Claire Eamer
Biography:It's really all about reading! When she was growing up in Saskatoon, Claire Eamer's favourite pastime was reading. In fact, her mother sometimes had to call the Children's Library and ask the librarians to send Claire home for supper. After university (where she studied English in order to keep on reading), Claire became a journalist, working for newspapers, magazines, and radio. That's when she discovered the pleasure of asking questions, as well as reading, and of telling people stories about what she'd learned. Researching books about science and history lets her ask some of the best questions. And writing books about science and history for kids lets her tell the best stories. Besides reading and telling stories, Claire has done a few other things. She taught at a couple of universities, a college, and a workplace training centre. She worked in libraries, and she helped organize a research network. Long ago, she even spent a summer making soap dishes and toilet paper hangers in a German ceramics factory. But she prefers reading and telling stories. In 1984, after living in Saskatoon, England, Germany, Ottawa, and Winnipeg, Claire moved to the Yukon to spend a couple of years learning about Canada's North. She has lived in Whitehorse for most of the time since then. That's where she met her husband, Alan, and where they brought up their son, now at university studying anthropology. They both like reading too! Claire is a member of The Writers' Union of Canada, the Canadian Children's Book Centre, the Canadian Science Writers' Association, SF Canada, CANSCAIP, and Children's Writers and Illustrators of British Columbia. She has received a Canada Council Explorations Grant and a Yukon Advanced Artist Award. Claire writes fiction, as well as non-fiction, and has had stories published in several magazines and a science fiction anthology. And she knows lots of good books to read. Just ask her! Presentation Information:I prefer a maximum audience size of 40 – 50 (up to two classes) for school presentations since I keep the tone very informal and encourage participation by the kids. For the same reasons, my presentations are best delivered in a classroom or library, not a gymnasium. The size of the audience for high school and adult presentations depends on the type of presentation. For a workshop, the numbers should be small enough to permit discussion. For a presentation/reading, I'm comfortable with a much larger audience. In presentations related to my science books, I talk about the content, highlight some favourite animals and families, and talk a bit about researching the books. For older children, the focus can shift more toward the research and writing process. I use photographs of the animals, drawings, stuffed animals, and some other props to make the animals and their worlds come alive for the audience. Wait until you see the measuring chain that shows exactly how big a giant sloth really was! My history book, Traitors' Gate and Other Doorways to the Past, lends itself to a discussion of how and where to find information, how to check its accuracy, and how to turn the research into a story. For adults and older students who are interested in writing, either as a career or a hobby, I can deliver a presentation or a short workshop on the practical aspects of freelance writing. I can tailor presentations to the interests of the students and teacher, so contact me if you have specific requests. Presentation #1: Spiked Scorpions and Walking Whales (up to 1 hour) Presentation #2: Traitors' Gate (up to 1 hour) Presentation #3: Super Crocs and Monster Wings (up to 1 hour) Workshop #1: Research and what to do with it (2-3 hours) Workshop #2: Writing for Dollars (2-3 hours) Book List / Discography:Spiked Scorpions & Walking Whales: Modern Animals, Ancient Animals, and Water (Annick Press, 2009) Traitors' Gate and Other Doorways to the Past (Annick Press, 2008) Super Crocs & Monster Wings: Modern Animals' Ancient Past (Annick Press, 2008) "The Lost Land" in Polaris: A Celebration of Polar Science. Edited by Julie E. Czerneda. (Star Ink Books, 2007) Awards:Super Crocs & Monster Wings: Modern Animals' Ancient Past Polaris: A Celebration of Polar Science (containing my story, "The Lost Land") Praise for Claire Eamer:"Your ability to make it seem like you are talking to a friend, someone you already knew, made the students comfortable and eager participants." Victoria School "Claire is an accomplished Yukon author of fiction and non-fiction and has a flair for presenting her work. After the [library] reading the audience (of all ages) had questions which Claire answered thoughtfully." Whitehorse Public Library "I was impressed with her excellent preparation and her ability to adapt and respond to her audience. She was able to take time for students’ questions and was not concerned about getting through a complete presentation but with engaging the students in a conversation about the ideas. She enhanced her presentation with interesting slides, demonstrations and anecdotes. The students were immediately engaged and interested in the ideas she shared. Her obvious enthusiasm and fascination with her subject completely drew the students in." Brevoort Park School |
 Craft:author Genre:non-fiction Ideal Audience Size:25 – 30 Maximum Audience Size:40 – 50 Grades:1 – 8 Special Equipment:Computer and computer projector. Website:School Reading Fee:$157.50 per reading (includes GST) Public Reading Fee:$250.00 per reading (four readings covered by the Canada Council) Book Week Tour Contact:Monica Winkler |