"Dear Chris,

Thank you for visiting Henderson. The students and staff are still talking about it. You have inspired our students to read and write more! I know when it comes time to vote for their favorite Show Me Reader book that Twist of Fate will be #1.

I would highly recommend you to any school who is looking for an author to visit. You adapted your presentation to meet the needs of each grade level. The teachers were very impressed that you asked what they were currently working on and incorporated those same thoughts into your presentation.

Thanks again for visiting our school and sharing Twister's story. We are anxiously waiting for your next book to be published.

Sincerely,

Mindy Moats

Library Media Specialist
Henderson Elementary
Henderson Elementary St. Charles, MO

“Chris visited my third grade gifted classes at the Center for Creative Learning in the Rockwood School District in March 2011. During each presentation, she thoroughly engaged my students in high-level class discussions which she specifically designed to fit my unit titled Become a Published Author. As Chris spoke, she educated the children with stories of her experiences as an author, book editor and newspaper columnist. While she read her book, Twist of Fate, and shared her columns from The Washington Missourian, my students were completely focused and totally immersed in her storytelling. Her charming personality and deep knowledge inspired the children, prompting them to ask many questions—all of which Chris encouraged and fully answered. She was truly amazing, and my third graders loved her! I look forward to Chris visiting my classes again next year!”

Sharon Smith

Third Grade Gifted Education Teacher
Center for Creative Learning, Rockwood School District
Ellisville, Missouri

"Chris presented her book Twist of Fate at our library in May, 2009.  She had a wonderful and entertaining Powerpoint presentation, showing how her childhood love of horses and books led her to writing this book.  The presentation was well received by children and adults alike.  Chris took the time to speak personally with everyone during the book signing.  We enjoyed having her in the library and will definitely have her again."

Christy Schink

Children's Librarian
Scenic Regional Library
Union, MO

"Chris spoke to my senior level Creative Writing classes at Washington High School in September 2009. We were working on a creative non-fiction unit, and I was eager for the students to learn about the writing process from someone who lives it on a daily basis. Chris shared both her newspaper columns and Twist of Fate, and she spoke about where she gets her ideas for writing. Her message of observing the world around you as a source of ideas was inspirational for any young writer. The students enjoyed her presentation and eagerly asked questions, and I can’t wait to have her back next semester!"

Jennifer Hertlein

English Teacher
Washington High School
Washington, MO

"Chris came to our school to talk to the 3rd grade. The children loved it and thought she was very interesting.They found out what it was like to be an author.She answered questions about her book,"Twist of Fate" and about coming up with writing ideas. One of the comments one of my students said is, 'I discovered that everyone is a writer.'"

Gail Pruneau

Teacher
St. Gertrude School
Washington, MO

"Chris was a wonderful speaker at our library. The way she told Twister's story was engaging for everyone who attended - from adults all the way down to the littlest ones. She was very funny and made everyone want to cheer for Twister and all of his friends. The story of how she became an author was very encouraging to all of our budding writers as well. We hope to have her back soon!"

Sarah Nielson

Manager, Community Branches and Adult Programming
St. Charles City-County Library District
St. Peters, MO