1. Bringing Dead Guys to Life: Biography doesn't necessarily mean boring. Biographies are the stories of real people and how they did things. But more importantly, biographies are the stories of why they did what they did. The Wright Brothers and Flight . Why did they succeed when others failed? George Washington and Leadership. Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington and Jazz. How and Why. The search for the character of these people. Biographies can be read for fun by both children and adults; or they can add an extra dimension to reports and the study of history. They are windows we peek through to see how other people lived. They bring dead guys to life.
2. How a book is made: From idea to finished product. Concentrating on picture books for younger readers and on biographies when talking to older readers.
3. Help me write my next picture book. We've done Toes and Fingers. What should we write about next and how should it sound? Children help me create a picture book with rhythm and bounce. (Teachers could prepare them by asking them to illustrate things that toes or fingers could do.)
4. Tell me a story: Children act out a familiar (or not-so-familiar) folk tale. Best done in small to medium-sized groups.
5. The Best Books for Kids -- and why kids like them.
6. So you want to be a writer: The ins and outs of the publishing world. Helpful hints for writers young and old.

1. Lively illustrated lecture and artwork exhibit-with much audience participation- of the process of writing and illustrating picture Books. For grades K-6 or for teachers, media specialists, parents and students together;
2. Two-projector slide talk on the history of illustrated Books. "From Parchment to Picture book: The Splendid Journey of Gina Farina." For high school or adults.

Power Point presentations include:

1. The Research is the Best Part — touches on all books;
2. The Writing Process — tailored to a specific book or sampling each of them;
3. Shades of Gray: From Idea to Published Book;
4. Across the Lines in Pictures — good for classes studying the Civil War;
5. The True Story of Grandpa's Mountain — especially good for 3rd or 4th;
6. The Pictures behind the Words — shows some of photos and sketches that provided the images for characters and scenes as I wrote my books;
7. Down the C&O Canal with Kate and Seth — includes some features of 1) and 6) for Captain Kate;
8. Self-editing — especially good for older kids or groups of enthusiastic writers. (This is the most interactive of my programs, with oral participation from the group throughout the session.)
9. Cover Illustrations: An Author's Point of View - sketches, finished art, and judging a cover by its book;
10. Fritz, aka Franklin - The Secret Project Notebook, with emphasis on the importance of point of view.

A lively, humorous lecture, with plenty of time allotted for questions and audience participation.

• For adults and children
  • Storytelling Techniques
  • Creating a Fable
• For adults
  • Storytelling in the Classroom
  • Resources for Storytelling

• CD Slide Shows: Gloriously illustrated, fast-paced, informative, and humorous. Great for all ages. (A dark room, projector, and screen are required.)
• Storytelling in costume with props and sound effects: Rollicking, riveting shows for grades K-3 featuring volunteers from the audience and plenty of interaction!
• True Stories from History: Using one book of your choice for each presentation, we will explore an exciting story in depth; the book can be used to coordinate directly with your school's own curriculum. Examples include amazing true stories about Charles Darwin’s adventure–packed journey around the world and how it changed science forever, John Smith’s amazing escapes (this talk can also be geared toward Colonial Jamestown); the many inventions of Benjamin Franklin; what both George Washington and King George III really believed during the Revolutionary War; the daring exploits of Lewis and Clark; the incredible California Gold Rush; how my own family escaped to America; and much more. All talks can be presented as CD slide shows and are guaranteed to appeal to the age level of your groups or classes.
• Adult presentations: How teachers can make history spring to life; The scoop on combining illustration with writing; Finding great research for just about any topic; How my books were written; and practically anything else you can come up with.
• Writing workshops for small groups: (One or two days) Nonfiction sessions - How to write a terrific journal or how to interview friends and family members about a past event. In fiction sessions, Schanzer tells the beginning of a funny story or a mystery and students use tips to write their own endings.
• Autographing sessions and lunches with students can be added to each day's presentations