Are you interested in having me visit your bookstore, school, or library in person, or via Skype? Book me directly through StorySeer, or drop me a line at karalareau@me.com and let’s work out the details!

Check out my programming:

Multi-Grade Assembly

How does one become an author? Where do ideas come from? This 40-minute presentation reveals what I was like as a kid, the moment I realized I wanted to be an author (when I was seven!), where my story ideas come from, and how taking risks makes me a better writer, along with plenty of funny childhood photos! I also talk about how important revision is to my process, and some of the tools I use to improve my writing when I get stuck. This presentation includes a brief reading from two of my books (to be determined based on audience) as well as a Q & A. I LOVE questions! (Teachers must be present.)

Knock-Knock. Who’s There? A Workshop

Moments of conflict move our stories forward and allow us to develop our characters through the choices they make.

I’ll talk about how conflict has helped me to flesh out the plots and characters in my picture books, chapter books, and middle grade novels. Using a series of writing prompts, I’ll invite young writers to create a scene featuring a point of conflict. Afterwards, work will be shared and students will receive feedback. A Q&A session will follow if time allows.

This workshop pairs well with the multi-grade assembly.

A Cat, a Hat, a Banana: A Workshop

What does an editor do? What kinds of changes might an editor suggest? How do I revise when my story is already “finished”? I’ll draw on my two decades of experience as an editor and author with a discussion about the editorial process from both sides of the desk. I’ll share the challenges I’ve faced in revising my picture books, chapter books, and novels, as well as the successful strategies I’ve employed.

Using a series of writing prompts, I’ll invite young writers to create a scene. Then, I’ll direct them to make certain changes to that scene, applying what they’ve learned to revise their own writing. Afterwards, work will be shared and students will receive feedback. A Q&A session will follow if time allows.

This workshop pairs well with the multi-grade assembly.

PACKAGES:

Virtual Visit

20 minute free virtual visits. Q&A format.

FREE

Half Day Visit

Includes 2 presentations and book signing. Only offered within 40 miles of Providence, RI.

$700

Full Day Visit

Full day visit Includes 4 presentations, lunch w students, and book signing. Travel expenses are additional for more than 2 hour drive from Providence, RI.

$1500