I'm happy to speak with kids or adults at schools, libraries, or conferences. Presentations include: For kids: From Idea to Bookshelf: Targeted for K-2 or 3-6. In this presentation students learn about books from conception to publication. I discuss writing, submitting, working with editors and illustrators, the origins of my books, and give a sneak peak at my latest work. We discuss life in an 1867 river town and what traveling on a steamboat was really like. I emphasize the fact that everyone has stories to share. I stress that writing, as with most things we do, takes practice, and that rewriting is as important to a writer as that first glimmer of an idea. Lively audience participation is encouraged! Approximately 15-20 minutes are allowed for questions and answers. "Jill Esbaum spent a day sharing her love of writing with our students. Through the vehicle of her own stories she was able to entertain students as young as 5 all the way through 6th grade while at the same time teaching them about the necessity for perseverance, patience, and flexibility. She was organized, interesting, and funny. It was a delightful day. We'll have her back ... over and over!"                 - Mrs. C. J. Albertson, Principal, John Glenn Elementary, Donahue, Iowa "Our entire school body loved having Jill Esbaum spend the day with us. Her stories about the background of Stink Soup were very entertaining. In fact, all of our students absolutely loved the book! Students and teachers alike were very interested in learning additional information about what life was like while traveling on a steamboat as Jill connected her book's contents with history! I would highly recommend Jill to any school. She is engaging, easy to work with and a very talented up and coming author."                 - Beth Campbell, Media Specialist, Mark Twain Elementary, Bettendorf, Iowa For junior high/high school: For older students, I prefer classroom talks/workshops only. I can talk about writing as a career, how to find ideas, the writing/revision process, the importance of finding your voice, believing in yourself, etc. I have specific writing exercises that will have students smiling in spite of themselves. Teacher input welcome in order to tailor my material to curriculum. For children's writers: Escaping the Slushpile: How can you make sure your submission stands out? A hot pink envelope won't do the trick. In this presentation, we'll discuss opening paragraphs, character development, conflict, point of view, setting, structure, voice, satisfying conclusions, and the importance of finding your story's theme and sticking to it. We'll talk about triumphs, near misses, rejection woes, and why revision is a writer's best friend. I offer examples of good and bad writing from my own files to provide inspiration and motivation. Handouts included. Make 'Em Laugh - Writing Funny Poems for Kids: A lively, fun hour that will inspire children's writers to give humorous poetry a try. I introduce different forms of rhyming poetry from a variety of published poets (including myself) and provide exercises and idea sparkers to unleash your wild and crazy self. Handouts included. Rhyme Dreams:  Writing a Rhyming Picture Book that Works: Ask an editor how she feels about the rhyming stories in her towering slushpile, and she'll likely cringe. But what if your picture book story idea begs to be written in verse? Is it hopeless? Of course not. A large number of rhyming picture books are published each year. And you can improve the odds of getting your book added to that list by understanding the components of a good rhyming story. In this workshop, we examine favorite rhyming picture books and discuss character, originality, pattern, rhyme, rhythm, story, and structure. Handouts help you hone your revision skills and provide creative exercises in selecting "just right" words. Finally, we put what we've learned into practice by brainstorming ideas and beginning our own rhyming masterpieces. Bring a favorite rhyming picture book and a sense of humor. About my presentations A full day includes 4 presentations plus a 20-minute visit with Kindergarteners. My speaking style is conversational and interactive, so it's best to keep each group to 60 students or less  (if possible). Sessions run 45-60 minutes, which includes time for Q and A. Please allow 15 minutes between sessions and remember to factor in time for lunch. If neighboring schools wish to split the cost of a full-day visit, I can spend the morning at one and visit the other in the afternoon, giving 2 presentations at each school. Many schools have a booksale to help offset the honorarium. I am happy to sign books during my visit. I don't sell books myself, but they can be ordered through a bookstore or at a substantial discount through my publishers. Ordering information is included in my author packet, which I will send if you are interested in booking a visit. For fees and schedule information, please e-mail me at Wish list for visits:      * an overhead projector and screen      * a microphone (not necessary in small groups)      * well-prepared students      * someone to feed me books when I'm signing I hope to see you soon!