School Visits

Free 30-minute Zoom visit

The suggested format for this session includes a brief reading by the teacher/librarian, a 5-minute talk from the author, 10 minutes of guided questions from the teacher/librarian and ten minutes of open discussion/Q&A with the students.

Author Visits and Workshops

Read below for suggested author visit formats, and feel free to outreach with any specific ideas or needs for your student population!

Writing Craft Talk and Workshop

The Writing Craft Talk can take many different directions depending on the classroom needs and curriculum. Potential topics include a focus on one craft element, such as characterization, plot development, or setting, or could be centered on broader writing tactics and content themes. All craft talks will include a short workshop and opportunity for students to share their writing. 30-50 minutes.

THE SECRETS OF STONE CREEK Talk and Workshop

I will read a short excerpt from The Secrets of Stone Creek and discuss topics such as:

• Writing adventure stories
• Craft tips for writing setting and setting as a character
• Craft tips for writing a story with multiple protagonists
• Discussion of the real female adventurers features in Stone Creek
• Writing diverse characters in middle grade fiction
• Others as needed!

If the class has read Stone Creek, students can share questions for the author prior to the talk. This conversation can be adjusted based on the audience (middle school through graduate school) and curriculum/classroom needs. 30-50 minutes with Q&A.

PEPPER’S RULES FOR SECRET SLEUTHING Talk

I will read a short excerpt from Pepper’s Rules for Secret Sleuthing and discuss topics such as writing mysteries, writing diverse characters, writing middle grade, and/or how Pepper moved from idea to a published novel. If the class has read Pepper, students can share questions for the author prior to the talk. This conversation can be adjusted based on the audience (middle school through graduate school) and curriculum/classroom needs. 30-50 minutes with Q&A.

Publishing Talk

I will discuss the process from drafting all the way to publication to help students visualize their own future paths to traditional publication. This talk can be offered for undergraduate and graduate students interested in writing and publication as well. 30-50 minutes with Q&A.