I LOVE sharing my passion for books, writing and words with kids or adults. I'm a dynamic speaker with limited availability so contact me early as possible.  I've been honored to  speak at the International Reading Association National Conference, and The American Library Association Conference this summer. I'm thrilled to be presenting at The National Council of Teacher of English in New York this fall and Texas Library Association in April.

School Visits:

email Tracie at: tvzimmer (at) mac (dot) com

to get receive a school visit packet!

Tracie’s most popular workshops:

Reader to Writer
I wouldn't be a writer if I hadn't been a reader. How one influences the other and how to be a chef of words. Large groups fine.

Is that an Onomatopoeia on your nose?
Helping kids to understand and be willing to experiment with the poetic elements. Interactive writing. Great introduction to a poetry unit. For groups of no more than 40 (or two classes at a time).

Big People Presentations:

International Reading Association (council meetings, regional conferences and events)
I can provide your council members with a look at what's new in children's literature (I do read hundreds of books a year for my teacher's guides) and also an in-depth look at the behind the scenes work to getting a book to market. As a classroom teacher I know what activities and lessons are useful and meaningful to helping kids connect with books!

National Council of Teachers of English (meetings, conferences, events)
I'll share my love of poetry and children's literature with anyone who'll listen. I love to encourage teachers to try a variety of poetic forms
with their students and bravely go into free verse territory with important rules up their sleeves.

I Love Young Author Conferences & Book Festival Events!

Family Literacy Night
I'll share some of my favorite poems and then follow up with  tips about encouraging kids to be voracious readers and writers at home as well as school.

6+1 Writer
How a children's author juggles the six traits- especially which order the traits are handled. How not to overwhelm young writers! Handouts, resources and recommended books for each trait.

What’s New in Children’s Literature
(teacher in-service)
Book talks for the best of what’s new in children’s books. Freshen up your themes, holidays and enthusiasm!
Teacher guides available for many titles.

How to Get Your Students to LOVE Poetry!
(teacher in-service)
Share poetry beyond counted formats and silly verse. Mini-lessons, resources, websites, bibliographies, handouts and lots of inspiration to re-invent poetry in the schools.

For Writer's Workshops:

Crash Course in Free Verse Poetry: It’s more than prose with line breaks.

Surviving the Slush Pile: An Rx for Inspiration

Website, Wikis and Blogs, Oh MY! How to connect with readers.

Write your own teacher’s guide.

Projector needed for PowerPoint Presentations.
Microphone available, if needed.
Please allow ten minutes between presentations.

Honorarium/Fees: (Local= 30 mile radius of Charlotte, NC)

$150 for a one-hour, local presentation or in-service.

$800 for a full day (three presentations) at local schools or conferences.

$1,000 for a full day out of town.

$2,000 for Weeklong Poetry Institutes.

One- to two-day conferences, speaking up to two one-hour sessions and critiquing manuscripts or participating in a panel.

Teacher in-service presentations.

Funding Visits:

Schools and libraries use a variety of sources to sponsor author visits  including Title I, grants from local organizations or business groups, district funding, PTA/ PTO,  and funds from the sale of the author's books. 

Books are available from my publisher at a 40% discount for author visits to schools and libraries.  Sale of books at cover price that have been obtained at this substantial discount can help you to fund a visit from me. 

 Book Order form

Email Tracie?  TVZIMMER (at) MAC (dot) com