Is an author visit worthwhile?

An author visit is worthwhile, inspiration being the most important of the many benefits,

Here are a few of the many responses to my student presentations...

1. I wanted to thank you for the time you spent with our students. It meant so much to them that an author, and a Metis man, would take the time to acknowledge them. They left talking about what gifts they might possess and how the expectation was they needed to share those gifts with others. Our students are rich in many ways but don’t often have a role model in the literacy world. You provided them with that missing piece. You know all the blessings you brought to them and I thank you for taking the time to share them.

I also want to thank you for bringing mental health to the forefront. It is a topic we do not talk about enough and your passion about it will

encourage us to address it daily.

If you are ever looking for something to do when in our city, our doors are open.

2. I would like to thank you deeply for coming to our school and presenting your life story for us. I would love for you to come again.

And when you said that reading would help your education and make school a lot easier I went home and the first thing I did was read a book that I already started. Many authors have come to spend some time with us and tell us about reading and how important it is but out of all that came hear I find that you are the most influencing and inspiring out of all. 

3. I can think of nothing but positive things to say about your presentation. As I speak French and German, I was pleased to hear that you do too.

I was also delighted to hear a French-Canadian accent; I have never heard one before, and I found it fascinating, not to mention hilarious (in a good way). I would like to thank you for your honesty in all subjects you spoke about, good and bad. I found the tale of Robbie heart-wrenchingly sad and yet full of hope, thank you for sharing it with us. I find your poems, your "rap for old people", very beautiful, and I am elated at having discovered it. I can but express my joy at your coming to ASB, and hope that you will come back one day.

4. Thank you so much for coming to our school and talking to us. From all the different authors that have come to our school I think you have been the best and most inspiring author.

I’m not jus saying that; I really feel that way. Your sense of humor is great and I had a lot of fun listening to you. I also really appreciate how you are so honest about yourself and your family. I think you play the flute really well and I love the song you wrote about your grandmother. I even had more fun with your books because of the rap and poems in it; it’s much more interesting to listen to than reading normal books everywhere. I really want to read the book you wrote for your daughter. All of the stories you told us were so inspiring; before you came I wasn’t a reader but now I think I’m definitely going to start reading.

5. Thank you for coming and presenting at my school. You are a very unique writer and a very inspiring person. I am in grade 12. I really enjoyed your talk. I fall under the category of those who don’t like reading.

I hate it when a teacher call on me to read in front of the class, I feel as if everyone is going to mock me because I read slow and get words mixed up easily. I have never approached any of my teachers really because they would always say, well you can read a easier book! Well I think them doing that has caused me to never want to try the harder novels. I have probably only read 2 or 3 full novels and that is probably including ones that I skipped a chapter or at least a few pages.

I have such a great imagination and would love to enjoy reading. My dad used to read to me all of the time when I was younger and I wish he still did. I enjoy short stories and things like that but I get bored easily and need something to really grab my attention....Could you please send me the names of a few books that you would recommend. You are unlike any authors I’ve heard of. It is unique how you go around giving talks about your books and your life. Most authors, if they said write to them, would probably have someone working for them reply to all of their so-called fans! But it is nice how you are so involved with the community and the students who, even if only a few are inspired, makes all the difference in the world. I know I am rambling on but I would really like you help in guiding me down what has been a hard and frustrating road - reading well and enjoying it. Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you in the near future.

Inspired

You didn’t lecture,
But tried to help.
Still had giggles
The comedy sticks to my brain like kelp!

I’m inspired now,
To pursue my dreams.
I see the light of the future in my hands,
Oh how that light gleams.

You didn’t brag,
You seem down-to-earth.
Truly a brilliant person,
Two glances is way less than you’re worth.

An inspiring author,
Is what you are!
Don’t forget that message,
Because you have got so far!