Hello Stone Lakes Elementary School!

Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking about writing and Violet Raines to more than a hundred students at Stone Lakes Elementary School in Orlando. The students impressed me with their excellent behavior. I'm always amazed by the reception of children; they're ready to accept you--they want to accept you--and they're so open.

As I spoke, cute little faces smiled back at me. Talk about feeling welcome! And their questions were insightful: Are you like Violet? Is Eddie based on anyone? How long does it take to write a book? Did you make the cover? These students were engaged, and that made my visit all the more wonderful.

Here are some of Stone Lakes' finest. Go Eagles!


11 comments:

Rena Jones said...

Oh, that's so cool! Did you speak in front of all 100 at the same time, or go from class to class? Looks like everyone had a fun time. Thanks so much for sharing your pictures. They make this whole process seem a lot more "real" to someone like me who has yet to do this. Thanks!

Kimbra Kasch said...

Sooo cute. I'm hoping one day to be in your shoes, hanging with the kids.

Chris Eldin said...

Those are moments that make all the hard work worthwhile!!! I'd hang that near my writing space!
:-)
Charles Gramlich did a shout-out for your book--just wanted to give you a heads up.
:-)

Danette Haworth said...

Hi Rena! No, I spoke to two classes at a time, so each session still felt intimate. It was fun and real. Kids are the best!

Kim, so much fun!

Chris, I just love speaking to students. They're hoping for your success, even your success in speaking to them. BTW, thanks for the tip! I went over to Charles' blog after seeing your comment.

Jessica Burkhart said...

Awesome pics! :) It looks like so much fun.

Cate Gardner said...

Oh, how cute.

Charles Gramlich said...

Wow, a hundred students. You reached out and touched some folks there.

Anonymous said...

Reading this post all I could think was--it seems just like yesterday Violet sold, and now it's out and here you are giving talks about it at school! You rock, Danette. Glad your visit went well! Yay Stone Lakes Elementary School!

Brenda said...

Great pictures...they look like a great bunch of young readers...

eric1313 said...

I used to tutor English at college, and I always loved the feeling of pulling somebody up by an outstretched hand from the mire of frustration to help them get an A or at least a B. And the surprise hugs weren't bad either!

But this is truly a wonderful thing.

Followed up from Charles' blog.

Peace out!

Mary Witzl said...

Great kids, and I'll bet they enjoyed your speech! My kids always loved authors coming to their school.

Wish the guys I taught looked like that...