Interested in having Erica speak at your school or event?
Erica is available for both in-person appearances and events as well as Skype/Google Hangout sessions.
Erica was a lively presenter who captured the attention of all students. She remained professional yet fun. The students loved hearing from a real-life published author about where her ideas come from, and if they hadn’t already read her novels before her visit, many of the students asked me if they could borrow my copies of her books after she left. She truly enhances the reading experience for struggling and prolific readers alike!
Jamie Ayres - 10th grade English Teacher
I wanted to thank you for coming to our literacy festival and speaking to my English IV students about your most recent book release. The students were so excited to meet you, and your presentations was very insightful and interesting to them. I was so happy to see that they were engaged and asking questions, and that you very thoughtfully answered all of them. I feel confident that you inspired a future writer that day!
Keeley Fornal - Cape Coral High School
The kids enjoyed your presentation and most seemed interested and attentive. It was very interesting and I’ve had the pleasure of having you for two years and I thought both years kids really were into it. I liked that it was structured and you took the time to make a great presentation and covered everything.
Felicita Sanyet - Cape Coral High School
Erica's books are geared for teen readers, and her presentations work best for those eighth grade and older. Presentations and discussions usually last between 45 and 60 minutes and they can be tailored to the audience as needed.
On Writing:
Dialogue - Creating compelling and believable conversations is key to capturing and keeping a reader's attention. In this presentation we will talk about how to listen to everyday conversation to understand the natural flow of spoken language, exercises to improve a writer's ear for dialogue, and layer tension and characterization in dialogue.
From Blank Page to Book - How does a story go from concept to published novel? In this presentation we will go through the process of traditional book publishing from tips for self-editing a finished manuscript and querying agents to selling a book and working with an editor.
Inspiration - Where do ideas come from and what do you do if you get blocked? This presentation covers the specific inspiration for several of Erica's novels and how an author can use the world around them to mine for ideas worth writing about.
Self-pub or Traditional? - One of the benefits of new technology is how many opportunities and options it opens up for authors. Should they go the traditional route--find an agent and sell to a publisher-- or should they try to create their own cover and produce their finished novel themselves? There are pros and cons to each side, and this presentation will discuss all of them.
Worldbuilding - There are rules to every world, and an author has to know all of them. This presentation will discuss worldbuilding (levels from basic to advanced), and how to form a world around one key point--concept, setting, character, or other element. We will also cover how maps can be used in developing a fantasy novel.
Other Presentations:
Asexuality - One of the lesser-known orientations, the spectrum of asexuality is both misunderstood and widely underrepresented. In this presentation, Erica will discuss her own discovery of asexuality and the many reasons why accurate representation of asexuality in the media--especially in media targeted at younger audiences--is so crucial.
Emotional Abuse - Often, the only type of abuse portrayed in media is physical. Although there is almost always a verbal/emotional component to these relationships, it is rare to see that component stand on it's own. This is why so many people have a hard time classifying a relationship as abusive without bruises or other marks left behind. This presentation will talk about Erica's own experience with an emotionally abusive relationship, how to spot this kind of pattern, and what to do when you spot it.
Fees:
Full day (up to five separate presentations plus a Q&A or signing) - $400*
Half day (up to three separate presentations plus a Q&A or signing) - $250*+
After school visit (one session with a book club, writing club, GSA, etc.) - $75*+
*Please note there are no travel fees for Leon County. All other locations will include fees for either driving mileage or reimbursement for airfare plus hotel.
+Due to travel time and scheduling constraints, some packages aren't available outside of the author's home region without also booking at least one full day
Skype talks, like classroom visits, usually run between 45 minutes to an hour and can cover a variety of topics (see list below).
On Writing:
Dialogue - Creating compelling and believable conversations is key to capturing and keeping a reader's attention. In this presentation we will talk about how to listen to everyday conversation to understand the natural flow of spoken language, complete exercises to improve a writer's ear for dialogue, and layer tension and characterization in dialogue. We will also discus linguistic taboos, pop culture dos and don'ts, code switching, and other social phenomenon relating to language.
Editors and Editing - What is an editorial letter like? How do you break down the changes that need to be made? When dealing with a project requiring a rewrite or other large-scale changes, how do you break it down? Using examples from her own books, Erica will help break down this process and offer tips to help when editing based on comments from critique partners and/or your editor.
From Blank Page to Book - How does a story go from concept to published novel? In this presentation we will go through the process of traditional book publishing from tips for self-editing a finished manuscript and querying agents to selling a book and working with an editor.
Inspiration - Where do ideas come from and what do you do if you get blocked? This presentation covers the specific inspiration for several of Erica's novels and how an author can use the world around them to mine for ideas worth writing about.
Organizational Tools and Programs for Authors - Sometimes, the hardest part of drafting and editing is keeping track of all the moving pieces of a story. In this presentation, you will be introduced to four programs, some familiar and others less so. We will discuss ways in which these programs can be used as tools to keep a book or series organized and it will include demonstrations of each. When possible, templates will be made available for participants to practice from.
Self-pub or Traditional? - One of the benefits of new technology is how many opportunities and options it opens up for authors. Should they go the traditional route--find an agent and sell to a publisher-- or should they try to create their own cover and produce their finished novel themselves? There are pros and cons to each side, and this presentation will discuss all of them.
Worldbuilding - There are rules to every world, and an author has to know all of them. This presentation will discuss worldbuilding (levels from basic to advanced), and how to form a world around one key point--concept, setting, character, or other element. We will also cover how maps can be used in developing a fantasy novel.
Other Presentations:
Asexuality - One of the lesser-known orientations, the spectrum of asexuality is both misunderstood and widely underrepresented. In this presentation, Erica will discuss her own discovery of asexuality and the many reasons why accurate representation of asexuality in the media--especially in media targeted at younger audiences--is so crucial.
Emotional Abuse - Often, the only type of abuse portrayed in media is physical. Although there is almost always a verbal/emotional component to these relationships, it is rare to see that component stand on it's own. This is why so many people have a hard time classifying a relationship as abusive without bruises or other marks left behind. This presentation will talk about Erica's own experience with an emotionally abusive relationship, how to spot this kind of pattern, and what to do when you spot it.
Fees:
One session (45-60 minutes) including a presentation and Q&A session - $75 Longer sessions can be arranged on a case by case basis and fees will be adjusted accordingly.
Want a Skype session for free?
Several times a year, Erica offers free talks to schools, libraries, book clubs, and other groups in underfunded areas. To apply, please use the contact form below, choose Skype talk from the drop down menu, and explain about your school or group. Free sessions are given based on need, availability, and author discretion.
Workshops offer a more in-depth look at a particular topic (like the proposals below), or it can combine presentations from the list on the school visit tab. Whether two hours or eight hours, this type of program can be adjusted to the needs of your school, library, or organization.
Programs:
Dialogue - Creating compelling and believable conversations is key to capturing and keeping a reader's attention. In this presentation we will talk about how to listen to everyday conversation to understand the natural flow of spoken language, complete exercises to improve a writer's ear for dialogue, and layer tension and characterization in dialogue. We will also discus linguistic taboos, pop culture dos and don'ts, code switching, and other social phenomenon relating to language.
Editing and Editors - What is an editorial letter like? How do you break down the changes that need to be made? When dealing with a project requiring a rewrite or other large-scale changes, how do you break it down? Using examples from her own books, Erica will help break down this process and offer tips to help when editing based on comments from critique partners and/or your editor.
Organizational Tools and Programs for Authors - Sometimes, the hardest part of drafting and editing is keeping track of all the moving pieces of a story. In this presentation, you will be introduced to four programs, some familiar and others less so. We will discuss ways in which these programs can be used as tools to keep a book or series organized and it will include demonstrations of each. When possible, templates will be made available for participants to practice from.
The Publishing Process - How long should an author keep working on one manuscript? What's the deal with query letters? Do you really need an agent? How do you deal with revision requests? What, exactly, is submission? What happens after an editor buys an author's book? All of this and more can be covered in this workshop.
Worldbuilding - There are rules to every world, and an author has to know all of them. This presentation will discuss advanced worldbuilding, and how to form a world around one key point--concept, setting, character, or other element. We will also cover languages, culture (and how to avoid appropriation), representation, and how maps can be used in developing a fantasy novel.
Fees:
One-day, two-hour workshop - $300*+
One-day, four-hour workshop - $500*
Two-day, six-hour workshop - $750*
Two-day, eight-hour workshop - $1,200*
*Please note there are no travel fees for Leon county. All other locations will include fees for either driving mileage or reimbursement for airfare plus hotel.
+Due to travel time and scheduling constraints, some packages aren't available outside of the author's home region without also booking at least one full day
If Erica is already attending a conference or convention, she is more than happy to join a panel or give a talk. Otherwise, Erica is most often open to appearing in exchange for covered travel costs and VIP admission to the event.
For schools, groups, workshops, or others, discounts can be offered. For example, if multiple schools in an area book in the same week, each school would receive a percentage discount off the price of the booked package. This group rate applies to any set of bookings in the same area, but they must be booked and scheduled at the same time.