I am often asked if I visit schools and do talks. The short answer is: YES! I also present for civic and church groups and generally whoever is willing to have me speak. At some point I am asked about fees, so here it is. For a full day there is a $250 charge (plus travel if distant) which includes 6 books and a CD for the library and several sessions with the students. An hour session during the day costs $75 and includes 3 books. In all cases, I request the opportunity to sell books and for the assistance of the organization in promoting such sales, usually by copying and distributing a flier and collecting fees. I personalize all the books if requested and given a list a couple of days before my visit. I waive my speaker fees in January and February (starving poet's months) as long as there is a strong effort to promote the books. And shorter sessions or early morning and evening sessions may not require a fee either depending on my schedule. So email or call and we'll try to work something out.
Here's a recent testimonial regarding a session I held in March, 2009:
We had 200 beaming children at our annual Young Authors' Workshop when Byron von Rosenberg spoke to them and recited his poems to them. He is an inspiration to the children and to the adults as well. Thank you, Byron, for a fantastic "Thinking Upside Down" Day!
- Shari Crockett, Monroe Randolph Regional Office of Education, Chester, Illinois
It has been a most unexpected blessing to write creatively and have the opportunity to share my stories with so many people. It often seems that the best poems come to me on their own schedule and I feel as if I am writing them down as I am haering them. Here is a poem that came to me in that way and also explains what it's like.
BUTTERFLY WINGS
A poem is a moment
Caught like a butterfly.
You have to let it land
For you'll hurt it if you try
To catch it in a net
Or trap it in a jar.
Words apart so commom
Now brought together are
So fragile and so beautiful
Like a butterfly's new wing
And from cocoons placed in my mind
I love to watch them spring!
Byron von Rosenberg © February 13, 2006
I have continued to receive inspiration from the Holy Spirit and from the people and things around me. I am compiling poems now for two new books, Stars to Chase and Diamonds of the Dawn. Your comments and suggestions are appreciated. God bless you!