Questions & Answers
(Click on questions below)

Can you come and visit our school this year?

  • It would be wonderful to visit lots of schools every year but because I have to juggle my writing, family commitments and other involvements, its difficult to do more than one to two visits a month. With that being said, I can visit your school in person for:
$250 (1/2 day) if your school is within 30 miles of Clovis, CA.
$500 (1/2 day) if your school is within 100 miles of Clovis CA.
$1000 (full day) if your school is 100 plus miles from Clovis, CA.

What children's books, both published and unpublished, have you written?

  • Admiral Wright’s Heroical Storicals: Daniel Boone and the Battle of Boonesborough, SonShip Press 2003
  • Admiral Wrights Heroical Storicals: Harriet Tubman and the Incredible Rescue, (advanced copy) Kindle Nook Ebook Reader available Nov 2014
  • The TrollMates: An Unforgettable Adventure soon to be published 2015

What other books have you written or ghost written?

  • No Dream Beyond My Reach- ghost writer (Cambodian survivor overcoming story) 2009 Author’s House
  • A Father’s Sexting Teen -true story of a father’s heart for his teen son Tri-Net Publishing 2010
  • Passion for God- editor 2011 Tri-Net
  • Fulfilling Your God Given Dreams- editor 2011 Tri-Net
  • Raising the Whole Child - editor 2013 21st Century Press
  • Be a World Changer -editor 2013 Appljoy

What grade level are your children’s books aimed at?

  • There are no firm rules, because not all kids read at the same level in one grade.  I like to think my Heroical Storical books (Book 1 is an AR Book reading level 6) are a kind of ‘all ages and stages’ read. A parent or teacher can read aloud my books and I’ve been told they are very enjoyable to experience that way.

Do you charge for your expenses?

  • If I have to drive more than 4 hours from my home to get to your school, I may request that you put me up in an inexpensive motel the night before.

How long is your presentation? How do you structure it?

  • I talk for 50-55 minutes. For grades 1 and 2, I keep it a little shorter. The presentation is in three segments:
1. Introduction: 15-20 min I begin with a question of what is a dream and how do you pursue one. Reminding students that circumstances are no excuse to not pursue your dream with all your heart. Overcoming obstacles is one of the prerequisites to achieving your dream. I briefly talk about my life as an author today and how I achieved my dream of becoming a published author. I also provide a few fun and interesting facts about ‘Annie’. My goal is to inspire and encourage students to pursue reading and writing with passion and challenge them to think about what makes a book, a good and worthy read, beyond personal preference. Usually read a short excerpt from one of my books to give them a sample of my work as an author.
2. Slide show (10-15 slides) 25 min I show how a book is created from start to finish, using one of my books as an example. Depending on the age group, I’ll talk a little about the publishing industry today.
3. Questions and answers 10 min I close with stressing the importance of living your dreams, developing strong reading and writing skills through hard work and perseverance and becoming a Character Champion. I give every student a copy of Annie’s Best Writing Tips and Qualities of a Character Champion (printed on front of back which school prints out) I usually provide free bookmarks for the students as well.
4. Book Signing after presentation 30 min Students can purchase my books before my visit and I will sign and date them —Live your dreams, Seek Truth and be Free! This is usually very exciting and a wonderful take away for the student. I encourage teachers and administrators to remind students well in advance about purchasing a book.

How many presentations will you do in a day?

  • One to two, usually lower and upper grades

How many students do you like to speak to at once?

  • I've done 50 and I've done 800. The key is the room. I can do around 100 in a library setting, more in an amphitheater. Gyms usually don't work very well regardless of the number of kids, and the worst is a cafeteria with those big tables in the way. I like the kids sitting on the floor, as close to me as possible.

Do you do small group workshops too?

  • Yes, I'll take 15-25 kids (or one class) and create a story with them in half an hour. If this is something a school is interested in we can talk about the details to make it happen.

Will you go into classrooms to chat informally with the kids?

  • Sure, if there is time. But there is question & answer time at the end of the assembly.

Is your presentation appropriate for all grades?

Yes! A typical K-6 school will have me do two assemblies (grades 1-3 and 4 -6) I welcome grades 7 or higher as well!

Do you need any equipment?

  • Yes. A microphone, long table, large easel with a sheet of blank paper on it, thick marker, and an LCD projector and screen or large screen TV. I will bring my slides (PowerPoint) on a flash drive and my laptop computer.

How do we arrange for students to purchase your books?

  • I have ample inventory from my publisher to sell books direct. I provide a pre-order form for the schools which should be sent home at least one week before my visit. I will also sell books to students who bring money the day I present. I will give away two books per assembly to the students who write a one page

Will you autograph things besides your books?

  • I would rather not, but if kids ask and there is time, I won't say no. I will have some autographed bookmark that can be given away.

What can we do to get the students excited about your visit?

  • Send home book order form flyers with the students Encourage the librarian to display my book in the library and information about my visit. Invite 5-10 students who are top readers to have "lunch with the author.” Have a classroom contest for the students to write a 500 -1000 word story about a hero. It could be fiction or true life. The teacher will select a winner from his or her class and those students will win a free book. The students will be honored at the close of my presentation.

Is there a deposit to secure your school visit?

A $50 non refundable deposit is requested, once your school date is calendared. One free book will be provided to the school library once deposit is received.

How do I reach you?

What are parents, educators and teachers saying about your books and author talks?

“Annie’s book was a big hit with my students. Her talk was inspirational, positive, and fun. She shared stories from her life and work as an author, and gave practical tips about how students can become better thinkers, readers and writers. Annie also emphasized the importance of good character as the foundation for being a good student and citizen. I highly recommend Annie coming to your school.”
Shirley Marshall, Former Principal of Villa Park Elementary School, Orange, CA


“Annie’s author talks are unforgettable and heartfelt! Kids love her! They were still talking about her book and presentation, weeks after she was at our school!”
Roberta Hooper - Librarian/LMT at OUSD

Thank you for coming to Village Elementary School. Your visit inspired my daughter to work hard to improve her writing. As a parent it was a thrill to listen to you encourage students to be ‘champions of good character’ and to ‘live their dreams’.
Debby Vopalensky Parent

“Elementary school teachers throughout America will discover that Heroical Storicals provide the spark that can bring enthusiastic reading and class discussion on what it means to think clearly and act right. “Your book can be a basis for providing a values based program which my students desperately need.”
Russell Williams President of Passskeys Foundation Jefferson Center for Character Education

“Annie is a wonderful inspiration to students and adults alike.”
Mojave Mesa Elementary School Principal, Claudia Schmidt

“Thank you very much for coming to our school. Your presentation was incredible. If I were a cartoon, I would have burst out in tears. Come again! “
Lahna Tarbut Elementary Irvine CA