I love talking to kids and adults about the themes in my books and sharing what it’s like to be an author and musician. My visits are interactive. My goal is to encourage kids, teachers, librarians, and book enthusiasts of all ages on their reading and writing journey.
I offer both in-person and virtual visits nationwide and will structure my presentation to suit the needs of the audience.
I also love to speak to aspiring children’s book writers and offer advice for those embarking on the journey of becoming a published author.
To book a school visit or to arrange a speaking engagement:
My author visits and speaker fees are very affordable. Please contact me for pricing.
To schedule a visit tailored to your needs, leave a comment for me in the contact section of this site with the proposed date, time and place and what kind of visit you would like. (in-person or virtual)
Below are descriptions of some of the author visits I offer for all ages. These presentations are geared to Rise Up With a Song, a 2023 Children’s Book Council Notable Social Studies Book:
Here is a link to a student’s story about about how an author visit to her classroom impacted her life.
“Diane was very engaging with the students. Her activities made the story come to life. The kids loved hearing about Ethel and how she was a rule breaker.” ~ Marci Sontegrath, teacher, Franklin Elementary School, Pulllman, WA.
Classroom activities to complement school visits
K- 1st Grades: March, March!
30-minute presentation which includes an author reading of Rise Up With a Song, a short visual presentation of key themes of the book. I end the presentation by marching with the kids to Ethel Smyth’s March of the Women, the original song the book is based on.
Ahead of my visit, students can make suffragist/suffragette inspired signs to carry as we march. (example: Votes for Women, Votes for Kids, etc.)
2nd-4th Grades: Before I Was an Author
45-minute presentation of how my childhood reading and writing habits planted seeds for a later life as an author and musician. Through my talk, we will find our passions and learn how our passions can weave into our writing. Time for questions and reading of the book if desired.
4th-6th Grades: Ethel’s Journey
45-minute presentation of Ethel Smyth’s journey from musician to suffragette. What did it take for a woman to have a career in music during Ethel’s lifetime? Reading of the book and time for questions if desired.
5th Grades and Up: Publishing A Book Takes A Village
45- minute presentation for all ages (5th grade and up) How do you begin on the journey of getting your book traditionally published? Plenty of time for questions about the process of writing and submitting your work to agents and publishers.
Diane Worthey 