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PROGRAMS:
Program 1:
There are three main sections to the visit.
First, an introduction to who we are and
our series. Real pictures of our family,
friends, pets and hometown as well as stages
in the production of Sneak Force are shown
in Power Point. The second part is question and answer
time. Although this is questions for the
author time, if the class is shy, it turns
into questions for the students time. Either
way, it's interactive, informative, and
about reading and writing. Finally, the
third section is a game. All students participate
in some way. The students will dynamically
create a first draft of a book of their
choice. The parts of a book, such as conflict,
characters, plot, and humor are covered.
This is a fantastic program, which is relevant
to both reading and writing. Unless requested
otherwise, this is the standard program,
as I feel it is the most interactive and
memorable.
Program 2: This program begins with
the same two parts as program 1. The third
section is still a game, but this time students
role play through the process of creating
and marketing a book. Some play as the writer,
some as the publishers, editors, and even
book store owners. This is a funny program
because conflicts such as rejection are
common in the industry. The emphasis of
this program is on writing and the publication-promotion
process.
Program 3: Readers are the focus of
this program. Beginning out like program
one, with an introduction and then questions
and answers, the final section is a game
called "plug in." Students are
first briefed on the essential parts of
a story, such as plot, conflict, and characters.
Then certain students are asked to volunteer
names of their favorite series or stories.
This allows children to choose from significant
interests in their own lives, such as video
games, movies, TV, and, of course, books.
If they choose anything other than a book,
we treat it as if it was made in book format.
Then, the class begins to plug in the parts
of the story. Together, students briefly
determine who the characters are, what happens
in the plot, and what the conflict is. I
also find out what they like the most about
the story at hand and we decide what part
of a story it is. This is the adult explanation,
of course. The program is presented appropriately
to the grade level in a step by step manner.
This program is an effective way to relate
students' interests with what they are learning
in school.
FEES:
Please call or email (LynneNThomas@SneakForce.com)
for prices and availability. Differing from
the norm, all additional expenses are covered
by our company. There are no additional
expenses aside from the daily honorarium
and books.
A WORD FROM THOMAS OF LYNNE N. THOMAS:
Hasn't everyone faced some type of adversity in their lives, some type of obstacle to climb over, be it a mountain or a small hill? Experience teaches us that worrying and becoming “stressed-out” about the problem can sometimes get in the way of solving our problem, creating another obstacle, so to speak. What if we could let go of the stress and worry? We would allow ourselves to focus on the task at hand. We could apply this concept to all aspects of our lives, not just the problems. Live life with the heart and spirit of a child and play the game of life. I play on! What is the task at hand? Get into it. Go for it. Don’t just “get it done.” Be inspired.  -
“I play on!” is the motto of the Sneak Force characters. The heart-felt drive of children inspired this concept we live by, so naturally we wanted to incorporate it into our story about five kids. No matter what the Sneak Force encounter in their difficult missions, they persevere and play the method to achieve their goals. That goal can be as simple as winning a video game against their friend, something more challenging like deciding which equipment to bring along for a mission, or something very complex and life-altering like piloting a Wing-V during a Skate and Ray enemy attack. You don’t give up. You don’t stop and worry. You choose the challenge and dive into it. You play on.
Our ability as authors to influence the children who read our stories is a privilege, honor, and joy. I am thrilled and energized when children react to the Sneak Force characters and the “I play on” concept. A goal for the assemblies is that readers will understand the “I play on” concept through the missions of the Sneak Force, they will see how the concept can be applied to the writing process itself, they will recognize examples of perseverance in life experience, and they will be able to connect the concept to their own lives. I play on!
REFERENCES
Presentation
Set-up/Equipment Needs
1) A projector preferably, however a TV
may be substituted.
2) A projector screen / big screen - for
the Power Point presentation.
3) A table for books, visual aids and additional
merchandise.
4) A rolling projector cart or table and
long extension cord, if needed.
+) Optional: Assistant = A student assistant
per presentation period.
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I understand this is not feasible in all
situations.
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These students help with handouts and Power Point.
+) Optional: Lunch = Students lunch with
Author.
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If too many students volunteer, please select
them at random, perhaps out of a hat, rather than on academics. In this field,
perseverance, chance, and
quality are the greatest factors to success,
so I would like to have lunch with a mix
of students.
Bonus
Bonus ideas are listed merely as a courtesy.
Please do not feel obligated to do these. There may be no other profession as busy
and important as that of a teacher. As is,
the visit will be very interactive and memorable.
-> Questions
-----Students
who have read our books and have questions
ready to ask. This increases interaction.
-> Bookmarks
-----Custom
made bookmarks, made by students, of their
favorite stories and series, perhaps focusing
on books, or movies, cartoons, or video
games. This can aid in the question and
answer section as well as remind and encourage
students to read more.
-> Decorations
-----Decorating
the room in the themes of the Sneak Force
series.
-----<Main
Series Themes>
----------Historic
Events
----------Video
Games
-----<Character
Themes>
----------Flare= Animals
----------Beat=
Music
----------Edge=
Sports
----------Sketch=
Technology
----------Kidd=
Martial Arts
Autographing
Information
I am more than happy to personalize and
autograph books for students and others.
Both authors' signatures will be on the
books.
In
order to spend the most time possible with
students, I
will prefer to autograph the books before
or after the presentations.
Resources
Author visit info packets are sent to the
school at the time of booking. This packet
includes the various ways to order our books
and an order form for the school to send
home with students.
How
to order books
You may purchase books though any source
you wish. Our publisher, Llumina Press,
offers a large academic discount. The best
way to contact Llumina for an academic purchase
is by calling their toll free number: 866-229-9244
TO CONTACT Lynne N. Thomas:
Lynne
N. Thomas
P.O. Box 201
Newtown, PA 18940
IM:
SneakForce (AIM & Yahoo)
E-Mail: LynneNThomas@SneakForce.com
Website: SneakForce.com
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