Author Presentations & Workshops
Author M.L. Tarpley offers both in-person and virtual visits to schools, libraries, book clubs, and other events including book signings. She offers a variety of presentations and workshops.
Check out her list of presentations below!
Custom packages can be arranged if needed. For more information including pricing and availability, send an email here.
In-Person Visits
M.L. Tarpley is happy to schedule in-person author workshops and other visits for during the school year or summer at any time (as availability allows). If interested, send inquiries here.
Virtual School Visits
Virtual visits include a one-on-one presentation with a single classroom or up to six classrooms simultaneously (of the same grade or neighboring grades).
Each class will submit questions ahead of time, and several questions per class will be answered during the Q&A session.
For other virtual visit requests, send inquiries here.
“M.L. Tarpley’s writing workshop provided an unforgettable experience for our kids to spend quality time in small groups with a real author and offered valuable tools for them to succeed in both school and life. Great experience all around. Highly recommended!” – Donna Lindsey, director, the Centennial Cultural Center, Olla, LA
“M.L. Tarpley’s performance was pure delight! Filled with wonder, excitement, and charm, her interactive storytelling, costuming, and engaging personality brought the story to life for our young patrons. This highly entertaining, gifted author met all expectations!” – Melissa Permenter, children’s services coordinator, Bienville Parish Library, Arcadia, LA
“M.L. Tarpley works so well with the children in her show, and you can see her passions shine forth. She is adaptable to her audience and ensures that they enjoy themselves while learning about legends, other countries, and writing methods!” – Craig Jones, Youth Engagement and Literacy Manager, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA
“I loved the way that M.L. Tarpley captured the attention of the audience throughout her performance. I also appreciated the fact that at the end of her presentation she did a book signing and took time to encourage the children individually.” – Donna Estis, children’s program leader and librarian, LaSalle Parish Library, Jena, LA
Think Like an Author Interactive Show
Recommended Audience: ALL AGES
*Ideal for the Summer Reading Program at libraries (incorporates annual theme – 2023: All Together Now)
Time Limit: 45-60 minutes
Number of Attendees: For groups of any size (but best for groups of no less than 15 and no more than approx. 150)
Overview: In this interactive presentation by children’s author M.L. Tarpley, kids are asked to think like an author and write their own story LIVE! Some will even star in it! This engaging show will bring smiles and laughter to children and adults alike while they also learn about creative writing, story ideas, using their imagination, the importance of reading & more.
If time permits, the author will conclude the presentation with a brief Q&A as well as a book signing after the show. (Note: Book signing would be outside of the allotted show time of 45-60 minutes.)
Young Writer's Workshop
Recommended Audiences: 2nd to 5th grades, 6th to 12th grades
Time Limit: 60-90 minutes (also offer half-day or multi-day workshops by request)
Number of Attendees: Ideal for smaller groups (up to approximately 30)
Virtual – Up to six classes simultaneously
Overview: In this writing workshop, Author M.L. Tarpley will walk youth through the basics of creative writing including the creation of a character, a look at genre, a brainstorming session, a writing prompt exercise, and more. The presentation will conclude with a brief Q&A and a book signing (if applicable).
The Spark of a Story - Traveling through the Writing Process
Recommended Audience: 2nd to 5th grades (but also offer for 6th-12th)
Time Limit: 45-60 minutes
Number of Attendees: For medium-size groups (up to approximately 50)
Virtual – Up to six classes simultaneously
Overview: In this writing presentation, Author M.L. Tarpley will walk through her writing process from idea to final draft as well as share insight into the publishing process including book cover design, formatting, marketing, and more. The presentation will conclude with a brief Q&A.
A Look Inside the Book - Maylie and the Maze
Recommended Audience: 2nd to 5th
Time Limit: 45-60 minutes
Number of Attendees: For groups of any size
Virtual – Up to six classes simultaneously
Overview: In this look inside the book presentation, Author M.L. Tarpley will share the story behind Maylie and the Maze, the exciting first book in the Tales of a Travel Girl series along with classic literature, world geography, and the writing process. The presentation will conclude with a brief Q&A. (Recommended for those who have read the book but not required.)
What's the Story? - Think Like a Journalist
Recommended Audience: 2nd to 6th grades (also offered for 7th-12th)
Time Limit: 45-60 minutes
Number of Attendees: For medium-size groups (up to approximately 45)
Virtual – Up to six classes simultaneously
Overview: Drawing from more than a decade of experience as a journalist, Author M.L. Tarpley will break down what a journalist does and teach participants how to conduct an interview, write a news story, and how being a journalist has helped her transition into becoming an author. The presentation will conclude with a brief Q&A.
What's a Business? - Intro to Entrepreneurship
Recommended Audience: 2nd to 6th grades (also offered for 7th-12th)
Time Limit: 45-60 minutes
Number of Attendees: For medium-size groups (up to approximately 50)
Virtual – Up to six classes simultaneously
Overview: Drawing from decades of being an entrepreneur (since she was a kid), Author M.L. Tarpley will break down what a business is, why and how you would start one, and instruct participants how to create their own fictional one. Other aspects of the lesson include business plans, marketing, branding, and customer service. The presentation will conclude with a brief Q&A.
Where Words and Pictures Meet - a Workshop with an Author & an Illustrator
*COMING SOON*
Overview: In this writing and drawing workshop, Author M.L. Tarpley and Illustrator Monica Bruenjes will walk participants through the process of writing and illustrating a book. The presentation will conclude with a brief Q&A. (Offered virtual or dual in-person/virtual.)
