School Visits & Events

One of the best parts of being an author is interacting with students. It’s one of the reason I love doing in-person author visits. (I also offer virtual and pre-recorded visits for those for find it more convenient and cost-efficient.) Read more about the visits here and scroll below for traditional School Visit Programs as well as a list of Upcoming Events and Appearances.
Questions or specific needs?
Send me an email and let’s talk: [email protected]

 

 

IN PERSON VISITS or LIVE ZOOM

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS:

COOKIESAURUS STORY TIME & STORY STEW  
GRADES PRE-K-3rd

Get ready for lots of laughs as well as food for thought!  I start by sharing my own love for stories, lead a fun True & False about dinosaurs, and then read my picture book, Cookiesaurus Rex or Cookiesaurus Christmas. From there, I’ll show your students how they can create their own stories with a Story Stew exercise that even young kids can understand. Using the ingredients of setting, character, problem and resolution, we’ll create a story together and your students will leave with the tools (and motivation) to become storytellers themselves.

TURNING IDEAS INTO BOOKS & STORY STEW
GRADES 3-5
Part education, part motivation and 100% entertaining, I share my 30-year path to becoming an author. (I was an overnight success…it just took about 10,950 nights.) Then, using Audition & Subtraction as an example, I take students through the process of developing an idea with a focus on character and conflict. We finish with a Story Stew exercise that kids love, where everyone helps create a story with the starting elements of character and setting.

JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN AUTHOR
GRADES 3-5
I love to inspire kids through my own journey to publication. In this presentation, I talk about the importance of books when I was growing up, show my messy attempts to write my own as well as my first rejection letter (received when I was just 13!) I share the magic of positive words like, “I can” and encourage kids to make aspirational signs of their own. I encourage kids to keep a journal and value their own stories and unique voices. This is followed by a 20-minute Q&A session so I can answer questions most relevant to your group.

Length of Presentations/Recommended Group Sizes
PreK-K: 30 minutes; Powerpoint; single classes or larger groups of up to 200
1st-3rd: 40/45 minutes; Powerpoint; single classes or larger groups of up to 200
3rd-5th: 40/45 minutes; Powerpoint; single classes or larger groups of up to 200

“The kiddos were abuzz today with connections from your presentation.  Your energy, expertise, and enthusiasm in your presentation definitely connected your love of reading and writing with our students.”
—Ann Godby, Teacher-Librarian; Louisville Elementary, Louisville, CO

 

 

“Amy is a fantastic writing mentor for kids! Her visits are funny, engaging, and definitely informative. My students couldn’t stop talking about it days later! If you’re thinking about bringing her to your school campus, you will not regret it! A combination of hands-on guided writing activities and a question and answer session makes her visits aligned to the common core and tremendously educational.”
—Sheila Rowe, Coyote Ridge Elementary

“The K-3 students at Milenio loved her presentation! As a teacher of 23 years and now a media specialist, I enjoyed watching both the students and the teachers laughing while she shared her book. If you are fortunate enough to have Amy speak at your school, you are in for a treat!” –Heather Buck, Media Specialist; Kyrene del Milenio, Phoenix, AZ

MIDDLE SCHOOL

THE WRITING PROCESS & TURNING IDEAS INTO BOOKS
Part education, part motivation and 100% entertaining, I share my 30-year path to becoming an author. (I was an overnight success…it just took about 10,950 nights.) I talk about persistence, a positive inner voice, and inspire kids no matter what their dreams might be. This presentation can work for a larger group, best for grades 4th-8th. A final Q & A gives students time to ask questions so the presentation truly reflects the interests of your group.
45 minutes; Powerpoint; single class or large whole school

“The AP seniors, journalism, and creative writing students at my school were in for a real treat with Amy’s presentation on how to turn an idea into a story. I loved her candor about how much persistence is needed to be successful in the writing field, or really- any field. She was funny, engaging, and encouraging to the students. I also really appreciate her willingness to have lunch with the school’s book club! I’d strongly recommend Amy’s presentation to anyone looking for a cool opportunity for their students to learn something new.” Tiffany D., Maricopa High School Librarian, Maricopa, AZ

“Amy’s presentation was fantastic from start to finish- she is engaging, relevant, witty, and meaningful. I know I loved her insight on the revision aspect of the writing process, but more importantly, my students loved it as well. After the presentation, students commented how much they appreciated her wisdom on a topic they are very much familiar with, but often feel in the dark about.”
—Michelle Spears, English Teacher; Saguaro High, Scottsdale, AZ

“Amy did a fantastic job! Her presentation was engaging and she kept the 7th graders interested for the entire time. They were excited to ask her questions and continued to talk about it the next day in class!” —Shawndra Reid, 7th grade English Teacher; Kyrene Centennial MS, Phoenix, AZ

 

RATES
Check with me for rates. I will waive fees for local schools (Phoenix area) if the school will be purchasing a minimum number of books or arranging for direct sales to parents. (I can help with this, as well.)

Also, there are a variety of grants for schools and other opportunities to find funding. Here are a few helpful links:

BOOKING A VISIT
I’m scheduling visits now! Start the discussion at [email protected].

INTRODUCING:
KID LIT COLLECTIVE

 I’m SO excited to have combined creative forces with this group of talented writers/illustrators under the banner of KID LIT COLLECTIVE.

Our goal: To make booking visits easier for you!
For a larger view of the brochure, click here:
KID LIT COLLECTIVE BROCHURE

 

VIRTUAL VISITS

PRE-RECORDED VISITS
COST: $50 per grade level–as many classes as your school has.
FORMAT: Pre-Recorded presentations provided via YouTube links
DATES & TIMES: Your Choice

These private, just-for-your-classroom presentations are similar to the programs I offer in person. They’re all designed to be fun, interactive and educational. Presentations ties into state reading standards. There are two programs offered, each structured for different grade levels as you’ll see below:

STORY TIME & STORY STEW
30 MINUTES; GRADES K-3
Get ready for lots of laughs as well as food for thought!  I start by sharing my own love for stories, lead a fun True & False about dinosaurs, and then read my picture book, Cookiesaurus Rex or Cookiesaurus Christmas. From there, I’ll show your students how they can create their own stories with a Story Stew exercise that even the youngest kids can understand by creating a story using the ingredients of setting, character, problem and resolution. Students will leave with the tools (and motivation) to become storytellers themselves.

HOW TO GO FROM IDEA TO BOOK & STORY STEW
35 MINUTES; GRADES 3-6

Designed for older elementary/middle school kids, this presentation starts with my path to publication, including the many rejection letters I received. From there, I talk about ideas, where they come from, how your own life can inspire you. Using Audition & Subtraction as an example, I show the kids how an idea developed focusing on Character and Problem. I then reinforce this with a Story Stew exercise where I create a story for the kids using the ingredients of setting, character, problem and resolution. Students will leave with the tools (and motivation) to become storytellers themselves. (Live Zoom presentations might also include a Q & A and other interactive options.)

EVENTS & APPEARANCES 2022-23
(Events listed by date) 

March 2nd  Robson Elementary, Mesa, AZ
School Visit: Family Night — Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

March 30th  Salk Elementary, Mesa, AZ
School Visit: Family Night — Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

April 28th, Ira A Murphy Elementary, Peoria, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

2022

March 27th  Oasis Elementary, Peoria, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

March       St. Thomas the Apostle School, Phoenix, AZ
School Event: Read Across America

 

PAST EVENTS & APPEARANCES

2021

Pre-Recorded / Zoom Visits:

Kyrene del Cielo Elementary, Phoenix, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Kyrene de la Colina Elementary, Phoenix, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Kyrene de la Estrella Elementary, Phoenix, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Mabel Padgett, Goodyear, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

2020

Apr  3   TEEN AUTHOR EVENT , NYC
New York City Teen Author Festival
I’m super excited to be part of the festival this year! There’s a huge line up of events, signings, readings and authors taking part. Look for more info to come. I’ll be there for a panel on one afternoon:
Teen Author Event, Scholastic Auditorium  2:30-5:30pm
130 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012

Mar 18   Arredondo, Tempe, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Mar 6       St. Thomas the Apostle School, Phoenix, AZ
School Event: Read Across America

Mar 1   Haley Elementary, Chandler, Az
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Feb 26  John Jacobs Elementary
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Feb 25     Queen Creek Library
“The Nuts & Bolts of Writing Picture Books”:
Free presentation, open to the public. For anyone interested in writing picture books. 
Queen Creek Library, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road,  Queen Creek, AZ

Feb 6 Kyrene de la Esperanza
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Jan 29th  Ira J. Levin School
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Jan 16 Kyrene de la Mirada
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Fall Visits & Events 2019

Dec 13     Maricopa High School       Maricopa, AZ
School Visit: From Idea to Finished Novel

Dec 9    Jane D Hull Elementary           Chandler, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Dec 4     Desert Mountain Elementary       Phoenix, AZ
               Stetson Hills Elementary               Phoenix, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Nov 23         Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe                1:00-2:00pm
CHRISTMAS BOOK AUTHOR EVENT
Join Nate and I for a Christmas book celebration. We’ll be joined by other authors and illustrators to share our holiday books (and a few treats.) Bring the kids or come alone and get personalized books in time for the holidays and gifts for friends and family.

Nov 16         Children’s Museum of Phoenix              215 N 7th St. Phoenix  12:30
Storytime and Book Signing at the Children’s Museum.
Everyone is welcome for a reading and fun. Nate and I will be selling and signing books after, just in time for holiday gift-giving.

Nov 14th     Mesa Public Library Event    Saguaro Room, 2nd floor    6:30pm
                     64 E. 1st Street, Mesa AZ
The Ins and Outs of Publishing–Discussion for Writers of All Ages & Genres, Everyone Welcome
Join me at the Mesa Public Library for a discussion on the pros and cons of writing and publishing for a large publisher, a small publisher or self-publishing. Yes–I’ve done them all! Come with questions and I’ll do my best to have answers. Free and open to the public. I’ll be selling and signing books after.

Oct 30th     BASIS Scottsdale Primary West       Scottsdale, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Oct 26  Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Room 165 N Centenniel Way, Ste 208 Mesa, AZ     9:00 am – 11:45 am
PAL and Published Intensive: Phoenix – A Day of Craft: Harnessing the Elements of Strong Fiction
This is a Half-Day Craft Intensive aimed at advanced writers and designed as part of a series to support Pal and Published authors in their ongoing efforts to continue to write, illustrate, publish and market their work. I’ll be teaching the first intensive, 45 minutes, on the elements of a novels. An SCBWI Event

Sept 27th     Milenio Elementary       Phoenix, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Sept 26th    AUTHOR EVENT  Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe AZ 7:30pm
Everyone is Welcome!

 

2019

Mar 29th     Monte Vista Elementary       Phoenix, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

May 9th   El Dia de Los Ninjas/El Dia de Los Libros
9:00-12:00p   Arizona State University    Tempe, AZ
A day of books sponsored by ASU. I’ll be teaching a writing workshop along with many other authors to middle and high school students from across the Valley. 

April 11th  Centennial Middle School    Phoenix, AZ
School Book Club Visit: Creating Stories & Publishing

April 5th    Adinvita School Literacy Festival  Odessa, TX
10-2:00pm       Cookiesaurus Goes to Texas!    
I’m excited to be the Guest Author at Adinvita’s event where I’ll give a key note address, lead a Storytime, story creation exercises, and sign books.

Mar 29th     Monte Vista Elementary       Phoenix, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Mar 6th    North Valley Regional Library     Phoenix, AZ
Skype Visit with High School Students: Turning Ideas into Stories

Mar 2nd       10am. Burton Barr Library         Phoenix, AZ
Dr. Seuss Literacy Fair: Cookiesaurus Storytime
Bring your little ones for a special day at the Burton Barr Library. I’ll be reading Cookiesaurus Rex at 10:00am–hope to see you there!

Mar 1st    St. Thomas Aquinas    Phoenix, AZ
Read Across America Event: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

Feb  19th    Sky View Elementary    Gilbert, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Christmas & Creating Stories

February 1-2    Arizona Library Association Annual Meeting   Prescott, AZ
Panel presentations and discussions with state librarians. 

Jan 31st      World Read Aloud Day 
Skype Visit : Osseo Middle School, Minnesota

2018

Dec 18th      Carminati    Tempe, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Christmas & Creating Stories

Dec 4th      Eduprize     Gilbert, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Christmas & Creating Stories

Dec 1st    Time TBD   Barnes and Noble, Dana Point Chandler, AZ
Cookiesaurus Christmas Story Time
Bring your little ones for a read aloud and activity!

Nov 20th    Horizon Charter School     Phoenix, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Christmas & Creating Stories

Nov 13th      Carlson Elementary     Chandler, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Christmas & Creating Stories

Nov 10th    10:00am   Changing Hands Bookstore    Tempe AZ 
COOKIESAURUS CHRISTMAS COOKIE PARTY
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nov 6th      Weinberg Elementary      Chandler, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Christmas & Creating Stories

Oct 23      CTA Freedom Campus      Gilbert, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

October 12th   Cookiesaurus Rex goes to Denver!
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories
Crowne Pointe Academy, Westminster ; Maxwell Elementary, Denver

Sept. 25th – Sept 27th   Cookiesaurus Rex goes to Missouri!
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories
Morgan County R-1, Stover, Missouri
Lincoln Elementary, Lincoln, Missouri

Sept 14th    11:00am  Barnes and Noble    Chandler, AZ
Cookiesaurus Rex Story Time
Bring your little ones for a read aloud and activity!

Sept. 12th    Magical Journey Learning Center    Chandler, Az
School Visit: Cookiesaurus Rex & Creating Stories

August 25th   11:00am   Grand Junction Library  Grand Junction, CO
SCBWI Presentation: From the Page to the Stage; Writing Dialogue with Tips and Tricks of a Playwright 

August 22nd     7:00-9:00pm    Montrose Library,  Montrose, CO
Your Path to Publishing: Join me and author Jeri Baird for a presentation on the two main paths to publishing: Traditional and Self-Publishing. Bring your questions! For aspiring authors of all ages.

August 9th    1:00pm    Ouray Library,  Ouray, CO
Library Event: Cookiesaurus Rex Story time and Cookie Decorating Party

August 1st    3:00-4:00pm   Ridgway Library,   Ridgway, CO
Library Event: Cookiesaurus Rex & Cookiesaurus Christmas

May 19th     9:00-12:00pm    Writing Workshop Open to All Writers
Join me for a workshop where I’ll share the secrets tips of writing great dialogue I learned as a playwright. All the details are here:  https://piper.asu.edu/classes/amy-fellner-dominy/writing-dialogue-workshop

May 16     Carminati Elementary, Tempe
School Visit: Cookiesaurus & Creating Story from Ideas

May 14      11:00am   Arizona State University,  Tempe
El Dia de Los Ninos Book Event for Valley middle & high school kids

May 10th     4:30pm    THE BOOK STALL     811 Elm St. Winnetka, IL
Cookiesaurus Rex Party! 
Bring the little ones for a story time followed by yummy cookie decorating fun! Click the link for more information! 
http://www.thebookstall.com/event/cookiesaurus-rex-party-amy-fellner-dominy

May 10th       Winnetka Nursery and Harper School, Winnetka, IL:
School Visits:  Cookiesaurus & Creating Story from Ideas

May 5th     4:00-6:00pm       Barnes and Noble, Happy Valley
YA BOOK SIGNING: 5 Authors, a ton of fun. Please stop by! 

May 4th     7:00pm       Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe
Open Mic Night & THE FALL OF GRACE Launch Party
 Or just come and listen, enjoy some desserts and get a copy of my newest book autographed.   

May 2nd      Sequoia Pathways Academy, Phoenix, AZ
School Author Event: Creating Story from Ideas, Grades K-5

April 24       Las Sendas Elementary, Mesa, AZ
School Visit: Cookiesaurus & Creating Story from Ideas

April 4 – April 6th    Dallas, Texas
Texas Library Association annual meeting: TxLA
Cookiesaurus Rex signing: 9:30, Thursday
Join me and illustrator AG Ford for signed copies of everyone’s favorite dinosaur cookie!!

March 21st      All Day     Centennial Middle School, Phoenix
School Visit: Ins and outs of writing and publishing; Story Creation for 7-8th grade

March 11th       All Day     University of Arizona,  Tucson, AZ
Tucson Festival of Books
12:00-12:30 Story time reading featuring Cookiesaurus Rex!
2:30-3:30  Abuse & Deception: A discussion with Laurie Halse Anderson & Amber Smith

March 2nd     Thomas Aquinas School, Phoenix, AZ
World Read Aloud Day 

March 1st    Ingleside Middle School
Literacy Night Panel Discussion with Phoenix Authors

2017

September 23rd    10:00am    Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe, Arizona
Cookiesaurus Rex Launch Party 
Join me and Nate and Storybook Kitchen for Story time, Cookie Decorating and Book Signing

September 23rd     Afternoon     Embassy Suites Hotel, Paradise Valley, AZ
Closing Keynote Address, SCBWI AZ Regional Conference 
“It All Starts with Today” Delivered by myself and fellow Cookiesaurus Rex author, Nate Evans

October 13th     5:00pm-6:00pm     Barnes and Noble, St. George, UT
Book Signing Event with Best-selling author Terry Lynn Johnson

October 20th    Denver, Colorado
School Visits with Jason Gallaher, author of Whobert Whover, Owl Detective
Arapahoe Ridge; Brown Elementary:  Denver area 

October 21st     10:00a – 2:00p     Book Bar, Denver CO     Book Bar Denver
Children’s Book Festival

October 22nd      11:00am      Boulder Bookstore, Boulder CO   Boulder Bookstore Event
Story Time, Craft & Book Signing

October 23th    Denver, Colorado
School Visits with Jason Gallaher, author of Whobert Whover, Owl Detective
Foothills Elementary, Boulder CO; Louisville Elementary, Louisville CO

October 25th    Falcon Hill, Mesa; Broadmor Elem, Tempe; Weinberg Elem, Gilbert
School Visits with Nate Evans, co-author of Cookiesaurus Rex

October 26th & 27th    Mesa, AZ    Mesa Convention Center
Arizona Library Association Annual Conference (AzLA)
Thursday, 26th: 3:30 Panel appearance
Friday, 27th: 8:30 Panel appearance

November 4th    6:00pm – 8:00pm    Bright Side Bookstore, Flagstaff, AZ
Young Adult Night @ Northern Arizona Book Festival

November 8th     7:00pm-8:30pm Central     Online Webinar
Dialogue Tips and Tricks; Live Webinar for SCBWI Nebraska

November 9th     11:00am-12:00pm     Barnes and Noble, Val Vista Dr., Mesa, AZ
Story time and Book Signing with co-author Nate Evans

November 10th & 11th   Phoenix Convention Center 100 N. 3rd St. Phoenix, AZ
American Association of School Librarians Conference
10th: 10:45: I’ll be reading Cookiesaurus Rex with co-author Nate Evans.
10th: 1:-1:30pm: Nate and I will be signing books
11th:  4:30pm Young Adult “Meet & Greet”

November 18th     12:00pm-2:00pm     Barnes and Noble, Chandler Mall, Chandler, AZ
Local Author Event
Stop by to meet many of the talented authors who live in the Phoenix area. I’m excited to be part of the event featuring authors of picture books, middle grade and young adult.

December 5th & 6th    Hancock Elem; Fulton Elem; Carlson Elem   Chandler, AZ Area
School Visits with Nate Evans

December 9nth 2:00-5:00pm, Mesa Arizona
Mesa Book Festival
A day of fun planned at the Mesa Arts Center! Tons of activities: check it all out here:
Mesa Book Festival
Come see me at TWO different events:
Reading and Signing by the Christmas tree: 2:40-3:00p: COOKIESAURUS REX
YA Panel Discussion : The Writing Process 4:00-5:00pm w/ authors Laura Ellen & Sara Fujimara
I’ll be signing books after both events if you’re still shopping for holiday gifts!