Looking for a way to get teenagers excited about reading and writing? Invite Lara M. Zeises to your school or library for an author visit! Lara, a self-proclaimed pop culture junkie, offers a variety of one- and two-day long programs, including writing workshops. She's also available for programs of extended length. With Lara, you get the benefit of hosting someone teen readers and writers can truly relate to on a personal level.

For information on the types of teen programs Lara presents, click here. Or, if you prefer, you can download a printable brochure here. (Requires Acrobat.)

In addition, Lara offers programs for adults - everything from strategies for engaging reluctant readers to workshops on incorporating blogs into the school or library setting. She has been a featured speaker at conferences for teachers, librarians, educational media specialists, and writers. Lara can present to small or large groups, and she's more than happy to tailor a presentation to suit your group's needs. For a sampling of the kinds of topics she covers, click here.

To inquire about Lara's availability, or to schedule an author appearance, please contact Catherine Balkin of Balkin Buddies at 718-857-7605. You may also e-mail her at catherine@balkinbuddies.com.

Check out Teacher Librarian Magazine's article, "Making an Author's Visit Your Best 'Good Time,'" for a comprehensive look at the benefits of hosting an author program.

For information on setting up an author visit for your school or library, visit Random House's Author and Illustrator Appearance Kit. It includes tips on planning the event, raising funds to cover the author's honorarium, and ordering discounted books directly from the publisher.

Another great place to find information on author events is the webpage of Toni Buzzeo, co-author of Terrific Connections with Authors, Illustrators, and Storytellers: Real Space and Virtual Links.

If you're not sure which author to invite, take a look at Author School Visits by State.

Below are some of the programs Lara offers to teen audiences (Grades 6 to 12):

True Confessions of a Dork: How (and Why!) I Became a Writer
Ideal for larger groups, this talk relies heavily on audience interaction. After giving a 30- to 45-minute talk about her route to becoming an author, as well as the stories behind her books, Lara will open the floor for Q & A. She's given this presentation to students ranging from 7th to 12th grades, and the interactive format makes for a lively discussion!

From My Brain to Your Book: How an Idea Becomes a Novel
In this presentation, best suited for groups of 25 or less, Lara walks through her process of writing a novel. She starts by discussing how she creates characters, what she does once she has them, and where they wander in a first draft. Next, Lara talks about revision and how she works with her editor to turn the manuscript into a bound book. There is no formal Q & A portion; students are encouraged to ask questions along the journey.

Playing the What If? Game: a Fiction Writing Workshop
Lara guides your budding authors through several writing exercises - everything from creating characters to putting them into action; from exploring point of view to how using the five senses in descriptions makes a piece come alive. Revision exercises can be included as well. Again, smaller groups work best for this type of presentation.

While Lara is more than happy to create new presentations to suit your group's needs, here are some of the talks she's given in the past:

• Connecting with Teens Through Young Adult Literature
• Motivating Reluctant Readers
• Sex and the Young Adult Novel
• How Far is Too Far? Bending (and Breaking) Boundaries in YA Lit
• The Crossover Novel: What It Is, and Why It's Important
• Your First Novel: From Inspiration to Publication in Seven Steps
• Blogging for the Classroom and Library

Lara is also available to speak on a variety of topics pertaining to teen culture in general.

Lara's per-day honorarium is $1,000 for four programs, $800 for three programs, and $600 for two programs, plus expenses. Discounts may be available for schools and libraries in DE.

All presentations must be arranged through Balkin Buddies.

Lara lives in Wilmington, Delaware. She can access schools in PA, NJ, MD, DC and parts of NY State fairly easily. Travel outside Delaware requires mileage and meal reimbursement; if the venue is more than 90 miles away and a morning presentation is requested, hotel accommodations are required. For distances more than a two-hour drive, train or airfare may be requested and hotel accommodations must be provided.

"My students really responded to the way Lara interacted with them. She spoke to them not as an adult to a child, but as someone who shares similar interests and fears. They appreciated her honesty and enjoyed her humor. They loved to hear about how she accomplished her dream, and I think they benefited from hearing about all the hard work that goes into her writing. On top of all that, they loved Contents Under Pressure. They really related to Lucy and loved to tell me about their favorite parts." - Mary Cotillo, Horace Mann Middle School, Franklin, Mass.

“You are so good with teenagers! I liked your introduction and the exercises were so worthwhile that I am taking them home for my own writing practice. … It was great having something of that quality and having kids show up. … Can't give you enough accolades!” – Margaret Darby, Newark Free Library, Newark, Del.

“Lara's easy and authentic rapport with the students allowed for many questions and honest responses. Her sense of humor and honesty connected her to these readers and aspiring writers. This proved to be one of the most positive experiences of my tenure at John Dickinson High School.” – Suzanne Smith, John Dickinson High School, Wilmington, Del.

"Lara Zeises presented a well organized, fun and challenging two-part workshop for teen writers at the Tredyffrin Public Library. Writers worked through exercises done individually and in pairs and shared their writing with the group. Teens loved the fact that she is young and a published author of teen books.  Both days of the workshop were full to capacity and teens came away feeling they had picked up valuable techniques for making their writing better. I heartily recommend Lara Zeises as a presenter of teen writing workshops."
– Gretchen Chamberlain, Tredyffrin Public Library, Wayne, Pa.

"Inviting Lara Zeises to speak to our students at William Penn was one of my best decisions as a librarian. She understands the teenage audience and the students really respond to her. They learned so much and they had fun while doing so. I can't wait to bring her back!" - Mary Beth Kessler, William Penn High School, New Castle, Del.