Inspiring Readers and Writers
Author school visits bring books to life.
But I don’t just talk about books—although I love talking books. I seek to inspire students, build writing skills and creativity practices, and infuse attendees with confidence both in their writing journeys and their lives.
Scroll down for information about my presentations.
I am available to visit schools as well as festivals, conferences, and writing centers.
*Virtual option is available in the booking form.
If you are interested in scheduling a visit, I currently have availability for the 2023-2024 school year and beyond. Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page to get in touch.
(Tip for schools: Before filling in the form, be sure to check out the Presentations for Children and Teens section below, where I list specific talks you can choose from.)
Want Rachel to Speak at Your School or Event?
(Virtual option available)
Presentations for Children and Teens
I’m always open to tailoring my presentations to your students’ needs. But here are some favorite presentations I’ve done in recent years.
(Note: I can be booked for one, two, or three sessions in one day. All sessions include a question-and-answer time at the end.)
Cultivating Creativity: How to Exercise and Enlarge Your Imagination
In most of the books Rachel writes, the main characters gravitate toward some expression of creativity: In The Colors of the Rain Paulie is an artist; in The Woods Lenora gardens to connect with her mother and plays piano to connect with her sister; in The First Magnificent Summer Victoria writes; and in other stories characters are poets or songwriters or photographers or dancers. In this session Rachel talks about the importance of creativity, what happens to brains when they choose creative activities, and what it means to be creative. She provides students with strategies for cultivating creativity, building a creative practice through habit, and sharing their unique expression of creativity with the world.
(Tailored for specific age groups, grades 3-12)
The Making of an Author: A Wandering Tale of Adventure, Obscurity, and Triumph
Many students assume that when a person decides to become an author they POOF! become an author. But the process of becoming an author—writing and publishing a book—is a long and drawn-out process that requires patience, determination, courage, and perseverance. In this author talk, Rachel explores her personal journey to becoming an author. She shares details of her childhood, snippets from the stories she wrote as a budding writer, the books that shaped her as a young reader, and how she finds inspiration everywhere. Using real-life examples of the challenges that met her at every turn and practical strategies for overcoming those challenges, Rachel shares with students how they, too, can become what they want to be, with enough practice, patience, and perseverance.
(Tailored for specific age groups, grades 3-12)
Rachel’s Book Talk: A General Look at One of Rachel’s Books
Much time and effort and patience goes into the writing of a book. In this session, Rachel will discuss her most recent book (or a favorite book of choice), including the inspiration behind the book, what kind of research she did for it, the process of writing and publishing it, and the hopes she has for the book out in the world. Rachel will read from the book and engage in a question-and-answer session.
(Tailored for specific age groups, grades 3-12)
Everyday Poets: Celebrating the Wonder and Magic of Poetry
The Colors of the Rain and This is Who We are are Rachel’s novels written entirely in verse. How can poetry tell a story? In this author talk, Rachel discusses the narrative nature of poetry, the strategies that go into crafting effective poetry, and why poetry is an important addition to any reader’s reading list. Using her own poetry and that of her favorite poets, she gives students exercises in interpretation, strategies for playing with language, and tips for making poems a regular part of their day.
(Tailored for specific age groups, grades 3-12)
The Writing Advantage: How Journaling Can Improve Your Life
Most students journal, in one way or another, at school, but what about at home? In this author talk, Rachel discusses the ways journaling can help students process through emotions, tell stories about their days, and heal from both big and small hurts. Using examples from her own personal journals and sharing the details of her own journaling practice, she’ll teach students strategies for journaling, making a habit of it, and using it to help clarify and improve their lives.
(Tailored for specific age groups, grades 3-12)
Creativity Connection: How Art Helps You Process Disappointments
In The Colors of the Rain, The Woods, The First Magnificent Summer, This is Who We Are, and many other of Rachel’s stories, characters use art to help process through difficult emotions; Paulie uses art to make sense of his father’s death, and Lenora’s Uncle Richard uses scientific creation—the building of steam-run robots—and journaling to process through the loss of his family. Victoria uses writing to process the emotions of a difficult relationship with her father; Mason dances to cope with his cousin’s death. In this author talk, Rachel discusses the importance of creative expression to help process difficult emotions and life events, express the inexpressible, and pave the way back toward emotional health. Using examples from her own writing—including songwriting—she provides students with strategies for expressing their deepest thoughts and emotions through creative means, building a practice of creative expression, and making space for healing.
(Tailored for specific age groups, grades 3-12)
Book Rachel For Your School/Event*
*Because every venue is different with unique needs, rates and other conditions will be discussed after a request has been submitted.
Preparations for the visit
School visits, in general, tend to be more beneficial for students who have read at least one of my books (with the exception of early elementary; I have picture books in the works). For your convenience, I’ve provided a helpful list of my published books, broken down by appropriate grade level.
Sometimes schools have chosen to have the entire school read a book, and these visits are always riotous fun. Book discussions are highly enjoyable when people are familiar with the book.
Once booked, I will check in with schools about a month before a visit to discuss any details that might need ironing out. A schedule of the day would be appreciated at least two weeks before my visit (what can I say? I’m a planner.).