyers about your upcoming event.
• Photos from Ms. Shafer’s books are available on their respective websites: Devastation on the Delaware; Almost Perfect