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Virtual Author Visits &
Writing 
Workshops  2024 - 2025

 

​Over the past twenty years, I've worked with more than 250,000 students across the US as a visiting author. Originally from Ohio, I'm a former classroom teacher with a Master's in Education. My goal is to inspire new writers and readers, and I'm known for my lively, interactive, and visual presentation style.

 

Since I'm now based in Scotland (home of Harry Potter and unicorns!), my author visits are all virtual these days. Although the scenery from my office window may vary, I'm able to visit anywhere, near or far, so feel free to reach out. 

 

US, UK, and international requests are welcome.​

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Book Chats with Shelley

Reading one of my books in your school or library? During a 45-minute book chat visit, I'll share visuals and stories about your featured novel (the inspiration, rough drafts, random brainstorms and more). Plenty of Q&A time is included. Video-recording and streaming within your school is permitted.  $250 per session or one free session if you are doing an all-grade level read*.

 

* free sessions also available to schools with financial need

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Available from 8am - 2pm (US time zones). Send your visit request through the contact form.  

Virtual Writing Workshops

Looking for something more?  Try out one of my interactive virtual visits that involve students in a live writing activity. Complete the contact form to schedule.

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The World of Ideas

 

Where do ideas come from? This fast-paced workshop will demonstrate how creative ideas, stories, and characters can literally be found anywhere. Students will be guided through a variety of unique writing sources including recipes, photos, paintings, names, and objects -- as inspiration for a series of "quick writes."  5th - 8th grades.

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$400/ 60 minute session

Streaming to multiple classrooms is permitted

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"Hampton's Throne Speaks" Writing Workshop

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Can a work of art speak? Yes! After taking a virtual look at the real Hampton's Throne that inspired The Seventh Most Important Thing, we'll do a series of writing activities. We'll focus on personification, characterization, and observation as we bring the artwork to life. 5th - 8th grades.

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$400/60 minute session

Streaming to multiple classrooms is permitted

Yellow Rain Boots

Fantastic Shoe Fiction

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Can you find stories in shoes? This popular workshop takes writers through the creative (and fun) process of developing a strong fictional character and story opener from shoes. Yes, real shoes! Make characters come alive in your classroom. 4th - 8th grades

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$400/60 minute session

Streaming to multiple classrooms is permitted.

WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY ABOUT SHELLEY'S VIRTUAL VISITS?

 

"I would pay to see you again, but I can't but it still made my day." (8th grader, 2023)

 

My Q1 Book Club had a BLAST meeting the author of Things Seen From Above! Such an engaging virtual visit with a fun guided drawing on perspective included!" 

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"What an amazing way to end one of our favorite books...Shelley was bombarded with questions from fifth graders...we were so excited!" 

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"Thank you for giving our students such an unforgettable experience."

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"Your visit has become a rite of passage in our middle school." 

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"I'm not sure if you could see the students' faces, but they were rapt. I felt like it was truly a perfect hour with you, inspiring, instructive and fun." 

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More Teaching Ideas for My Books Are Available Here

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​In 2023-2024, Shelley did virtual visits and writing workshops for 20 schools in 10 different states.

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