Author Visits

I love connecting with readers and fellow writers! As a career educator who’s taught all grade levels, from kindergarten through college, I especially enjoy sharing tips on writing stories with both kids and adults.

I offer in-person and virtual visits to schools, libraries, festivals, and conferences—for teachers, librarians, and writers.

For more details or to schedule an in-person or virtual visit, fill out the contact form.

SCHOOL VISITS

I focus on offering encouragement, inspiration, and a little bit of fun through my author visits. I’m available for readings and workshops, in-person and virtual. Here are some of my offerings:

Story Time

Grades PreK-3

An interactive read-aloud with one of my picture books followed by a Q&A. (30-45 minutes)

Story Time & STEAM

Grades PreK-6

A read-aloud of one of my picture books followed by a related craft or science activity. (1.5 hours)

How Do We Find Ideas?

Grades K-2

Every great story begins with an idea. But where do these come from? I will read one of my picture books and discuss how I came up with the idea, followed by an interactive workshop to help kids discover their own ideas. (1.5 hours)

Storytelling Basics

Grades 1-4

A book reading plus a short workshop on the basics of storytelling, focusing on plot and character. (1.5 hours)

Writing Workshop

Grades 4-12

A customized workshop, tailored to topic and grade level, where students will develop and write their own stories. The workshop can focus on any aspect of storytelling, such as coming up with ideas, the basics of plot, developing strong characters, or writing in different genres or for different ages. Additionally, it can be tailored to writing picture books, novels, or nonfiction articles and essays. (This workshop is best given over 2-4, 1-2 hour sessions, depending on the focus.)

Building a Creative Career

Grades 9-College

A customized presentation on building a career as a writer or other creative. (1 hour)

Children’s Literacy

College

Designed for college students studying early childhood and elementary education, this author talk focuses on children’s literature instruction, including techniques for fostering literacy, teaching literature, and the importance of diverse representation in children’s books. (1 hour)

Other Options

All Grades

I’m always happy to customize any author visit to your specific needs. Contact me to discuss details and options.

* I co-wrote Attack of the Monster Pickles! with my currently 9-year-old son when he was only 6 years old and in kindergarten! Please let me know if you’d like Parker to join me on an author visit so kids can ask him questions about how he came up with the idea and what it’s like to be a kid author.

* * Readings and workshops can be virtual or in-person. I am located in Pickerington, Ohio (a suburb of Columbus), and am easily accessible to surrounding areas.

* * * See the Fun Extras page for materials you can use in your classroom!