Whether delivering a paper at the Western History Association in Colorado Springs, addressing the Civil War Roundtable in Atlanta, keynoting the annual fund raiser for the San Jacinto Museum in Houston, or giving workshops to history teachers on how to bring their subject to life for students, James L. Haley has been in increasing demand as a speaker for historical groups, libraries, museums and civic organizations. He also tries at least a few times a year to visit high schools and colleges to encourage journalism and creative writing students with advice on writing as a professional career.

Since the appearance of Mr. Haley's prize-winning biography, Sam Houston, most requests have been to speak on Texas' leading and most controversial icon, who was, in fact, one of the most influential politician's in the United States during the 1850s.

With the publication of "Passionate Nation," a more general Texas history talk, with "war stories" from the research trail, is now available.

He is particularly interested in further developing the presentation "Patriotism, 9-11 and History: What You Donžt Know CAN Hurt You." It is a talk geared for civic groups such as Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Kiwani's or Lions Clubs, and is also suitable for such groups as Friends of the Library.

Mr. Haley has also delivered workshops for writers' organizations on the following topics:

• The Art of the Biography
• The Commercial Novel
• Marketing the Non-fiction Book

Like most authors, Mr. Haley is available to sell and sign copies of his books at the conclusion of speaking engagements. Knowing that most organizations are strapped for funds, he has elected to frame most of his speaking fees as guarantees against the book sale. Net profits from the book sale are applied against the honorarium to reduce the amount owed, and if the net profit from the book sale exceeds the speaking fee otherwise requested, the fee will be waived entirely.

• Each organization is responsible for generating its own publicity.
• A per diem and/or overnight accommodation may also be requested for evening engagements, or more than 200 miles from Austin

History Organizations (Sons and Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Sons and Daughters of the Confederacy, Genealogical Societies, Civil War Roundtables, D.A.R., S.A.R.): $150 guarantee against book sale.

Literary Groups (Friends of the Library, Reading Clubs, Writers' Organizations): $150 guarantee against book sale.

Civic Organizations (Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce):

• Major Metro Areas over 250,000 population: $350 guarantee against book sale.
• Major Cities 100,000 to 250,000 population: $250 guarantee against book sale.
• Cities under 100,000 population: $150 guarantee against book sale.