Author Visit Information

Invite Golden-Kite-Award-winning author, magazine editor, and former NASA flight controller MARIANNE DYSON to share her enthusiasm for space and writing at your school, library, museum, conference, or special event.

Marianne Dyson at Briargrove Elementary (2007)

If you're interested in hiring me as a science consultant, technical editor, graphic designer, webmaster, or to work on a space-related task, here is my resume, and my standard manuscript consultation agreement (in Word format). I charge $60/hour for most assignments. Contact me for estimates.

To check my availability and see photos of previous visits, check my Schedule and photo archive pages.

PROGRAM OPTIONS

1. Launch Pad to Success! Award-winning author and former NASA flight controller Marianne Dyson gets kids ready for their future on the Moon. Using scale models, visuals, and interactive demonstrations, children learn how to use their natural curiosity about space to become better readers, writers, and scientists. Presentation covers lunar phases and eclipses, comparison of the Moon and Earth with other worlds, and the effects of low gravity on sports. Math problems and science concepts appropriate for the grade level are worked into the demonstrations to complement curriculum. K-8. Presentation requires 2 tables, an LCD projector, and a (wireless) microphone. 30 to 60 minutes.

2. Life In Freefall. As shown on C-SPAN2/BookTV, future space tourists learn what life is like on the International Space Station. Based on Space Station Science, presentation focuses on the unique environment of space and how it affects everything from the shape of flames to the way the toilet works. K-adult. Presentation requires 2 tables, an overhead projector, and a (wireless) microphone. 60 minutes.

3. Trip to the Moon Space & Writing Workshop. Give students something to write about and enjoy hands-on science along the way. Experience a launch, assemble a robotic hand at the space station, explore the moon, and train as an astronaut. Students learn to do interviews, record quotes and experimental data, follow directions, and plot a story of their adventure. Group size 12 (K-3) to 24 (4-8) plus 3 adult helpers. Host is responsible for supplies. For supply lists and photos see Space Activities. Workshop requires a TV/VCR, tables and chairs for all students, and a (wireless) microphone. 2-4 hours. This exercise can be scheduled as a one-day interdisciplinary professional development workshop for teachers.

4. Science Fiction Writing Workshop. Mission Control has lost communications with the space station. Was it hit by a meteor? Have aliens taken over? Students are given a basic plot and space science data, assigned positions, solve the problem as a team, and then write a story based on their experience. Workshop requires host to copy handouts. Group size up to 24. 2 hours.

5. From Idea to Publication: Writing for Children. Award-winning author Marianne Dyson's interest in space motivates her to write articles, activities, science fiction, poems, and books for children. She explains how to match your interests to markets and have fun sharing your favorite subjects with children. Manuscript preparation and submission, including tips on contract negotiations and book promotions are also covered. 30-60 minutes. Manuscript critique/contest can be arranged. Especially appropriate for high school classes and writers' conferences.

6. Next Stop: the Moon. The Moon is in our back yard, our nearest neighbor in space, and yet most people know almost nothing about it. How did it form? What is it made of? Why is it so important to our future? Find out about mountains taller than Everest, flying and skiing opportunities, uranium mining, cold-trap physics, options for meeting Earth's energy needs, and NASA plans to use the Moon as a testbed for Mars. 60 minutes. For young adult and adult audiences.

7. What Rhymes with Children? Avoid bad rhymes and use rhythm, meter, and word choice to stimulate imagination, images, and emotion. Award-winning author Marianne Dyson has published dozens of poems, served as poetry editor for a small-press magazine, edited a poetry anthology, and judged numerous contests. Critiques of poems from the audience can be included if time allows. 30-60 minutes.

8. Writing Space. Dyson offers a personal example of the power of space to motivate learning and creativity. She shares favorite topics and common misconceptions that she has discovered through years of speaking to adults and children about space at schools and libraries. Presentation is appropriate for any group interested in using space to inspire and motivate. 30-45 minutes.

9. A Century of Space and Astronomy. Many people know that Percival Lowell believed he saw canals on Mars. But not many people realize that in his quest to prove it, he invented new methods of measuring the elements in planetary atmospheres, pushed the cutting edge in photographic techniques, and seeded many of the concepts included in classic science fiction. Dyson shares stories of ten fascinating scientists (see list) in her tour of the history of the 20th century of space and astronomy. 60-120 minutes. Presentation can be broken into 2 parts, either by time or subject.

9. Custom Keynote. Space and astronomy offer a universe of anecdotes about brave explorers, problem solvers, and people who did not give up on their dreams. As one of the first female flight controllers, the author of a space and astronomy reference book, and the editor of a space magazine, Marianne Dyson will research and write a custom speech for your event. Price varies depending on speech length and research requirements.

Download a one-page Author Visit Flier (Word document) to share with your decision committee.

Print out and share these HOME ON THE MOON and SPACE STATION SCIENCE fliers to generate publicity for your author visit event.

Audience. Programs are available for K to adult.

Schedule. 15-20 minutes setup, 30-minutes/K-2 program, 45-60 minutes/grade 3-8, 2-4 hour/workshop, 30-minute breaks between events. Allow 60-90 minutes for lunch and 30-90 minutes for book signings.

Book Sales. Individuals can order books online via Amazon or PayPal/Credit Card: Order Books Online. To pay by check, fill out the All Books Order Form and mail with check to address on Contact page.

To determine method and number of books to order, read Book Order Options & Forms.

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HONORARIUM

NOTE: Fees valid for 2007-2008 school year. Discounts available for multiple bookings, referrals, nonprofits and book sales. See Discount FAQ for more information.

$800-$1,000/day for 4 presentations or 2 workshops. Travel expenses are in addition to this fee.

$500-$700/half day for 2 presentations or 1 workshop, depending on discounts. Travel expenses are in addition to this fee.

$200 and up for single presentation. Price varies for custom keynote speeches. $150 for public libraries.

$50 for online chat. For chat information, e-mail Marion@authorchats.com at: http://www.authorchats.com.

Expenses. Travel expenses are in addition to honorarium. Author will make accommodations. Hosts are responsible for presentation equipment and workshop supplies. Coordinate details with author.

Note, author has a weakness for dark (milk-free) chocolate-covered almonds (only $8/bag) from Lake Champlain Chocolates and will easily be persuaded to linger after a visit to share them with you!