Appearances:

The author talksI am always happy to visit with readers of all ages. Over the years I've given several presentations at schools (elementary, middle school, and high school), libraries, stor es, book festivals, and conferences.

If you are interested in booking me for an event, please use my contact form to inquire about rates and availability.

Listed below are a few of my presentation topics, as well as my technical needs. Preferred crowd size depends on the age of the audience.

 

"Jennifer Ziegler: Process Makes Perfect"
(For school audiences)

In this program I use anecdotes, photos and other visual material to explain how I got started as a writer, discuss the inspiration behind my books, and explain my process of writing, editing, revision, and coming up with novel ideas.

TECH NEEDS: a screen and PowerPoint-capable projector, if available.

"How Not to Write a How-To"
(A brief workshop for young school audiences)

Using the novel How Not to Be Popular as a starting point, I help students create their own silly how-to pieces on such topics as "How to Make Your Teacher Retire," "How to Drive Your Brother/Sister Crazy," or "How Not to Behave at a Fancy Party," etc. (Other mini workshop topics are available on "crafting effective beginnings" or "setting tone and finding voice.")

NOTE: Mini workshops are best with small groups (a maximum of 30 per workshop)
in order to promote sharing and feedback at the end.

"The Many Secret Identities of Writers"
(For school audiences or prospective writers)

Those who write use career skills other than simply writing. Find out how writers are part movie director, part spy, part athlete, part sculptor, and part superhero.

TECH NEEDS: a screen and PowerPoint-capable projector, if available.

"Writing for the Mass Markets"
(For prospective writers)

Throughout my writing career I have penned 18 mass-market paperbacks under different pseudonyms. In this presentation I discuss my experiences, describe how they shaped me as a novelist, and explain the risks and rewards of work-for-hire writing.

TECH NEEDS: a screen and PowerPoint-capable projector, if available.

Comments:

“Loved it all! Each student took something away with them from your presentation.” —Kate DiPronio, Librarian, Cedar Valley Middle School, Round Rock, Texas

“I appreciate the fact that you have taught before because it gave you an advantage when preparing for the presentation and was obvious by your format and interaction with the students. I especially appreciate how you made the presentation relevant to them by giving them tips for their own writing.” —Tammy Brightwell, Librarian, Scoggins Middle School, McKinney, Texas

“Jennifer was super: engaging, relevant, honest, fun.” — Jason Farr, teacher, Anderson High School, Austin, Texas