One of my favorite parts of being a writer is sharing my books and stories with readers and aspiring writers of all ages. I enjoy visiting schools and shining a light on the dark mysteries of writing and publishing. Because my books include both fiction and nonfiction, I am able to address a wide range of topics that align with many Common Core standards.
Employing a variety of high-energy interactive programs, I speak about my own experiences, with a focus on where authors find their stories and where students might find their own.
I have spoken to small and large groups at elementary and middle schools, public libraries, educators' and writers' conferences. I also enjoy taking the writing workshop model I learned in college and graduate school and applying it to younger writers.
Prior to every visit, I work closely with the school to determine which talk/presentation/workshop would work best. I am always happy to incorporate suggestions from faculty.
A sampling of presentations I offer:
Where's My Story?
This is a broad overview, usually done in an auditorium/gym setting, for grades one through five. It includes everything from how I came to write the stories I have written to where students can find exciting ideas to turn into their own stories. I discuss the difference between writing fiction and nonfiction, and how good writing emerges from rewriting. This presentation always includes a question and answer session.
Ideas, Research, Revision
This presentation begins with an exploration of where authors--and this author, in particular--find ideas. From there we'll talk about research--for both fiction and nonfiction--and how it can provide meaningful details that enhance your writing. We will brainstorm a picture-book idea for young readers and discuss how we might incorporate research into such a project.
Everything You Need To Remember About Writing
This presentation, best suited to the older grades, is chock-full of the best writing advice I've learned in my decades as a professional writer. We'll discuss beginnings, middles and endings; what to do when writer's block strikes; plot and pacing; how to use fresh language and weed clichés out of your prose; and finding your story in the revision process.
Thinking Like a Writer
Ideas don't generally show up with big, lightbulbs pointing the way. Writers learn to listen in a different way and allow their brains to tease out story ideas from the world around us. We'll look at different ways to do this in both writing fiction and nonfiction and discuss how research doesn't have to be done by the book. We'll explore why writers prefer to use primary sources in nonfiction writing and discuss how basic research can take our stories to the next level.
Book Group Discussions
Available as in-person or Skype discussion for school, library, or private book clubs. Contact Audrey for more details.
Family Literacy Night
An evening back-to-school event featuring an all-ages presentation and age-specific crafts for grades K-5.
Employing a variety of high-energy interactive programs, I speak about my own experiences, with a focus on where authors find their stories and where students might find their own.
I have spoken to small and large groups at elementary and middle schools, public libraries, educators' and writers' conferences. I also enjoy taking the writing workshop model I learned in college and graduate school and applying it to younger writers.
Prior to every visit, I work closely with the school to determine which talk/presentation/workshop would work best. I am always happy to incorporate suggestions from faculty.
A sampling of presentations I offer:
Where's My Story?
This is a broad overview, usually done in an auditorium/gym setting, for grades one through five. It includes everything from how I came to write the stories I have written to where students can find exciting ideas to turn into their own stories. I discuss the difference between writing fiction and nonfiction, and how good writing emerges from rewriting. This presentation always includes a question and answer session.
Ideas, Research, Revision
This presentation begins with an exploration of where authors--and this author, in particular--find ideas. From there we'll talk about research--for both fiction and nonfiction--and how it can provide meaningful details that enhance your writing. We will brainstorm a picture-book idea for young readers and discuss how we might incorporate research into such a project.
Everything You Need To Remember About Writing
This presentation, best suited to the older grades, is chock-full of the best writing advice I've learned in my decades as a professional writer. We'll discuss beginnings, middles and endings; what to do when writer's block strikes; plot and pacing; how to use fresh language and weed clichés out of your prose; and finding your story in the revision process.
Thinking Like a Writer
Ideas don't generally show up with big, lightbulbs pointing the way. Writers learn to listen in a different way and allow their brains to tease out story ideas from the world around us. We'll look at different ways to do this in both writing fiction and nonfiction and discuss how research doesn't have to be done by the book. We'll explore why writers prefer to use primary sources in nonfiction writing and discuss how basic research can take our stories to the next level.
Book Group Discussions
Available as in-person or Skype discussion for school, library, or private book clubs. Contact Audrey for more details.
Family Literacy Night
An evening back-to-school event featuring an all-ages presentation and age-specific crafts for grades K-5.
School Visits
References:
"Your suggestion for thinking up topics for writing was so clever it made our students realize that they have that creative potential within them as well! What greater gift could you give a student than that? One of my veteran teachers said she thinks you were the best presenter we ever had, and that alone speaks wonders for you because we have had quite a few! Thank you for enlightening us with a little history of New Jersey that we never knew about before!"
-Eileen Raszka, media specialist
Coles Elementary School, Scotch Plains, NJ
"The lessons you taught our students are already surfacing in their writing. You were energetic, well-spoken and funny. The website has tons of information and teachers' guides which were very helpful to prepare for the visit. It was fantastic!"
--Laura Healy, media specialist
Randall Carter Elementary School, Wayne, NJ
"The way you engaged both our younger AND middle school students was absolutely inspiring. I do hope that that was just your FIRST visit to VCS."
Ellen Caruso, creator and chair of Author/Speaker Series
Village Charter School, Trenton, NJ
"I wanted to thank you for your wonderful visit to Frenchtown. The teachers and students were motivated by your presentation on the life of a writer and the creative process involved. Your anecdotes added a personal flavor and created a strong connection with the students and staff. I heard directly from teachers that the discussion continued into the classroom, and students were enthused about everything you presented."
Diane Strever, assistant principal
Frenchtown Elementary School, Trumbull, CT
"The teachers have been stopping me in the halls to tell me how much they enjoyed your visit. Your presentations were informative, engaging, and most of all, enjoyable! The children loved listening to you and your stories ~ and so did I!
Susan Soroko, school media specialist
Stephen J. Gerace School, Pequannock, NJ
"I want to thank you for such a wonderful workshop. The students and staff alike were so impressed with your teaching style and knowledge. You really supplied us with so many excellent writing techniques. I can't wait to try out some new ideas with my students in the classroom. No more boring beginnings or flat endings!"
--Susan March, fifth-grade teacher
Kingwood Township School, NJ
"The author was very enthusiastic and entertaining and easy to work with. I have already recommended Mrs. Vernick to other librarians in the district and South Jersey."
--Kim Laskey, librarian
Cherry Hill School District, NJ
"The visit was fantastic. The presentation was organized, entertaining and informative. It was beneficial to give our input about what would be meaningful for our kids. The students learned to follow what you love and to revise!"
--Ellen Raupp, fourth-grade teacher
Hawes Elementary School, Ridgewood, NJ
"The students were encouraged to keep a journal, to never give up on an idea they love, to find the kind of books they enjoy reading, and to pay attention to a potentially good story...Mrs. Vernick is an excellent communicator."
--Colleen Muldowney, second-grade teacher
Fairview Elementary, Red Bank, NJ
"Mrs. Vernick met with children in grades preK-4 and kept all of them engaged and entertained. Teachers were impressed with her ability to keep the children focused and the fact that she reinforced everything our teachers present in their writing instruction ... Students loved the fact that inspiration can come from so many places."
--Lorri Ann Wahlgren, librarian
Wanamassa Elementary School, Wanamassa, NJ
"We had such a great time during your visit last week. Several teachers have stopped me in the hallway to tell me that was one of the best author presentations we have ever had. The students made meaningful connections and were totally engaged in your presentation."
Josephine Schneider, educational media specialist
Newbury School, Howell, NJ
"Your suggestion for thinking up topics for writing was so clever it made our students realize that they have that creative potential within them as well! What greater gift could you give a student than that? One of my veteran teachers said she thinks you were the best presenter we ever had, and that alone speaks wonders for you because we have had quite a few! Thank you for enlightening us with a little history of New Jersey that we never knew about before!"
-Eileen Raszka, media specialist
Coles Elementary School, Scotch Plains, NJ
"The lessons you taught our students are already surfacing in their writing. You were energetic, well-spoken and funny. The website has tons of information and teachers' guides which were very helpful to prepare for the visit. It was fantastic!"
--Laura Healy, media specialist
Randall Carter Elementary School, Wayne, NJ
"The way you engaged both our younger AND middle school students was absolutely inspiring. I do hope that that was just your FIRST visit to VCS."
Ellen Caruso, creator and chair of Author/Speaker Series
Village Charter School, Trenton, NJ
"I wanted to thank you for your wonderful visit to Frenchtown. The teachers and students were motivated by your presentation on the life of a writer and the creative process involved. Your anecdotes added a personal flavor and created a strong connection with the students and staff. I heard directly from teachers that the discussion continued into the classroom, and students were enthused about everything you presented."
Diane Strever, assistant principal
Frenchtown Elementary School, Trumbull, CT
"The teachers have been stopping me in the halls to tell me how much they enjoyed your visit. Your presentations were informative, engaging, and most of all, enjoyable! The children loved listening to you and your stories ~ and so did I!
Susan Soroko, school media specialist
Stephen J. Gerace School, Pequannock, NJ
"I want to thank you for such a wonderful workshop. The students and staff alike were so impressed with your teaching style and knowledge. You really supplied us with so many excellent writing techniques. I can't wait to try out some new ideas with my students in the classroom. No more boring beginnings or flat endings!"
--Susan March, fifth-grade teacher
Kingwood Township School, NJ
"The author was very enthusiastic and entertaining and easy to work with. I have already recommended Mrs. Vernick to other librarians in the district and South Jersey."
--Kim Laskey, librarian
Cherry Hill School District, NJ
"The visit was fantastic. The presentation was organized, entertaining and informative. It was beneficial to give our input about what would be meaningful for our kids. The students learned to follow what you love and to revise!"
--Ellen Raupp, fourth-grade teacher
Hawes Elementary School, Ridgewood, NJ
"The students were encouraged to keep a journal, to never give up on an idea they love, to find the kind of books they enjoy reading, and to pay attention to a potentially good story...Mrs. Vernick is an excellent communicator."
--Colleen Muldowney, second-grade teacher
Fairview Elementary, Red Bank, NJ
"Mrs. Vernick met with children in grades preK-4 and kept all of them engaged and entertained. Teachers were impressed with her ability to keep the children focused and the fact that she reinforced everything our teachers present in their writing instruction ... Students loved the fact that inspiration can come from so many places."
--Lorri Ann Wahlgren, librarian
Wanamassa Elementary School, Wanamassa, NJ
"We had such a great time during your visit last week. Several teachers have stopped me in the hallway to tell me that was one of the best author presentations we have ever had. The students made meaningful connections and were totally engaged in your presentation."
Josephine Schneider, educational media specialist
Newbury School, Howell, NJ
Email audrey@audreyvernick.com for information on rates and availability.
It's hard not to make a face when you explain what cud-chewing is.
Click the picture to view video coverage of a visit to the Village Charter School in Trenton, NJ
