“Lisa instantly created an environment of learning, exploration, and discussion. I can’t keep my library copies of her books on the shelves.”
Meet a real live author!
I looooooove to talk to students, teachers, librarians, book clubs—anyone who reads! Whether in-person or online, I will make sure that every student is engaged, has fun, and learns a ton about the world of books, writing, and reading! On this page you’ll find details about all the many types of author visits I offer, as well as the nitty-gritty bits like fees, curriculum tie-ins, etc.
Every type of visit includes the opportunity for personalized, autographed books. For more information on ordering books for author visits, click here.
Fees for author visits start at $250. To schedule an author visit, or to request more information, click on the button below, or email my school visit booking agent, Felicia, directly at bookings.felicia@gmail.com.
I am currently booking the following types of visits. (Click on the + symbol to learn more about each one!)
in-person visits!
+ PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS!
Real life visits with a real live author!
There is something so magical about getting to meet the author of a book you’ve read up-close and personal, and I consider it a great honor to act as an ambassador for reading. I do my best to ensure that everyone I meet will come out of the visit with an urge to max out their library card!
FORMAT: In-person
SUITABLE FOR: Grades Pre-K through 8th; small or large groups
LENGTH: Full day
REQUIREMENTS: Students must have read at least one full picture book, or at least one chapter (but preferably all!) of one of my novels
INCLUDES:
- up to 2 presentations or writing workshops of your choosing (45-60 minutes each)
- optional small student lunch/meet & greet
- time for book sales/book signing
- giveaways for each student
- educator resources
- option for discounted book sales
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: Building blocks of writing; brainstorming; story idea generation; revision; “author’s toolbox” of literary devices; creative writing; and more!
FEE: $2,500 per day, plus expenses
virtual Q&As & storytimes!
+ Q&As!
Take a peek into a writer’s life!
In this 30-minute virtual Q&A session, I will show off my writing space, give students a sneak peek at the latest books I’m working on, and answer any and all questions students have about my books, my life, the writing and publishing processes, and pretty much anything else!
FORMAT: Virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades Pre-K through 8th; small or large groups
LENGTH: 30 minutes
REQUIREMENTS: Students must have read at least one of my books prior to the session
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: Building blocks of writing; reading comprehension; revision; publishing process; etc.
FEE: $250
+ STORYTIMES!
Learn how an idea grows into a book!
We’ll begin with a full read aloud of my picture book Wonderful You, then talk about how the book grew from a pea-sized idea to a pumpkin-sized bound book. We’ll play a writing game, learn about metaphors, and discuss how no one—even a professional writer—gets things “just right” the first time!
FORMAT: Virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades Pre-K through 2nd; small or large groups
LENGTH: 30-45 minutes
REQUIREMENTS: None
BONUS: Free teacher resources to guide students through the creation of an original short story
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: Reading comprehension; building blocks of writing; literary devices (metaphors); revision; creative writing; short story writing
FEE: $300
writing presentations!
+ PRESENTATION 1: "How I Stopped Hating to Read and Became a Writer"!
All about me, my life, and my books!
I did not grow up wanting to be a writer—heck, no! When I was a kid, I thought reading was hard and boring, and that writers were people who scribbled out brilliant stories in three-seconds flat. In this engaging, interactive presentation, I’ll share how I transformed from a reluctant reader into a professional, published writer. (And, yes, there will be embarrassing photos!) We’ll cover the whole writing process—where ideas come from, how to turn those ideas into stories, and finally, how to revise your stories and make them stronger. Most importantly, we will cover my Number One Rule for Being a Good Writer: DON’T BE BORING!!!
FORMAT: In-person OR virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades Pre-K through 8th; small or large groups
LENGTH: 30-60 minutes
REQUIREMENTS: Students must have read at least one full picture book, or at least one chapter (but preferably all!) of one of my novels
BONUS: Free teacher resources to guide students through the creation of an original short story
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: Building blocks of writing; brainstorming; story idea generation; revision; “author’s toolbox” of literary devices; creative writing
FEE FOR VIRTUAL PRESENTATION: $500 (for in-person fees, see "IN-PERSON VISITS"
+ PRESENTATION 2: The Great Treehouse War!
Storm your brain and write a book!
Has your group read The Great Treehouse War? Do you want to learn more about how it came to be? Well, you're in luck! In this presentation, I’ll not only share the many real-life inspirations behind The Great Treehouse War, I'll also answer the number-one question I get asked by kids and grown-ups alike: Where do you get your ideas? By the end of the session, everyone's Idea Factories will be overflowing with story-sparking inspiration! We’ll play writing games, find out what didn’t make it into the novel, and discuss my in-depth revision process. Best of all, we will celebrate the Silly Holiday of the Day, just like Winnie’s parents do in the book.
FORMAT: In-person OR virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades 3rd through 6th; small or large groups
LENGTH: 45-60 minutes
REQUIREMENTS: Students must have read at least one chapter (but preferably all!) of The Great Treehouse War
BONUS: Free teacher resources to guide students through the brainstorming and creation of original characters to add to the “Treehouse Ten”
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: Building blocks of writing; brainstorming; story idea generation; revision; "author's toolbox" of literary devices; creative writing; character creation
FEE FOR VIRTUAL PRESENTATION: $500 (for in-person fees, see "IN-PERSON VISITS")
+ PRESENTATION 3: Absolutely Almost!
Be a book spy and write real-life fiction!
When I was a kid, I was unbearably shy, and I hated to talk to people. Fortunately, I learned to put my shyness to good use—and it turned me into the writer I am today! In this presentation, I’ll teach students how to be world-class eavesdroppers (er, observers!) and use that skill to write fiction that not only “feels” real, but jumps off the page. Just as Albie in Absolutely Almost “watches TV” by observing his neighbors out of his apartment window, we’ll discuss the many ways to find story-starters all around us. We’ll play a writing-themed game, and discuss the inspirations for Absolutely Almost—along with how the story evolved during the revision process.
FORMAT: In-person OR virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades 3rd through 6th; small or large groups
LENGTH: 45-60 minutes
REQUIREMENTS: Students must have read at least one chapter (but preferably all!) of Absolutely Almost
BONUS: Free teacher resources to guide students through the creation of their own “Things I Know” poem
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: Building blocks of writing; brainstorming; story idea generation; revision; "author's toolbox" of literary devices; creative writing; elements of fiction vs. non-fiction
FEE FOR VIRTUAL PRESENTATION: $500 (for in-person fees, see "IN-PERSON VISITS")
+ CUSTOM PRESENTATIONS!
Create a presentation that works perfectly for you!
If your class will be reading one of my books not mentioned above, and/or you are looking for a presentation that highlights a different, specific writing topic, I’ll be happy to craft a custom presentation around your needs.
FORMAT: In-person OR virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades Pre-K through 8th; small or large groups
LENGTH: 30-60 minutes
REQUIREMENTS: Students must have read at least one chapter (but preferably all!) of the chosen book
INCLUDES:
- “behind-the-scenes” information about my writing process
- facts and photos about the creation of the book
- a writing-themed lesson tied to the book
- a writing-themed game tied to the book
BONUS: Free teacher resources to continue the lesson into the classroom and beyond
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: You choose!
FEE FOR VIRTUAL CUSTOM PRESENTATION: $600 (for in-person fees, see "IN-PERSON VISITS"
writing workshops!
+ WORKSHOP 1: "Help—I Need Some Ideas!"
Where do ideas even come from?
Sometimes the hardest part of writing can be deciding what to write about—but anyone can be their own Idea Factory, as long as they know a few story-sparking tricks. In this hands-on workshop, I’ll show students how to pull ideas out of thin air, and begin turning those ideas into stories.
FORMAT: In-person OR virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades 3rd through 8th; groups of up to 50 students
LENGTH: 45-60 minutes
REQUIREMENTS: Each student will need a writing implement, paper, and a writing surface
BONUS: By the end of the workshop, students will have started a short story of their very own—and teachers will be provided with resources to help them finish it, as well as a list of my tried-and-true brainstorming prompts
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: Building blocks of writing; brainstorming; story idea generation; creative writing; short story writing
FEE FOR VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: $500 (for in-person fees, see "IN-PERSON VISITS")
+ WORKSHOP 2: "Fabulous Stories From Real Life"!
How do you turn fact into fiction?
One of the best ways to generate stories is to pull from your own life—I do it all the time! Plots, settings, characters, and whole scenes can be inspired by things you’ve experienced in the real world. But when you’re writing fiction, you need to know how to take those real-world experiences and translate them onto the page. In this workshop, I’ll teach students how to shape their inspirations into un-put-down-able page turners.
FORMAT: In-person OR virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades 3rd through 8th; groups of up to 50 students
LENGTH: 45-60 minutes
REQUIREMENTS: Each student will need a writing implement, paper, and a writing surface
BONUS: By the end of the workshop, students will have the beginnings of their very own short story, and teachers will be provided with resources to help their students finish their stories, along with lots more methods to drum up story inspirations
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: Building blocks of writing; brainstorming; story idea generation; elements of fiction vs. non-fiction; creative writing; short story writing
FEE FOR VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: $500 (for in-person fees, see "IN-PERSON VISITS")
+ WORKSHOP 3: "Taking Characters from 'Flat' to 'Fat'"!
What makes us care about a character’s story?
Crafting round characters—ones who are relatable, likeable, and flawed all at once—is my favorite part of writing, and I’m happy to share all my tricks! In this interactive workshop, students will learn the many elements that go into creating characters so round you’ll want to reach out and hug them.
FORMAT: In-person OR virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades 3rd through 8th; groups of up to 50 students
LENGTH: 45-60 minutes
REQUIREMENTS: Each student will need a writing implement, paper, and a writing surface
BONUS: By the end of the workshop, students will have created a strong character of their very own, and have all the pieces they need to start that character’s story. Teachers will be provided with resources to continue the lesson after the workshop is over, including ways to help students finish their short story
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: Building blocks of writing; brainstorming; story idea generation; character creation; creative writing; short story writing
FEE FOR VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: $500 (for in-person fees, see "IN-PERSON VISITS")
+ WORKSHOP 4: “'Revision' Is Not a Dirty Word!"
Let’s re-write the way we think about re-writing
For many kids (and adults too!), the most odious part of writing is rewriting. And that’s completely normal—after all that hard work, who wants to rip it up? Fortunately, I’m one of those strange birds who actually likes revising, and I’m just itching to share this enthusiasm with your students! In this workshop, I’ll transform your students’ conception of revision, demonstrating how writing a book is like putting together a puzzle. By getting a chance to revise an early draft of one of my stories, students will learn why “brief” is nearly always better, and when and how to axe the parts of their stories they’re clinging extra-tight to.
FORMAT: In-person OR virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades 3rd through 8th; groups of up to 50 students
LENGTH: 45-60 minutes
REQUIREMENTS: Each student will need a writing implement, paper, and a writing surface
BONUS: Teachers will be provided with resources to continue the lesson, including methods to help students edit their own (and each other’s) work
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: Building blocks of writing; brainstorming; story idea generation; revision; “author’s toolbox” of literary devices; creative writing; short story writing
FEE FOR VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: $500 (for in-person fees, see "IN-PERSON VISITS")
+ CUSTOM WRITING WORKSHOPS!
Craft the perfect workshop for your students!
If you are interested in having me teach a workshop on a writing-themed topic not mentioned above, I’ll be happy to create a custom workshop around your specific needs.
FORMAT: In-person OR virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades 3rd through 8th; groups of up to 50 students
LENGTH: 45-60 minutes
REQUIREMENTS: Each student will need a writing implement, paper, and a writing surface
BONUS: Free teacher resources to continue the lesson into the classroom and beyond
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: You choose!
FEE FOR VIRTUAL CUSTOM WORKSHOP: $600 (for in-person fees, see "IN-PERSON VISITS")
virtual author-in-residences!
+ OPTION 1: Full-Day Author-in-Residence!
An entire day of virtual presentations and workshops!
Interested in having me virtually visit with your students for longer than just one hour? Invite me to be your “author in residence” for a whole day!
FORMAT: Virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades Pre-K through 8th; small or large groups
LENGTH: Up to 3 hours, over one day
REQUIREMENTS: Varies
INCLUDES:
- up to 2 presentations, storytimes, Q&As and/or workshops of your choosing
- opportunity for a smaller group of students to “eat lunch” with me, in a more intimate Q&A session
BONUS: Free teacher resources to continue the lessons into the classroom and beyond
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: You choose!
FEE: $1,500
+ OPTION 2: Full-Week Author-in-Residence!
An entire week of virtual presentations and workshops!
What's even better than having an author visit with your students for a whole day? Having her come for an entire WEEK!
FORMAT: Virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades Pre-K through 8th; small or large groups
LENGTH: Up to 10 hours, over one week
REQUIREMENTS: Varies
INCLUDES:
- 1 presentation, storytime, Q&A or workshop of your choosing, each day for 5 days
- opportunity for smaller groups of students to “eat lunch” with me, in a more intimate Q&A session, each day for 5 days
BONUS: Free teacher resources to continue the lessons into the classroom and beyond
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: You choose!
FEE: $3,000
virtual writing bootcamps!
+ OPTION 1: Week-Long Bootcamp!
Let's get this story started!
What better way to teach your students about the many facets of writing than letting them dig in and craft a story of their very own? Over the course of five days, I’ll lead your students in a series of engaging, interactive workshops that will get them thinking about books in a whole new way—and more importantly, get them writing! By the end of this camp, each student will have the beginnings of a short story, fully of his or her own creation.
FORMAT: Virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades 3rd through 8th; groups of up to 100 students
LENGTH: Up to 5 hours, over 5 days (This camp can be offered over consecutive weeks)
CAMP SCHEDULE:
- DAY ONE: Character—Create a rounded protagonist!
- DAY TWO: Plot—Decide what happens!
- DAY THREE: Setting, Tone & POV—Imagine your characters' world!
- DAY FOUR: Outlining—Craft the full arc of your story!
- DAY FIVE: Tying It All Together—Dig in and get started!
REQUIREMENTS: Each student will need a writing implement, paper, and a writing surface
BONUS: Free teacher resources to continue the lessons into the classroom and beyond
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: Building blocks of writing; brainstorming; story generation; character; plot; setting; tone; point of view; outlining; creative writing; short story writing
FEE: $3,500
+ OPTION 2: Two-Week Bootcamp!
Write a story, start to finish!
Over the course of ten days, I’ll lead your students in a series of engaging, interactive workshops that will not only teach them all the elements of writing a story, but will prove once and for all that they can write one too! By the end of this camp, every student will have written and revised their own original short story.
FORMAT: Virtual
SUITABLE FOR: Grades 3rd through 8th; groups of up to 100 students
LENGTH: Up to 10 hours, over 10 days (This camp can be offered over two weeks back-to-back, or over several consecutive weeks)
CAMP SCHEDULE:
- DAY ONE: Character—Create a rounded protagonist!
- DAY TWO: Plot—Decide what happens!
- DAY THREE: Setting, Tone & POV—Imagine your characters' world!
- DAY FOUR: Conflict—Put roadblocks in your protagonist's path!
- DAY FIVE: Resolution—Create an ending that satisfies!
- DAY SIX: Outlining—Craft the full arc of your story!
- DAY SEVEN: Beginnings—Don’t be daunted; get started!
- DAY EIGHT: Fleshing Things Out—Get over the “Act III Hump”!
- DAY NINE: Revision 101—Strengthen your plot!
- DAY TEN: Revision 102—Make your words and sentences soar!
REQUIREMENTS: Each student will need a writing implement, paper, and a writing surface
BONUS: Free teacher resources to continue the lessons into the classroom and beyond
CURRICULUM TIE-INS: Building blocks of writing; brainstorming; story generation; character; plot; setting; tone; point of view; outlining; creative writing; short story writing; conflict; resolution; story arc; revision; “author’s toolbox” of literary devices
FEE: $7,000
hear what these folks had to say!
“Lisa’s presentations were engaging, down-to-earth, and thought-provoking. Two years later, students still talk about how much they enjoyed her visit.”
“Lisa Graff invites her audience into the author experience and lets them see what it’s like to be a real author.”
“As a teacher, nothing makes me happier than seeing my kids inspired to read and write. Our virtual visit with Lisa Graff gave 27 fifth graders that gift.”
“Lisa empowers even the most writing-adverse children to use their voices. Her visit was a once in a lifetime experience my daughter will never forget.”
“Lisa Graff’s visit was phenomenal! She was an inspiration to our readers and writers. I highly recommend this gifted and talented author.”
