Author Visits and Speaking Engagements
Hi there! I'm P. J. Hoover, and I absolutely love sharing my passion for reading, writing, and all things storytelling with students, teachers, and pretty much anyone who will listen (even if that includes the school mascot). My goal? To get kids not just reading and writing, but excited about it—like jump-up-and-down, can't-wait-to-grab-a-book excited.When I visit schools and libraries, I combine humor, a few important life lessons, and a dash of mythology (or sci-fi, depending on the vibe) to create presentations that are fun, memorable, and inspiring. I talk about my journey as an author, the joys of creativity, and how students can create their own amazing stories. Whether it's discovering new worlds, learning about the heroes of mythology, or brainstorming a plot twist that will blow everyone's mind, there's something for everyone.
I promise, no one will leave bored—or without at least one good laugh and nugget of inspiration. So, if your school or library could use a little boost of creativity, curiosity, literacy, and humor, I'd love to be a part of it! Let's make some magic happen!
I've put together a variety of school presentations, each designed to work perfectly for different ages and group sizes. Take a look below to find the one that's just right for your crew!
"Our students and teachers loved Ms. Hoover's presentation. She brought elements that are of interest to middle schoolers to help keep their attention and highlight important points. Bravo!"
-- Bobbie Johnson, Gorzycki Middle School, Austin, TX
"P. J. Hoover was an incredible presenter! She was energetic and kept the students interested with the pace and content of her presentation. Ms. Hoover helped students understand the need to revise and edit written work to make it better."
-- Yolanda Frost, Oak Springs Elementary, Austin, TX
"P. J. was awesome! We loved having her visit our campus! Excellent visit!"
-- Lorelei Scanlan, Martin Middle School, Austin, TX
"P.J. Hoover was a huge hit with our 4th-8th grades. She made the classic Hero's Journey a metaphor for life that allowed her to talk about changing career paths, writing & revision, and mythology all in a consistent narrative that engaged the kids. Teachers were thrilled at the motivational aspects of her talk..."
-- Dorcas Hand, Director of Libraries, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston TX
"P. J. Hoover has such a rapport with middle school students! My students were hooked from the moment she started and flocked to surround her when she finished. She even signed one girl's Rubik's Cube! Her presentation was relevant and spurred them to ask her great follow-up questions."
-- Elizabeth Switek, Austin Discobery School
"What a great presentation! P. J. Hoover did a fantastic job of making the writing process relatable to our students. She was funny, inspiring, and entertaining. I loved that she talked about programming and computer games in a positive way. We are so thankful to have had her here at our school!"
-- Jamie Caddell, Webb Primary School, Austin, TX
-- Bobbie Johnson, Gorzycki Middle School, Austin, TX
"P. J. Hoover was an incredible presenter! She was energetic and kept the students interested with the pace and content of her presentation. Ms. Hoover helped students understand the need to revise and edit written work to make it better."
-- Yolanda Frost, Oak Springs Elementary, Austin, TX
"P. J. was awesome! We loved having her visit our campus! Excellent visit!"
-- Lorelei Scanlan, Martin Middle School, Austin, TX
"P.J. Hoover was a huge hit with our 4th-8th grades. She made the classic Hero's Journey a metaphor for life that allowed her to talk about changing career paths, writing & revision, and mythology all in a consistent narrative that engaged the kids. Teachers were thrilled at the motivational aspects of her talk..."
-- Dorcas Hand, Director of Libraries, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston TX
"P. J. Hoover has such a rapport with middle school students! My students were hooked from the moment she started and flocked to surround her when she finished. She even signed one girl's Rubik's Cube! Her presentation was relevant and spurred them to ask her great follow-up questions."
-- Elizabeth Switek, Austin Discobery School
"What a great presentation! P. J. Hoover did a fantastic job of making the writing process relatable to our students. She was funny, inspiring, and entertaining. I loved that she talked about programming and computer games in a positive way. We are so thankful to have had her here at our school!"
-- Jamie Caddell, Webb Primary School, Austin, TX
"Things I've Learned on my Hero's Journey"
"Fact or Fiction"
"The Idea Generator"
"Write Your Own Quest--How to Write Amazing Interactive Stories"
"Things I've Learned on my Hero's Journey."
For kids who are interested in mythology or who are learning about The Hero's Journey, it is a great tie-in because they can relate.
A young student's picture of me presenting :)
My author visits are ideal for educators who are
looking for a speaker to partner with who provides follow-up
discussion and writing activities meeting academic standards.
"The Idea Generator"
In this workshop I'll walk kids through their interests and pasts and mine their memories for crafting amazing stories that are uniquely them. Workshop exercises include (as time permits) idea and character brainstorming for stories that kid will be clamoring to write. Please plan on having attendees bring writing materials to be used during the workshop.
My Tut books and my Forgotten Worlds trilogy are aimed at 3rd grade and up, and my
YA novel Solstice is aimed at 6th grade and up.
Awards, honors, and reviews for my books can be found on the individual book pages.
For my current schedule, please check my schedule page.
Keynote Speeches
Customized based on group and time allotted
***
Best for Grades 3-12
Write Your Own Quest--How to Write Amazing Interactive Stories
Group presentation
45 minutes
Grades 4-12
Things I've Learned on my Hero's Journey
Group presentation
45 minutes
Best for Grades K-3
Fact or Fiction
Group presentation
30 minutes
Best for Grades 2-5
The Idea Generator
Group presentation
45 minutes
***
Coding Chat
Great for coding clubs or other classes with kids who are interested in programming
I'll talk more about my engineering background and how I made the video games to go along with my books.
***
Writing Workshop
Time - customized based on age and time allotted
***
Writing Classes/Intensives
Topics and Time customized based on age and time allotted
Classes I've taught in the past include Pitch Perfect Pacing, Story Structure and Character Arc, World Building, Self-Publishing
***
Virtual visits!
30-45 minutes - I'd love to virtually drop into your classroom for a discussion about my path to writing and for Q&A. This is a great alternative for those looking to introduce kids to an author while still trying to stick to budget.
***
I'm also happy to customize my speech for your group. Please contact me to discuss.
Customized based on group and time allotted
***
Best for Grades 3-12
Write Your Own Quest--How to Write Amazing Interactive Stories
Group presentation
45 minutes
Grades 4-12
Things I've Learned on my Hero's Journey
Group presentation
45 minutes
Best for Grades K-3
Fact or Fiction
Group presentation
30 minutes
Best for Grades 2-5
The Idea Generator
Group presentation
45 minutes
***
Coding Chat
Great for coding clubs or other classes with kids who are interested in programming
I'll talk more about my engineering background and how I made the video games to go along with my books.
***
Writing Workshop
Time - customized based on age and time allotted
***
Writing Classes/Intensives
Topics and Time customized based on age and time allotted
Classes I've taught in the past include Pitch Perfect Pacing, Story Structure and Character Arc, World Building, Self-Publishing
***
Virtual visits!
30-45 minutes - I'd love to virtually drop into your classroom for a discussion about my path to writing and for Q&A. This is a great alternative for those looking to introduce kids to an author while still trying to stick to budget.
***
I'm also happy to customize my speech for your group. Please contact me to discuss.
Fees: Please contact me to discuss.
"P.J. Hoover's author visit was a great hit with our students! Her presentation about her writing journey kept
the students intrigued & laughing the whole way through! Her muscles were a big hit too!!"
-- Margie Longoria & Nallely Garza, Mission High School Librarians
"P.J. talked about achieving her personal goals, but also emphasized risk-taking, handling failure and learning from it, being true to oneself, and having fun. Our students need real-life examples of resilience, and she delivered!"
-- Christine Margocs, Sommer Elementary School, Austin, TX
"PJ Hoover was wonderful! She's such a kind, genuine, fun person, and this aspect carries over in all her interactions. Our teachers were so appreciative of her message, and the students were excited to hear about her journey."
-- Ronda Murray, Librarian Walsh Middle School, Round Rock, TX
"Our students and I sincerely enjoyed P. J.'s writing presentation. I would highly recommend her to any school wanting to inspire students to love writing."
-- John Garcia, Barbara Jordan Elementary, Austin, TX
"Ms. Hoover was engaging. She shared excellent ideas to spark the students' imaginations. She was funny and really worked at making sure the students shared their ideas."
-- Elizabeth Bartell, Anderson High School, Austin, TX
"Fantastic presentation! Love her interactions with the students."
-- Selma Flores, Robertson Elementary, Austin, TX
"Students and teachers both have stopped me to say thank you for inviting P. J. Hoover to our school. Her presentation was outstanding. She relates well to the middle school students. Her message about staying the course on your journey is something we all need to hear."
-- Renee DeHoyos, Taylor Middle School, Taylor, TX
"Thank you so much...Your words were inspirational...Many of them are ready to become authors!! Your dynamic personality made an impact on many of them."
-- Angie C. Hoard, Williamson County Juvenile Center
"Star Trek, Rubik's Cube, video games and mythology--they are all part of the recipe that PJ Hoover used to create her successful Forgotten World's Series. Her talk for our G&T students explained how all of those things helped to give her ideas for her stories. And if that wasn't enough, she gave a crash course on Odysseus as she explained The Hero's Journey and how she uses that as a roadmap for her main character's adventures. The students and their parents were equally mesmerized."
-- Christine Marciniak, President Gifted Child PTO, Woodbridge, NJ
-- Margie Longoria & Nallely Garza, Mission High School Librarians
"P.J. talked about achieving her personal goals, but also emphasized risk-taking, handling failure and learning from it, being true to oneself, and having fun. Our students need real-life examples of resilience, and she delivered!"
-- Christine Margocs, Sommer Elementary School, Austin, TX
"PJ Hoover was wonderful! She's such a kind, genuine, fun person, and this aspect carries over in all her interactions. Our teachers were so appreciative of her message, and the students were excited to hear about her journey."
-- Ronda Murray, Librarian Walsh Middle School, Round Rock, TX
"Our students and I sincerely enjoyed P. J.'s writing presentation. I would highly recommend her to any school wanting to inspire students to love writing."
-- John Garcia, Barbara Jordan Elementary, Austin, TX
"Ms. Hoover was engaging. She shared excellent ideas to spark the students' imaginations. She was funny and really worked at making sure the students shared their ideas."
-- Elizabeth Bartell, Anderson High School, Austin, TX
"Fantastic presentation! Love her interactions with the students."
-- Selma Flores, Robertson Elementary, Austin, TX
"Students and teachers both have stopped me to say thank you for inviting P. J. Hoover to our school. Her presentation was outstanding. She relates well to the middle school students. Her message about staying the course on your journey is something we all need to hear."
-- Renee DeHoyos, Taylor Middle School, Taylor, TX
"Thank you so much...Your words were inspirational...Many of them are ready to become authors!! Your dynamic personality made an impact on many of them."
-- Angie C. Hoard, Williamson County Juvenile Center
"Star Trek, Rubik's Cube, video games and mythology--they are all part of the recipe that PJ Hoover used to create her successful Forgotten World's Series. Her talk for our G&T students explained how all of those things helped to give her ideas for her stories. And if that wasn't enough, she gave a crash course on Odysseus as she explained The Hero's Journey and how she uses that as a roadmap for her main character's adventures. The students and their parents were equally mesmerized."
-- Christine Marciniak, President Gifted Child PTO, Woodbridge, NJ
If you're preparing for me to come visit your school, please check out my Author Website Scavenger Hunt! It's a great way to get kids excited about an upcoming author visit.
Delivering Keynote address at TBAWP Annual Fall Conference
