Wisconsin native Diane L. Burns grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources and also teacher certification for middle-grade elementary education.  With her maple-syrup producer husband and two sons, Diane has worked nine summers as a firetowerlookouting-family in Montana and Idaho.

Nonfiction/Nature:
Take-Along Guide Series (NorthWord Press):
   Wildflowers, Blooms and Blossoms 1998
   Frogs, Toads and Turtles 1997
   Berries, Nuts and Seeds 1997
   Snakes, Salamanders and Lizards 1995
   Trees, Leaves and Bark 1995
Also:
   Cranberries: Fruit of the Bogs, (Carolrhoda, 1994)
   Rocky Mountain Seasons, (McMillan, 1994)
   Sugaring Season: Making Maple Syrup  (Carolrhoda, 1990)

Awards/Distinctions (selected):
  Wisconsin Library Association Elizabeth Burr Award (Cranberries, 1995)
  Notable Children’s Trade Book—Social Studies (Sugaring Season, 1990)
  SPUR Award Runner-up (Rocky Mountain Seasons, 1993)

Programs: (25 years of elementary/jr. high/senior high programs in WI, MI, MN)

Best-Kept Fiction Writers’ Secret. Explores practical devices to add pizzazz to young author’s writing. Snippets of Sendak, Paterson, Paulsen and others bring the “secret” alive. Grades 4 and up. No limit on group size (1 hour).

Cooking Up a Story. Learn how creating a story is like pie making; create a group story. Emphasizes dialogue, setting, trouble. Grades K-3, limited to 60 students/class. (1 hour).

Super-Writer. Discusses the power of words and simple techniques to make writing stronger. Grades 3 and up. (45 minutes-1 hour).

Workshops on jokes and riddles also available. Will tailor presentations according to need.

Fee: 
$800 for 3 programs/day with minimal autographing. $900 for 4 programs/day. Add $100 for significant autographing. Travel expenses at school district rate, and lodging if necessary.

Contact Information:  highmountain@g2a.net

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