Over the past few years, I have connected with thousands of schoolchildren in dozens of schools. It is always such an honor to share my life and my stories with them and to see the students respond with enthusiasm and creativity. My goal is to inspire, to open students’ eyes to the realities of the writing process-how a book is created from the idea-stage to book shelf-and to get them thinking that maybe, someday, they too can live their dreams.

My presentations include:

A PowerPoint slideshow that chronicles my journey to becoming a writer

Cool show-n-tell (pirate flag, Spanish piece of eight, astrolabe . . . )

Discussion of writing and editorial process

Glow-in-the-dark science demonstration

Time for students to ask those all-important questions!

Testimonials

“Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with our students. You made a big impression on our students, and your books are never in the library long enough to be reshelved.” — Julie Custer, Librarian, Adams Elementary School, Spokane Valley, WA

“Thank you for the wonderful presentation yesterday at Whitman Middle School. I was impressed with how you connected with such a large group of kids and involved them in your talk.” – Erin Ostrander, Seattle, WA

“I know you’ve had good authors before, but honestly, she was the BEST” – Mr. Schreiner, Graham WA

Click here for more testimonials

Program Information

A typical day for the author visit is fun, exhausting, and exhilarating! More specifically, a typical day includes up to four author presentations and/or workshops, a booksigning, plus an intimate “author lunch” with some select students.

Click on the following for more information about:

Presentation and Workshops

Honorarium

Planning a Successful School Visit

Student Preparation: An author visit is more meaningful for the students when they look forward to the event with great anticipation. Such anticipation is fostered when the school takes an active role in preparing the students. Familiarizing the students with my biography and reading portions of my books aloud in the classroom are only the beginning to ensuring a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable day for everyone.

Printable School Visit Information Packet (.pdf)

Book Sales: Author visits are also enhanced when students have something concrete as a keepsake to remind them of their special day with me. Normally, a flyer is sent home with the students, announcing the author visit and providing an opportunity for students to order my books. The flyer is returned with payment, allowing the school to know how many books to order. While no student is required to purchase a book, I do require that the school make my books available to students for purchase prior to my visit. It is recommended that this be done in a timely manner so that students can have their books autographed when I visit. Book sales can be coordinated either through the publishers, or through a local bookstore.

Helpful Forms and Information

Printable School Visit Brochure (.pdf)

Printable School Visit Information Packet (.pdf)

Modifiable, printable book order flyer (.doc) (two pages, front and back)

Modifiable, printable teacher letter (.doc)

Please contact me to schedule a school visit

I visit Graham Elementary School, Graham, WA

Here I am with librarian Andrea Hynes where things quickly get silly!

I’m visiting with some new friends at Chester Elementary, Spokane, WA, who WOWED me with their artistic talent!