This practical book of tips, solutions and exercises was born of a writer's angst: how to present his material in a way that was appealing to bookstore audiences, flexible enough to use in non-traditional venues, and dramatic enough to keep any audience awake and eager to buy. Adapting the tools actors use to a writer's particular needs cured the angst and made readings profitable and fun. Drama was the key. Filled with trade tricks, professional preparation techniques and survival tips, an accessory that no author should leave home without. -- Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Bulletin, Sept-Oct 2003 Here is another great addition to your writer's bookshelf. ...useful to anyone who must present themselves to a live audience. -- Writers Northwest Quarterly, Fall 2001 Practical tips, solutions and illustrated breathing and vocal exercises useful to writers, who must present themselves to a live audience. -- The Woodinville Weekly, August 6, 2001 The past president of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association and his co-writer, an actress/acting coach, offer their advice. -- The Seattle Times, August 26, 2001 This book is about how you as an author can learn to create your performer's persona, and to enlarge selections from your book into pieces you can perform. We all know that there is a whole shelf of books on public speaking, marketing, and the specialized world of radio and TV skills. We're talking about building your basics: voice, repertoire and stage presence. Further, this book also includes a chapter about reading to an often neglected audience segment - those with disabilities. A contributing author, Luanne LaLonde, has written "Audience Members with Disabilities". We are grateful to this former Microsoft product manager, whose group was dedicated to improving software and computer access for people with disabilities. Her speciality, for the past decade, was making presentations to a wide variety of disabled audiences the all over the world. Melanie Workhoven: "Writers approach the creative process in solitude, so when they must suddenly confront the public in a performance type situation, they get scared and clam up or become really wooden. Working with Peter was an incredibly positive experience for both of us and I think we were both surprised at how well everything went. I know Peter went away feeling better equipped for his presentations and later he told me that he had a great time on his book tour." Peter Kahle: "Each of us has written out of our own personal expertise, but the book itself is a blend of our voices. I've done my share of readings and spoken in front of many groups in conjunction with writers' conferences and my books on Shakespeare for children. But, before I went on tour with my second book I got a chance to work with Melanie. I thought, why not? Maybe she can teach me a trick or two. She did. In spades." Peter Kahle is a past president of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, and the author of two books on Shakespeare for children. He speaks at schools and libraries on writing and Shakespeare. Melanie Workhoven has been a radio personality, voiceover talentand acting coach. Theatrical background includes the stage, major motion pictures and network television. She is currently active as a free-lance performer and coach. Used Book in Good Condition