[MLSawyer]

I've been asked to talk at my old Highschool to a few classes about writing...

Has anyone done this before and how did you go about it? I haven't studied writing and I guess my book has been published because I've read so many fantasy novels (and horror, mystery, sci-fi...) that I've been able to put something together that's not complete rubbish...

I'm not afraid of public speaking though I can't say I've spoken in front of a class since highschool.

Fingers crossed that I can plan it so that my talks are the day before my book's oficial launch so I can sneak in a little invite to the kidds... but aside from that two minutes and question time, what would you speak about?

[PeteMC]

I have no idea! What sort of age are the kids (don't know about Aus, but "highschool" can be anywhere from 10-18 in UK)?

[Jon Sprunk]

Talk about why you wrote the book, what you wanted to say. That should inspire questions from the writers in the class.

[Fung Koo]

Teacher here! ;)

We've just had a book week at my school with several invited authors who have done talks and workshops with some kids. I can give you an idea of the kinds of things that go over. But...

What grade(s)?

Are you just supposed to speak? Conduct a workshop? Take part in a panel? How much time are you being given?

Are the students selected? Is it a creative writing class? Or is it just English-class-in-general?

These would affect what you would do.

[MLSawyer]

I believe it's 14-17y.o's, half an hour talk and questions.

For me, I've always written (put a little picture book in my primary school when I was 7)... I guess there's about 5 minutes of 'me... started really young... me me me, this is where I am now...' I have a bit of 'never let anyone tell you you can't do something... you always have to find out for yourself'... Might want to add 'writing isn't about putting the grosest, most violent or coarsest langage on a page... for me, it's about trying to tell someone something without telling them...

[Ramirez]

Most of them won't give a damn. Find a way to connect to the few who do, and to also inspire those who never thought writing would ever interest them. Do it for the children, man.

[Aether Monkey]

I have published authors come into my class whenever possible; just talk about your experience--be you. You are from that high school, so that will pull some weight too.

[MLSawyer]

Thanks guys. Fingers crossed we'll see how it goes.

[Fung Koo]

I believe it's 14-17y.o's, half an hour talk and questions.

For me, I've always written (put a little picture book in my primary school when I was 7)... I guess there's about 5 minutes of 'me... started really young... me me me, this is where I am now...' I have a bit of 'never let anyone tell you you can't do something... you always have to find out for yourself'... Might want to add 'writing isn't about putting the grosest, most violent or coarsest langage on a page... for me, it's about trying to tell someone something without telling them...

I'll echo Aether's advice. Just be yourself. Telling stories about yourself, especially funny ones and how they work themselves into your writing, are usually engaging for the kids. And it's OK to be slightly off-colour, if you know what I mean. They'll appreciate anything you do that's "real."

[MLSawyer]

Thanks Guys,

I haven't been invlovled with schools for ages and I don't know about your areas, but I'm a little concerned about what I can and can't say... I'd like to explain about why my writers name is M L Sawyer and not Michelle Sawyer (she's already a published author in the US who writes novels about women who like women :) - nothing wrong with that but just thought I'd try to differentiate) every time I tell someone that story they seem to have a bit of a laugh...