Kevin Sharp of Palo Alto, California, is a writer noted for his 2013 coming-of-age novel, After Dakota. He has also worked as a book reviewer and feature-story writer, and his short fiction has been published in The First Line literary magazine and on the 100 Word Story website. Additionally, Kevin Sharp is a member of professional writers’ organizations such as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
For more than 40 years, the SCBWI has provided professionals in the field of children’s literature with a venue for promoting their work, honing their craft, and expanding their networks of professional contacts. The group currently includes well over 20,000 members all over the world. Among its many benefits for both members and community organizations is a database of speakers called the Speakers Bureau.
By clicking on Find a Speaker on the SCBWI website, a school, bookstore, library, or cultural institution can locate a speaker for an upcoming event. This function is particularly beneficial for schools searching for a children’s writer or illustrator to speak, since these visits are among the most memorable for students and creators alike.
The search fields allow event planners to select authors, artists, and translators by state or country. It also allows them to search by age level of the audience. For schools or libraries located in rural areas, many speakers offer Skype visits, as well.
