Author Visits
Want me to visit your class?
With a degree in Youth Ministry & Music, I have been involved with youth groups across the country for well over a decade. I have a passion to connect with students at every level and enjoy sharing the joy and excitement of learning how to craft stories, what it takes to write a book, how I became a published author, and more!
I would love to speak with your class, home school group, youth group, or other student-focused group!
About visits
I love the chance to interact with readers but also with students who are learning the craft of storytelling. You can expect me to share some of my story to publication, no matter the presentation, but I love to tailor what I share to where your class is at. I usually speak from 30-45 minutes and love to leave time at the end for questions, but the time-frame is open to what fits your class schedule best.
I also offer both in-person virtual visits so don't let distance be a factor, fill out the interest form or contact me for more information.
Presentation Topics
The 3 Elements of Story
What three elements does every story need and how do author's craft those elements into a compelling tale?
This is a great option for various student levels. For younger grades I pair down these elements into their very basic natures, but for upper grades we dive into more depth about what it takes to craft a great story. This goes well with discussion of the Three Act Structure and pairs nicely with writing segments in class.
Genre Talk
What is a genre and why do they matter?
This talk has been popular to go hand-in-hand with a writing unit and helps to bring home concepts of what it takes to write a story but also why stories are placed into specific genres. I also include why I personally combine my genres (science fiction and fantasy) for my current series.
There is also a fun participation aspect we can add on to this class which can involved M&M's (or colored tiles depending on the teachers input) as a way to put our knowledge of genres into action.
Author Talk: How do you become an author?
What does it take to become a published author?
In this talk we rely heavily on Q&A but I share my story of coming to publication but, more importantly, where I started - as a young student writing stories in notebooks and on my mom's borrowed laptop. This option is an exciting but realistic look into what it takes to become an author, the options provided to writers in today's market, and suggestions for things students can put into practice now if they want to choose the career path of author later. (Is easily adjustable to grade level.)
Me, my books, my process
How did I come up with the idea for my first series? What are my books about? What is my creative process?
In this presentation I offer insight into my first series: how I came up with my book idea, what it took to create names for the series, what is involved in writing a science fantasy (and emphasis on the fun planets I've created), and what my creative process is. I'm happy to read a short section from the book and love to introduce the story to new readers.
Emilie the Book Cover Designer
How did you get into book cover design? How does it work? How do you choose what goes on a book cover?
This is a fun and unique option and, while I still discuss my writing and my own books, I love to bring in books to "show and tell" about the covers that I've designed. I discuss how I get into book cover design (as a self-taught graphic designer) and what it takes to make a compelling book cover. I like to tie this into my writing as well and how, when a student picks up a book, they are being influenced (in a good way) to choose that book. Discussing a (small) bit about marketing here is also a lot of fun depending on the age-range of the class.
Author Visits and pricing
I'm so grateful you'd be interested in having me come visit your class! The best way to get on my schedule is to:
- Select a topic that works for your class
Take a look at my presentation topics and see what works best for your class. If you'd like to tailor one or combine two, that is an option (just let me know). - Fill out the interest form
Using the form is the best way to get me all the information I need up front. - Suggest a few days that work best
Please include a few options for days and times that work best for you.
If you've got questions or are interested in an option you don't see offered, please feel free to email me. I am willing to work to fit your unique needs (and budget if that is an issue).
In person Multi-class
$300
This option is perfect for 2-4 in-person presentations to different classes in one day.
in person single class
$150
This option is for one class presentation (even if it's a combined class).
virtual visit
$75
This option is for one virtual visit. Add $50 for each additional, virtual class.
Author Visits
Fill out the form to get on my calendar!
A few notes about visits:
Interested in providing my book(s) to your class or offering the option for them purchase beforehand? Contact me! I love to offer discounted copies when doing visits. We can schedule in a book signing or I can have the books signed beforehand.
Please contact me with any budget concerns.
I offer presentations to both public and private schools and am happy to adjust my content accordingly. In a Christian setting I love sharing about my faith when asked.
The rates above do not include travel costs or special requests. Travel fees apply to visits over an hour away from Columbus, Indiana and are as follows: $0.70/mile travel fee or current IRS rate (or airfare if needed) + safe/clean hotel accommodations if lodging is required.