Author Presentations
I have conducted numerous author presentations all over the country, mostly about my books and about the writing process. Probably the most popular part of any of my writing presentations is when I show original drafts of my books to both kids and adults in the audience. I still have the original piece of scrap paper upon which I wrote my first draft of No Star Nights.
The theme of my author presentations is "The Writing Process in Action." It generally includes:
A testimonial from Diana S. Claydon of WV Read Aloud of Monongalia County (about one of my author presentations): "Having experienced many author presentations and being myself a teacher, I have yet to see anyone who excels more in communicating her craft, motivating the next generation to find pleasure in writing and reading."
A recent testimonial from a teacher in Preston County, WV: "Thanks so much for coming to our school. Your visit will be remembered as one of the best author presentations we've had. We really appreciate the time you took to discuss the writing process that you use for your writing and showing the "sloppy copies" of your books. With other authors we have felt as if we were just selling their books for them but with you we see a TEACHER. Thanks so much. You did a great job!"
A testimonial from a former student, now a language arts teacher:
Close to 25 years ago, I was a student at Taylor County Middle School when Mrs. Smucker came and gave a presentation on her newest book, No Star Nights. I was absolutely amazed that I was listening to a "real" author. Fast forward many years later and I am now a teacher at Taylor County Middle School. This week I was able to see my own students' eyes light up to meet an author for the first time. My students spent the day discussing Mrs. Smucker's presentation. As a language arts teacher I am always trying to drive home the importance of the writing process. Through her presentation Mrs. Smucker discussed and showed the students her many drafts before her work was published. Having Mrs. Smucker present to our students was a rewarding experience for everyone.
Autumn Young, Language Arts Teacher, Taylor County Middle School
These comments are from a presentation I did at a Children's Literature Conference on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, PA.
"Really enjoyable. She gave many writing tips for me to try with my class."
"Nice information for people desiring to become a writer/illustrator."
"Good suggestions for engaging students in writing."
"Delightful, so pleasant, reached the audience. Invite her again!!"
The theme of my author presentations is "The Writing Process in Action." It generally includes:
- A reading and discussion of my books from the first drafts to the published works
- The artists’ sketches, dummies, and my rough drafts
- How to incorporate writing activities into your own life
A testimonial from Diana S. Claydon of WV Read Aloud of Monongalia County (about one of my author presentations): "Having experienced many author presentations and being myself a teacher, I have yet to see anyone who excels more in communicating her craft, motivating the next generation to find pleasure in writing and reading."
A recent testimonial from a teacher in Preston County, WV: "Thanks so much for coming to our school. Your visit will be remembered as one of the best author presentations we've had. We really appreciate the time you took to discuss the writing process that you use for your writing and showing the "sloppy copies" of your books. With other authors we have felt as if we were just selling their books for them but with you we see a TEACHER. Thanks so much. You did a great job!"
A testimonial from a former student, now a language arts teacher:
Close to 25 years ago, I was a student at Taylor County Middle School when Mrs. Smucker came and gave a presentation on her newest book, No Star Nights. I was absolutely amazed that I was listening to a "real" author. Fast forward many years later and I am now a teacher at Taylor County Middle School. This week I was able to see my own students' eyes light up to meet an author for the first time. My students spent the day discussing Mrs. Smucker's presentation. As a language arts teacher I am always trying to drive home the importance of the writing process. Through her presentation Mrs. Smucker discussed and showed the students her many drafts before her work was published. Having Mrs. Smucker present to our students was a rewarding experience for everyone.
Autumn Young, Language Arts Teacher, Taylor County Middle School
These comments are from a presentation I did at a Children's Literature Conference on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, PA.
"Really enjoyable. She gave many writing tips for me to try with my class."
"Nice information for people desiring to become a writer/illustrator."
"Good suggestions for engaging students in writing."
"Delightful, so pleasant, reached the audience. Invite her again!!"
signing books for students after a presentation
Feel free to call me at 304-842-6250
