Robert Marston Fannéy as an Educational & Public Speaker
Robert has appeared at numerous conventions and book festivals, and has inspired thousands of middle and high school students in several states with his special educational presentation on reading, writing, and literature. He has been a guest at over 30 schools in 2 states and has spoken to over 10,000 students.
In his presentations, Robert weaves reading, music, and tales from his own life together to both educate and entertain students. He reads excerpts from his popular fantasy novel -- Luthiel's Song -- and speaks to students about the writing and publishing process. His new book is a thoughtful fantasy novel about a young girl whose magical gift and heroic heart draw her into a desperate journey to save the life of her sister. A hit among young readers, with a 5-star Amazon book-review rating, Robert's novel is the loving result of a long effort to craft a new kind of heroic epic--one from the perspective of a young woman who must prevail in an epic struggle by discovering her own strength and inner beauty.
Robert's visits are an inspiring way to encourage students to embrace the magic of reading and writing. Learning disabled as a child, Robert went on to overcome his difficulties, becoming a writer and editor, and eventually publishing Luthiel's Song. His background in the Army National Guard, as a police officer, and in other careers further deepen his interesting history and make him a compelling speaker and a fascinating story. Luthiel's Song is now in its fourth printing, and is becoming a breakout hit in the independent-publishing world.
Robert has spoken to small, class-size groups, and to large assemblies. Some of the topics covered are:
- The importance of discipline and hard work
- Overcoming obstacles to learning
- Developing a love for the magic of reading, writing, and literature
- Responsible uses of new technologies, the Internet, and social networking sites to promote reading and writing
- Insight into the publishing and bookselling industry
- How life experience shapes a writer’s work
- Entrepreneurship
- Creative writing
- Professional writing
Testimonials from Educators and Students
Robert has been fortunate enough to receive many thank you notes from teachers and students following his presentations, and is proud to share a few here:
"Thank you for arranging that event.... The students had a lot of positive feedback.... It was a hit, and we owe it all to you and Robert Fanney! Mahalo (Hawaiian thank you)"
--Erin Durrant, Language Arts teacher, Vickery Creek Middle School (Georgia)
I just wanted to say thank you for forwarding our Literary Festival information on to... Rob Fanney. He came all three days of our festival and he was AWESOME!!!!!! I really really enjoyed talking with him as well and he even asked if he could come back next year. I of course said yes yes yes! The kids just loved him and his book. The teachers did as well. He may have started one of our students on an exciting career as an illustrator because he wants her to illustrate some pictures for the book. So thank you thank you thank you. It's amazing one one little posting has done for SO many lives! Have a great day!!
--Cory B. Everett, Media Clerk, Meadowcreek High School (Georgia)
Thank you, & I cant wait for the next book to come out. when I read Luthiel's Song Dreams of the Ringed Vale it's like I cant stop reading its drags me into it and the scene actually plays in my head. I usually hate reading but after I read your book I figured reading isnt so bad after all.
--Kelly Do, 11/2006
Mr. Robert,
Hi, this is Marissa. If you remember, I met you at the Literary Festival at Meadowcreek High School. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet you that the Festival. Talking to you and being able to read your work has inspired me to continue writing and maybe, if I practice and get good enough, to try getting some of my own work published someday. Luthiel's Song is right up there on my list with Tamora Pierce and Tolkien. With love,
--Marissa Lee, 11/2006
I hope you remember me from Alpharetta High School. Just wanted to say that you rock and your book was wickedly awesome. I told all my friends about it. Now because of this book I really see that I do have potential to be a writer. Thanks a lot. You've really changed my Life.
--Ryun Harrison, 11/2006
Hello my name is Marshall and i aam 13 years old. You may not have noticed me in the crowd of faces but all the same I was there. At South Forsyth Middle School I was there listening, and you have inspired me to write. I would very much like to hear from you again. thank you so much I bought your book and it is amazing so far I'm glad you came to my school. I hope to eventually send you my story and hear your opinion. Once again I can not express to you how you have opened my mind and imagination to new heights. And I mean this from a writer to a writer thank you so much... may your feet always walk in the light of two suns.
--Marshall Mills, A.K.A your BIGGEST fan. 11/2006
I am so inspired by your book. You came to my school, South Forsyth Middle School, and talked to all the 6th graders about your amazing book. I am going to read EVERY BOOK that you publish because you are SO great. Luthiel's Song is my type of genre that I read. I'm reading ALL of the Series Of Unfortunate Events, and I'm on the last book, "The End". I am also a writer myself. I write lots of stories to share with friends and family. Maybe sometime, I can send you a letter with the story in it. I'm a pretty good writer for a Beginner!
Love your BIGGEST fan,
Sharon Jackson :)
Organizing and Booking an Author Visit
If you wish to contact Robert about visiting your convention, literary festival, or school, please visit the Contact Page.
If you are a media specialist or language arts teacher who hasn't booked an author before for a school visit, we are more than happy to tell you more about how they are usually planned and what to expect. Write us from the Contact Page with any questions.
Robert is extremely gratified by how warmly he has been welcomed by school media specialists, who generally organize the entire school's language-arts teachers and plan and oversee the entire event.
Generally, a media specialist will take one of two approaches: 1) arrange all the language arts classes per class period to visit, in successive groups throughout the day, or 2) group students into larger assemblies by grade level or other common class type (such as Connections).
Robert's aunt is a media specialist in a high school, and he appreciates their devotion and hard work in promoting literacy in young people.
