Speaking Programs

Pat Camalliere


Title/Topic: The Lost Town of Sag Bridge


Synopsis: Although it no longer exists, Sag Bridge was once a thriving 19th century canal town, its land now a part of present-day Lemont, Illinois. Author and amateur historian Pat Camalliere will describe the town as it once was, from its formation by glaciers to the closing of its school district in 1959. The town’s importance and the reasons for its decline will be revealed, and the talk will include photos, turn of the century transportation and ghost stories.

Requirements: The program is a Power Point presentation and requires a screen and USB cable. Presenter will bring her own laptop or the program can be given using the location’s equipment on a Windows computer with Power Point software. In the case of large rooms, a microphone may be required. If requested, presenter will provide a pdf of handouts that can be printed.

Time: One-hour presentation, allow additional time for questions.

Title/Topic: Hidden Gems: A Photographic Road Trip


Synopsis: Author and amateur historian Pat Camalliere will show and describe photos from her personal visits to places in and near the Des Plaines River Valley. Although all are public and accessible, many area residents have been surprised to know their historic and geographic importance. Locations include Cook County’s only canyon, the Chicago Portage, Red Gate Woods, St. James at Sag Bridge Church, Black Partridge Woods, the I & M Canal and Heritage Quarries, Isle a la Cache Museum, and other locations near the southwestern portion of the Des Plaines River.

Requirements: The program is a Power Point presentation and requires a screen and USB cable. Presenter will bring her own laptop or the program can be given using the location’s equipment on a Windows computer with Power Point software. In the case of large rooms, a microphone may be required. If requested, presenter will provide a pdf of handouts that can be printed.

Time: One-hour presentation, allow additional time for questions.

Title/Topic: Taming the Wilderness of Northern Illinois


Synopsis: Northern Illinois was the last part of the state to be settled. Learn about the lives of the Potawatomi who lived here at the time settlers arrived, how the land was surveyed for purchase, the first non-indigenous people to arrive, and the importance of Northern Illinois to settlement of everything west of the eastern seaboard. Author and amateur historian Pat Camalliere, author of The Mystery at Black Partridge Woods, which takes place in this time period, will share what she believes to be a fascinating topic.

Requirements: The program is a Power Point presentation and requires a screen and USB cable. Presenter will bring her own laptop or the program can be given using the location’s equipment on a Windows computer with Power Point software. In the case of large rooms, a microphone may be required. Handouts can be provided upon request as pdf to be printed by group.

Time: One-hour presentation, allow additional time for questions.

Title/Topic: A Novel Approach: Beginning to End Basics for Aspiring Novelists


Synopsis: Have you ever wanted to write a novel? Chicago-area author Pat Camalliere guides you through the process of writing fiction, preparing you to write your own novel. This fast-paced program gives a thorough but condensed view of the novel-writing process, including basic information on setting, characters, organization, helpful tips, tools and resources, editing, publishing, and book promotion. The author brings her personal working notebooks and files for participants to view. Recommendations available.

Requirements: The program is a Power Point presentation and requires a screen and USB cable. Presenter will bring her own laptop or the program can be given using the location’s equipment on a Windows computer with Power Point software. In the case of large rooms, a microphone may be required. Handouts can be provided upon request as pdf to be printed by group.

Time: Two to three hours, depending on number in attendance and time allotment for questions. Can be broken into a four-hour workshop

Note: A shorter program of an hour and a half can be arranged that will cover either the writing part of the program or the publishing and promotion part of the pro.

About the author

Pat Camalliere is the author of The Mystery at Mount Forest Island, The Mystery at Black Partridge Woods, The Mystery at Sag Bridge and The Miracle at Assisi Hill. The series presents historical mysteries that take place in Lemont, Illinois, a suburb southwest of Chicago. An amateur historian and archivist at the Lemont Area Historical Society, Camalliere sets her books in Lemont because of the area’s fascinating history and geography. She is a member of The Society of Midland Authors, The Chicago Writers Association, and Sisters in Crime. Awards: Shelf Unbound, 2020, Best Indie Book, Notable Indie, The Mystery at Mount Forest Island; Red City Review, 2017 Most Original Concept, The Mystery at Black Partridge Woods. ***** 5-Star Reviews from Readers’ Favorite and Shelf Unbound.

Awards

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