Program Options:
Meet the Author or Writing Workshop.
I offer both Meet the Author visits and Writing Workshops for schools and libraries and can tailor my discussion so that it is appropriate for any grade level.
Meet the Author Visits
Meet the Author sessions start with a PowerPoint presentation that includes pictures of me, my family, and a brief discussion on where I’m from. Then I do some storytelling or read from one of my published works. At the end of the session, students are given an opportunity to ask questions. For Meet the Author sessions at the elementary school level, students are also given activity sheets that accompany the session. This could include coloring sheets, mazes, or word search sheets. Samples of these completed by students during school visits are showcased on this page.
Meet the Author sessions are intended for large groups of about 100 students and should be held in the school library or media center. They can be held in bigger areas like gyms or auditoriums, but the larger the group the less personal interaction each student will feel like he/she can have.
Presentations are tailored to age groups, so please let me know if I will be addressing PreK-2, 3-5, Middle School, or High School students.
Writer’s Workshops
Writer’s Workshops include a brief discussion of my writing process and the importance of revision and how much we learn from getting things wrong. I will bring samples of published works that have been released a second time with major revisions to demonstrate how much our writing can improve and change over time. However, the majority of the session will be devoted to time for students to work on a provided writing prompt. I will provide students guidance and encouragement as they write and invite them to share their writing in small group settings.
Writer’s workshops are intended for smaller groups of between ten and twenty participants. They can be held in a regular classroom, large conference room, or media room.
Common Questions about School and Library Visits
How much is this going to cost?
I love writing and it is a privilege to share my stories with young readers. For that reason, I often do Meet the Author visits for free. This is possible only if your group is within 90 miles of Carrollton, Georgia or London, Kentucky. If you are not within range of either of my “home” locations, an honorarium for travel, lodging and meal expenses is required. These vary based on session location; however, most are under $500.
If you are interested in a school or library visit, and would like a quote please email CSmith0644@gmail.com for more information.
Will books be available for sale and autographing?
That is completely up to you. If you want to have books available for sale, you can order directly from me in advance or from your local bookstore or online. If you’d like to order directly from me, an order form can be provided that can be sent home with students prior to my visit. Orders will be filled the day of the visit and any requested autographs provided as well.
Are discounted books available the day of your visit?
Sometimes students are given an opportunity to purchase books at discounted rates. At other times, students pay retail price for all purchased books and a check for a percentage of the sales is presented to the school library or PTO as a special thank you for hosting the visit.
Please email CSmith0644@gmail.com for more information regarding library and PTO fundraiser opportunities.
Connect with Us
I love hearing from readers. Fill out this form to tell me what you thought about my stories or books.
You can also use this form if you’d like more information about a school or library visit.