Shelley Pearsall
Children's Book Author
Books that build bridges and start conversations...
Virtual Author Visits & Writing Workshops 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.
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
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.
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.
$400/ 60 minute session
Streaming to multiple classrooms is permitted
"Hampton's Throne Speaks" Writing Workshop
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.
$400/60 minute session
Streaming to multiple classrooms is permitted
Fantastic Shoe Fiction
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
$400/60 minute session
Streaming to multiple classrooms is permitted.
WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY ABOUT SHELLEY'S VIRTUAL VISITS?
"I could have sat and listened to Shelley for another 30 minutes. She was so engaging even on Zoom."
- One Book One Community event, Tuscarawas County, OH, 2024
"You sparked the writing muse for many students." - Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston, TX 2025
"I would pay to see you again, but I can't but it still made my day." - 8th grader, 2023
"I have one student writing stories because they were inspired by your story of becoming an author." - 6th grade virtual visit, Denver, CO 2025
"Your visit has become a rite of passage in our middle school."
"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."
More Teaching Ideas for My Books Are Available Here
In 2024, Shelley did virtual visits and writing workshops for 18 schools in 9 different states.