Author Visits

To schedule an author visit for your school or writers’ conference, contact me.

I enjoy speaking to students of all ages. From kindergarten through 6th grade, I talk about my books and the writing process. For older students I discuss the publishing process and writing as a career. If you are planning an author visit, be sure to utilize my Teacher Resource Worksheets.

My presentations for schools include:

• Non-fiction– Visual presentations enhance this talk about avenues and excitement of research, using my books as a basis, for 3rd-6th grades.

• The Magic of Words– Young students learn the power and magic of words and the basic structure of a story.

• Civil Rights and the Power of Words – A discussion of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and speaking up for what is right.

• WRITE NOW!–Creative writing workshops for students, spanning from two hours to a week.

• Birds of the Southeast– A slide presentation for any age.

• Rocks, Minerals and Fossils– Samples and overhead slides enhance this talk on earth’s treasures for 3rd-6th grades.

• Dead Log Alive!– A hands-on presentation for small groups which allows for discovering some of the many creatures and plants that make use of a tree after it dies. For all ages.

My presentations for adults include:

• Writing for the Children’s Market — An overview of various genres and opportunites within the vast arena of children’s publishing.

• Children’s Publishing Boot Camp — a multi-day retreat or series of classes for an intensive induction into writing for children.

• The Freelance Freeway — very few authors live off the income of book royalites. Most find creative avenues to add extra income.  Includes discussion on magazines, newspapers, articles, stories, crafts, and more.

• Easy to Read, Hard to Write –  Easy readers are a niche within children literature with very specific requirements. Jo shares writing and marketing tips in this class.

• Nonfiction – Open the door of publishing with nonfiction. Research and marketing tips along with practical advice for turning your interests into articles and books.

• Simply Amazing Picture Books — Picture books must be simple, fresh and marketable to capture an editors attention. Learn picture book basics in this class.

• The Power of Words — Words play a crucial role in every job and relationship. Jo shares her journey in becoming a writer and discusses the power of words in every life.

Keep in mind that new talks can be adapted for a school’s  or conference’s needs!

For more information see How to Plan an Author School Visit or to find other speakers, visit SCBWI Southern Breeze.