During this interactive, informative, and energetic assembly, I use a PowerPoint presentation as a jumping off point to discuss my journey to publication: the highs, lows, and the jaw-dropping experiences that have made me the writer I am today. Students quickly realize and take comfort in knowing that I still need lots of help to make my stories "sing." They're amazed to discover that I get writer's block just like them. Who knew that a blank piece of paper could give a published author a case of the willies? I compare my editor to their teachers and prove to them how much their words of wisdom (REVISE!) make our stories much stronger. I share examples of my own work and let them judge for themselves. Teachers appreciate my message loud and clear as I hammer home the importance of having a strong work ethic. It's always at this part of my talk that I hear a collective gasp when students listen to my tale of how I learned this the hard way. They groan when they hear about "the one that got away."

Through audience participation, I offer an inside look as to how I get my ideas and help them realize that their passions can be turned into books, too...with the help of a little brainstorming! I want to share my joy of reading and writing with your students and prove to them that they have the same "power" to write stories that connect with readers as I do.

For older students (grades 4 and up), I end the program by playing a short Game Show that focuses on the stages of The Writing Process and my website's ABOUT ME section. 

NOTE: If you combine grade levels, please do not have the grades span more than one level at a time since my presentation is a bit different for each one. Ideal combinations:  1/2, 3/4, 5/6, etc. OR 1, 2/3, 4/5, etc.  It's important that I know exactly which groups will be combined so I can adapt my program to fit the grade-specific needs and abilities.