I absolutely LOVE coming to classrooms and I fill each session with stories, drawing, and fun! I have a few interactive presentations below, or I can customize one to suit your needs.
Turning Your Story into a Graphic Novel with Kristin Varner
Option A: Graphic NOvels
Grades 3-7 45 minutes
I briefly discuss my journey of becoming an author and illustrator, and I explain the ideas, inspiration and creative process behind my middle grade graphic novels. This program includes a slideshow presentation showing the progression of initial ideas to finished pages and how my stories are inspired by my own childhood experiences. We discuss book components such as characters, setting and plot and what makes a compelling story that will grab readers. I finish the presentation with an interactive, live drawing session.
Option C: Picture books and beyond!
Grades K-2 30 minutes
I give a short slideshow presentation on what a typical day looks like for a picture book illustrator. I talk about how picture books and graphic novels are made and I answer commonly asked questions such as “how long does it take to make a book?” and “I have a great story, will you illustrate it? The program includes a reading of my illustrated picture book, Pink Cupcake Magic and an interactive drawing session.. This presentation is generally shorter and runs around 30 minutes.
Option B: Career PAth
Grades 7-12 45-60 minutes
I introduce myself and dive into my personal journey of how I became the author and illustrator I am today. In the slideshow I talk about my early art influences in high school, my decisions on going to art school and earning a BFA in illustration, and my jobs after college. I explain the general steps it takes to become a traditionally-published author/illustrator, such as getting a literary agent and sending submissions to publishers. In my talk I answer commonly asked questions such as “what kind of jobs can you do as an artist?” and “what happens when another country wants to publish your book but you don’t speak the language?”. This presentation can be modified depending on the grade level.
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“Kristin Varner recently visited my school library. She dazzled students with many insights on how she came to write her first graphic novel, Horse Trouble. Her presentation is very personable, engaging and FUN!”
“Kristin visited our class last week and showed us how to draw a horse, talked to us about her book Horse Trouble, and answered questions about creating a graphic novel. It was delightful! Kristin engaged them and spoke with them as fellow authors.”