“With vim and vigor, Mark Parsons captivated a capacity crowd in the school auditorium brimming with a usual tough crowd of 7th and 8th graders. His personal story combined with his demonstrated love of music enhanced the book presentation, as well as fantastic visual aids. The great non-fiction threads weaved in about geography, world culture and music history made this author talk come alive -- and THEN he brought out the drum box! This had the kids truly engaged. Professional and personal, exciting and enlightening, Mark Parsons knows how to present. Highly recommended!”
Maureen Palacios, Owner
Once Upon a Time Bookstore
Montrose, CA
Maureen Palacios, Owner
Once Upon a Time Bookstore
Montrose, CA
Author Appearances: Overview
School Visits. Please see details below to learn more about my school visits.
Conferences/Festivals. Typically these are writing-focused conferences, reader-based lit fests, or teacher/librarian-oriented conferences. Appearances include panel discussions, workshops, and presentations. To book me to present or speak at a conference, contact Lisa McClatchy (my publisher’s author liaison). The basic arrangements are similar to those for a school visit.
Libraries. Libraries frequently bring in authors as public outreach, or as part of a reading program or a teen group, etc. To discuss having me give a talk or Q&A at a local library, you can contact me directly.
In-Store Events (Q&A, readings, signings, etc.). These are typically scheduled around a new release, but can also be part of a program the store is hosting, such as a Kidlit Day or a Book Club or an Educator’s Evening, or as part of a larger book tour. (My wife and I presented at almost 100 bookstores across the country as part of our crazy “He Said, She Said” book tour a few years back.) To discuss having me at a local bookstore, you can contact me directly.
Writer’s Groups. Many authors (including myself) are happy to speak or do a Q&A at writer’s groups. Contact me directly.
My Goals for School Visits
It takes a lot of organizational effort for schools to bring in outside speakers to motivate and inform their students, but if the school’s goals and the presenter’s goals are in alignment it can be a day the students remember forever… one that can jumpstart their love for reading and writing.
The specifics are outlined in my presentations below, but my overall goal is that the students leave the assembly with these thoughts in their heads:
1. I want to read! A love of reading is such a precursor to success beyond school, and I think one of the best things we can do for young people is show them some of the magic that books can contain.
2. I want to write! Not just fiction but any sort of writing, whether a school assignment or personal journaling or an article for a blog. Writing is like physical activity – it’s all good and it all benefits the participants in one way or another.
3. All my different classes actually relate to one another! One of my goals is demonstrating that the varied curriculum in the student’s school experience actually builds to a unified body of knowledge.
4. All my different classes also relate to the real world! Along with the above, I demonstrate that the things they’re learning aren’t contained within a vacuum, but actually have meaning in the real world outside their school experience. It’s all connected… and we’re all connected!
5. Wow - that was fun! Enjoyment is a big precursor to learning. I want the students to stay engaged throughout the presentation so one of my goals is to be interesting and entertaining as well as educational. This is one of the reasons I use musical examples as a teaching tool regarding seemingly-disparate subjects like math, geography, art, and science.
The specifics are outlined in my presentations below, but my overall goal is that the students leave the assembly with these thoughts in their heads:
1. I want to read! A love of reading is such a precursor to success beyond school, and I think one of the best things we can do for young people is show them some of the magic that books can contain.
2. I want to write! Not just fiction but any sort of writing, whether a school assignment or personal journaling or an article for a blog. Writing is like physical activity – it’s all good and it all benefits the participants in one way or another.
3. All my different classes actually relate to one another! One of my goals is demonstrating that the varied curriculum in the student’s school experience actually builds to a unified body of knowledge.
4. All my different classes also relate to the real world! Along with the above, I demonstrate that the things they’re learning aren’t contained within a vacuum, but actually have meaning in the real world outside their school experience. It’s all connected… and we’re all connected!
5. Wow - that was fun! Enjoyment is a big precursor to learning. I want the students to stay engaged throughout the presentation so one of my goals is to be interesting and entertaining as well as educational. This is one of the reasons I use musical examples as a teaching tool regarding seemingly-disparate subjects like math, geography, art, and science.
School Presentations
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I will tailor my presentations to your students’ needs. Three of my most popular programs are: The Power of Art! (Assembly) Covers creativity, passion, empathy, writing, publishing, and the importance of arts in the school (including language arts and music). Also uses story and music to tie diverse curriculum together (history, math, science, arts, engineering) in an entertaining and inspirational way. This fundamental presentation (talk with PowerPoint slides and live musical examples) is great for any size group, large or small, and can fit within a typical class period (can be tailored to between 40 and 60 minutes). If you are going to have me do a single presentation for a group of general-interest students, this is probably the best one. Character is Everything! (Workshop) A creative writing workshop centered around creating interesting, realistic, three-dimensional characters who act and speak with unique voices. Focuses on defining your characters, drafting your story, and giving voice to the people who inhabit it. There are brief writing exercises along the way, with a Q&A at the end. This presentation (talk with PowerPoint slides and handout, plus Q&A) is tailored to fit within a class period (40-60 min.) and works best with a smaller group of self-motivated students (20-50 attendees) who have a passion for Creative Writing. Pathways to Publication (Workshop) Sharing tips and experience gained from writing hundreds of articles for national publications, this workshop serves to ‘break the code’ to the publishing process, with a focus on giving students the tools they need to get published, mainly via short non-fiction pieces such as magazine/newspaper articles. This presentation (talk with PowerPoint slides and handout, plus Q&A) is tailored to fit within a class period (40-60 min.) and works best with a smaller group of self-motivated students (20-50 attendees) who have a passion for Journalism, English, Creative Writing, or any other Language Arts field. Additionally, I’m happy to conduct Q&As about writing, editing, publishing, or any related subjects, as time allows. Also happy to lunch with staff and students for informal discussions. Educators: Discussion Guide for THE 9:09 PROJECT 
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Equipment Requirements
Video: I travel with my presentations on a thumb drive (as PowerPoints), so I need a computer that can play them connected to a projector/screen in your auditorium.
Audio: I need a microphone on a stand (because I can’t hold the mic during the musical demonstrations) and an input for a second microphone cable. The second mic & cable (which I supply) are for my instrument.
Other: A podium is nice but not absolutely necessary. A bottle of water is also nice! :)
Audio: I need a microphone on a stand (because I can’t hold the mic during the musical demonstrations) and an input for a second microphone cable. The second mic & cable (which I supply) are for my instrument.
Other: A podium is nice but not absolutely necessary. A bottle of water is also nice! :)
Presentation Booking and Travel, etc.
I live on the Central Coast of California. For out-of-area bookings contact Lisa McClatchy, who is the School & Library author liaison for my publisher. She can discuss honorarium and availability and get the process started.
Out-of-area school visits are booked “per day”, with a day consisting of three assemblies and any associated book signings. All three assemblies can be at one school, or you can share me among nearby schools where I can do one large assembly each. I prefer a two-day minimum for out-of-state travel (and travel costs per school are less that way) but I try to be as flexible as possible.
For local school visits (ones that don’t require extensive travel or an overnight stay) you can contact me directly.
Out-of-area school visits are booked “per day”, with a day consisting of three assemblies and any associated book signings. All three assemblies can be at one school, or you can share me among nearby schools where I can do one large assembly each. I prefer a two-day minimum for out-of-state travel (and travel costs per school are less that way) but I try to be as flexible as possible.
For local school visits (ones that don’t require extensive travel or an overnight stay) you can contact me directly.
A Few School Visit Testimonials
With 800 students sitting on the floor in a cafetorium, Mark Parsons worked his magic and kept his audience captivated with his entertaining, informative, and upbeat author presentation. Mark did a wonderful program that connected all the curriculum areas to each other and to the importance of reading and writing. I encourage schools across the country to schedule Mark Parsons for a highly energetic, motivational event with a drummer's unique rhythmic perspective.
Caradith Craven
Library Media Specialist
Central Middle School, Edmond, OK
As a high school Creative Writing teacher, one of the hardest concepts is to inspire the students to take the first step into publishing. In just a few short minutes, Mark Parsons was able to illustrate the procedure into terms the students could grasp. He was able to eliminate their fears, give them a simple step-by-step guide, and encouragement to become a published author. He was entertaining and highly informative!
Sheri Gray
Creative Writing/English Teacher
East Richland High School, Olney, Illinois
Mark Parsons did a larger program in our school's auditorium and also in a single Creative Writing class. In both cases, Mark did a great job. The program was very engaging for the students and Mark is really easy to work with. I highly recommend him to your school.
Chris Simpson
Principal
East Richland High School, Olney, Illinois
Mark Huntley Parsons has amazing delivery! The rhythms he produced are sticking with me still. Mark presented one of the most creative and innovative presentations to students I have ever witnessed.
Chris Crawley
Owner
That Bookstore in Blytheville, Blytheville, AR
What a delightful presentation Mark Parsons gave at Central Middle School. The students were engaged in the various drumming examples he presented. He also creatively included goal setting and working to one's full potential to achieve. This was a presentation packed with wit, wisdom, and helpful guidance for teens.
Beverly Taunton
Counselor
Central Middle School, Edmond, OK
Caradith Craven
Library Media Specialist
Central Middle School, Edmond, OK
As a high school Creative Writing teacher, one of the hardest concepts is to inspire the students to take the first step into publishing. In just a few short minutes, Mark Parsons was able to illustrate the procedure into terms the students could grasp. He was able to eliminate their fears, give them a simple step-by-step guide, and encouragement to become a published author. He was entertaining and highly informative!
Sheri Gray
Creative Writing/English Teacher
East Richland High School, Olney, Illinois
Mark Parsons did a larger program in our school's auditorium and also in a single Creative Writing class. In both cases, Mark did a great job. The program was very engaging for the students and Mark is really easy to work with. I highly recommend him to your school.
Chris Simpson
Principal
East Richland High School, Olney, Illinois
Mark Huntley Parsons has amazing delivery! The rhythms he produced are sticking with me still. Mark presented one of the most creative and innovative presentations to students I have ever witnessed.
Chris Crawley
Owner
That Bookstore in Blytheville, Blytheville, AR
What a delightful presentation Mark Parsons gave at Central Middle School. The students were engaged in the various drumming examples he presented. He also creatively included goal setting and working to one's full potential to achieve. This was a presentation packed with wit, wisdom, and helpful guidance for teens.
Beverly Taunton
Counselor
Central Middle School, Edmond, OK
