School Visits

After looking at the options below, please click HERE to schedule your visit!

Please note: My calendar for IN-PERSON visits for the 2022-2023 school year is completely booked. If you would still like an in-person visit, please email and I can schedule you for 2023-2024.

2023 – 2024 IN-PERSON PRICING*:

Half Day: $900

1-2 Presentations
Brief time for Author Q & A afterward
book signing time
5 free copies of any of Taryn’s novels

Full Day: $1,300

3-4 Presentations
Brief time for Author Q & A afterward
book signing time
10 free copies of any of Taryn’s novels

Each presentation revolves around a slide show and usually last anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour (much depends on the age group/grade level). And as stated above, I like to save time for Q & A with students after each presentation.

*Rates above are estimates and ultimately subject to dates, locations, and school specifics (i.e. special requests). Travel costs are not included in these estimates and would apply to school visits outside the Central Florida area. Contact me for further information.

2023 – 2024 VIRTUAL PRICING:

1 Session: $300

One 40-45 minute presentation (session is not recorded)
Time for Author Q & A with students afterward

2 Sessions: $475

Two 40-45 minute presentations–feel free to mix and match (sessions are not recorded)
Time for Author Q & A with students afterward

Presentation Options for both Virtual and In-Person Visits:

Author Q & A Session (all grades)
- Have you or your students ever wondered what goes on inside an author’s head? Maybe you have questions about the publishing process or how an author creates a story. Spend time with Taryn, asking her any questions you have about her experience as an award-winning author (or how she feels about pineapple on pizza, or whatever).
- Tip: Teachers, having your students write their questions down ahead of time streamlines the process and allows for more students to ask their question.
The Creation of Story (5th – 7th Grade)
- I share examples of taking memories and moments from my life, putting a spin on them, and using them in story.
- The books that shaped me as a young reader
- I discuss the research necessary for writing fiction–you can’t make everything up!
  - I focus on arsenic and its history (may be sensitive for younger readers)
- I cover topics like:
  - What a mood board is and what is it used for
  - Math mind-reading
  - My writing process
The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle (4th – 7th Grade)
- I share where I got my idea for the book
- The research necessary for a mystery to be realistic.
- I dive into some fascinating history that is relevant to this treasure hunt, covering topics like
  - Bizarre wars, including the War of Jenkins’ Ear
  - A brief overview of samplers and their importance
  - Tabby stone and how it’s made
  - treasure and more!
Coop Knows the Scoop (5th – 7th Grade) *I offer a slightly different Coop Knows the Scoop presentation for 3rd and 4th graders. Just select that option on the Google form.*
- We discuss what elements you need for a mystery, including:
  - Introducing/reviewing vocabulary such as red herrings, means, motive, perjury, sabotage, and more!
  - The research necessary for a mystery to be realistic.
  - I briefly talk about the history of arsenic, both as a medicine and a poison, and other weapons.
  - What is my writing process?
How to (Almost) Ruin Your Summer (4th – 6th Grade)
- I talk about the process of writing a book like How to (Almost) Ruin Your Summer, including:
  - How to incorporate life experiences into your own writing
  - Why research is important even when writing fiction
  - The publishing process and what an author does day-to-day (well, at least what I do day-to-day!)
Whole-y Cow! Fractions Are Fun (3rd – 4th Grade)
- I share my own struggles with math anxiety, how I overcame them, and how I eventually became a math teacher.
- I explain why teachers always want your best work, and we’ll go over industry terms like manuscript, publishing house, mood board, and dummy book.
- I touch on illustrations and talk about a day in the life of an author.
Dead Possums Are Fair Game (4th – 6th Grade)
- I share my own struggles with math anxiety, how I overcame them, and how I eventually became a math teacher.
- I intersperse math-magic tricks throughout the presentation and pull volunteers from the audience to work through them with me.
- I give examples of how writers can incorporate their own life experiences into their writing.
- We’ll discuss the research necessary for realistic fiction
- We’ll talk about mood boards and cover design.
Get to Know an Author (K – 2nd Grade) Only available In-Person
- I talk about how authors often incorporate their own life experiences into their writing
- There will be a “Get to Know Me” slide show including:
  - My family
  - My life growing up
  - Some of my favorite books
  - Why books are reading are so fun

For all of my in-person presentations, I will need the school to provide access to the following items:

LCD Projector and Screen
Whiteboard or Flip Chart w/ Markers