Speaking

When her schedule permits, Robin is available for school and library presentations, author-in-residence programs, writing workshops, festivals, conference keynotes and panels.

School Presentations

Upper Elementary and Middle School: Becoming a Writer– Finding & Telling Your Stories

In this engaging presentation, Robin shares how she became a writer, where her ideas come from and what her creative process looks like. She discusses some of the challenges she experiences and share tips for young writers. She also facilitates a brainstorming exercise to illustrate how to develop  a story through an understanding of its characters. Students will work together to develop a character, explore possibilities for conflict, and uncover the myriad of story possibilities that this leads to. In this session, Robin shares her passion for the writing process and inspires students to pursue their own creative interests. For older and interested students, Robin will also provide an overview of the publishing process.

Book Specific Presentations: Robin will present on any of her titles–from the Kid Legends books (grades 3-7); to Pride and Queer History A-Z (grades 6-9); to her novels and non-fiction for teens. She also loves doing creative writing workshops, and is happy to create a session that meets the needs of your school and your students. Below are a few examples, but feel free to ask for something else!

Preschool and Early Elementary: Pride Storytime

Join Robin for a reading of the picture book Pride Puppy, and an interactive search-and-find investigation into the illustrations! Pride Puppy is a rhyming alphabet book offers a joyful glimpse of a Pride parade and the vibrant community that celebrates this day each year. Depending on time available and the age of the group, Pride Colors (along with a Pride flag coloring activity) can also be included in story time sessions.

Kid Activists: Find Your Voice; Change the World (grade 3-7)

Drawing on the book, KID ACTIVISTS: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change, this presentation emphasizes the importance of activism being grounded in hope, the belief that change is possible and worth fighting for; and the idea that there are many different ways to be an activist. Robin will talk about how writing itself can be a form of activism, and encourage kids to think about what issues they care about and how they might use their own voices to take action on those issues. 

Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle (grade 5-9)

In this engaging and interactive presentation, Robin talks about the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, the challenges still faced by LGBTQ+ people and communities today, and the important work being done by activists to carry Pride forward into the future. Using images and anecdotes from the book, Robin shares historical photographs, stories of contemporary kids and teens, and pictures of Pride celebrations from around the world.

Ghost’s Journey: A Refugee Story (grades 1-7)

Ghost’s Journey tells the true story of how a cat named Ghost traveled to Canada when his parents–a gay couple–were forced to flee their home in Indonesia. This presentation introduces important human rights topics related to the LGBTQ+ and refugee rights and justice. ***This is also available as a 30 minute virtual session, by donation (minimum $75) to Rainbow Railroad, Rainbow Refugee, or to support a Private Sponsorship- tax receipts available for Canadians)***

Creative Writing Workshop (grades 5 to 12; adult)

Participants will explore how they can use their own experiences and curiosity to create compelling writing and convincing characters; discuss strategies for finding story ideas; develop their skills at creating complex and believable characters; and discover how well-developed characters can help uncover new story possibilities.

The Art of Revision (grades 10-12; adult)

In this interactive and engaging presentation for high school students and adults, Robin draws on her experience revising her own books as well as her role as an editor of middle grade and young adult novels. Students will learn how to take a rough first draft and make it shine.

Co-Writing: Creative Collaboration (grades 5-12; adult):

Writing with a partner can be inspiring! Drawing on her experience co-authoring two YA novels, Robin has structured this workshop around group and pairs exercises. It’s a lot of fun, and what you write may well end up surprising you.

Rates

Robin’s rates for virtual or in-person school visits within Canada are $400 for one session, $700 for two sessions or for a half-day, and $1250 (plus applicable GST/HST) for a full school day (maximum four sessions), plus travel if applicable. For in person visits, please book a full day if travel is required (half day for Vancouver and lower mainland). Speaker fees for international school visits, panels, Pro D events, conferences etc are negotiable.

*Robin is a member of the Writers’ Union. Canadian libraries and Ontario schools may be eligible for funded visits or subsidies. If you are in British Columbia, funding for artist-in-residence programs  may available to your school through ArtStarts. Schools can apply for grants to bring an artist into the classroom to work with students over a period of weeks or months.