REQUEST AN AUTHOR VISIT & PRESENTATION

Contact Dr. Lin Stepp for More Information.

Here are some of the many presentations Dr. Stepp can give for your civic group, workshop, literary event, book club, or organization.

Presentation List:

(1) WRITING SMOKY MTN BOOKS

Informative, interesting discussion of aspects of the author’s life, how she began writing the Smoky Mountain book series, and what her fictional, Smokies set novels are about. Within the presentation, the author shares with humor some tips on writing, where she gets her book ideas, and how she weaves aspects of what she loves about the mountains into her novels. (Length: 30 min appx)

A widely requested talk by book groups, literary groups and festivals, writers groups, and both small and large civic groups and organizations. Equipment needed: small podium and book signing table; a microphone is helpful for big groups or groups with a large senior population

(2) TRAVELING DOWN THE WRITER’S ROAD: STORIES ALONG THE WAY

An entertaining and humorous account of happenings and events in the author’s life since the publication of multiple fiction novels set in the Smoky Mountains and one non-fiction hiking guidebook. Author offers memories of getting published, starting on the book tour, meeting and greeting the public, and speaking for groups—along with anecdotes of fond and funny occurrences along the way. She also shares interesting stories and misconceptions about authors, publishers, and the writing process, sprinkled with unique personal remembrances. (Length: 30 min appx)

A frequently requested talk by book groups, literary groups and festivals, writers groups, and both small and large civic groups and organizations. Equipment needed: small podium and book signing table; a microphone is helpful for big groups or groups with a large senior population.

(3) THE STORIES BEHIND THE STORIES

Enjoyable discussion of the little unknown and interesting stories behind the author’s works. Author talks about her background that laid the foundations for her novels and then shares individually stories and background information that helped to shape each of her novels and fun pieces of inspiration that helped the novels to come into being. This talk includes knowledge about scenes added in or taken out—and why—little known facts about the books’ characters and settings—all fun for readers who enjoy this Smoky Mountain series or who are interested in learning about them. (Length: 30 min appx)

A popular talk for book groups, literary groups, writers groups, libraries, civic groups and organizations. Equipment needed: small podium and book signing table; a microphone is helpful for big groups or groups with a large senior population.

(4) HIKING TRAILS IN MY SMOKY MOUNTAIN NOVELS

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author talks about the many enjoyable hikes her book characters have taken in her loved novels set in different places around the Great Smoky Mountains.  With a colorful PowerPoint display she shows photos and tells about special hikes you, too, can enjoy, along with fun reminders of adventures her book characters had on these trails. (Length:  30 min appx)

A popular talk for events, workshops, book groups, literary festivals, writers groups, libraries, civic groups, and organizations. Equipment needed:  PowerPoint projector large screen, podium and microphone

(5) FOR THE LOVE OF THE SMOKIES

Discussion and power point presentation taking participants on a visual and verbal tour around the twelve regions of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Author discusses places of interest and short, easily accessible walks around the national park that the average person can find easily and enjoy experiencing. (Length: 30-35 min appx)

A popular talk for libraries and large civic groups. Equipment needed: Large screen, room that can be darkened, power point projector, microphone, preferably hand mike, small podium, and book signing table.

(6) DISCOVERING TENNESSEE STATE PARKS

Based on visits to all fifty-six state parks in Tennessee, and the best-selling book by the same title, this discussion and power point presentation takes participants on a visual and verbal tour sampling many of the beautiful parks around the state of Tennessee. Author discusses the diverse variety in the parks in East, Middle, and West Tennessee and talks about things to see and do, historic spots to visit, scenic sights to enjoy, and trails to hike in the state’s wide variety of parks. (Length: 30-35 min appx)

A popular talk for civic organizations and large groups. Equipment needed: Large screen, room that can be darkened, power point projector, microphone, preferably hand or wired mike, small podium, and book signing table

(7) MEN AND WOMEN WHO MADE THE MOUNTAINS

Discussion of the lives and impacts of three men and three women who influenced, either directly or indirectly, the formation of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Author brings photos and artifacts to enhance this presentation … along with interesting stories from these individuals’ lives that others may not have read or heard about. (Length: 30 min appx)

A good presentation choice for historic organizations, civic groups, and libraries. Equipment needed: podium and book signing table / author brings presentation easel and visuals, a microphone is helpful for large groups.

(8) THE FOUR LEGS OF A GOOD WRITER’S PLATFORM

Discussion for writers’ groups and/or writers’ workshops or literary events on the four primary aspects of an effective writer’s platform. Discussion includes informative understandings of what a writer’s platform is, why it is important to an author, and how any writer can build a better platform to promote their work. Author discusses the need for a good quality book and how to assure that, the importance of a good website and engagement in social media, and the importance of visibility in the public arena.(Length: 30 min appx)

Informative talk with references and helpful suggestions any author can benefit from. Author brings visuals to utilize for discussion. Equipment needed: small podium, book signing table and microphone if large group.

(9) VISUALLY PLOTTING AND PLANNING Y0UR NOVEL

Discussion, with or without power point presentation, about effective methods an author can use for planning and plotting the story of a novel. The talk reviews different plotting approaches and methods, factors that enhance and hinder good story plotting, and introduces an in-depth plotting method that utilizes visuals to enhance book planning methodology. (Length: 30-35 min appx)

A popular talk for large or small writers groups. For power point a large screen, power point projector and room than can be darkened is needed. For small groups visual illustrations to enhance the discussion can be used instead.

(10) LAUNCHING YOUR BOOK: WHAT TO DO AFTER A CONTRACT IS SIGNED

An informative presentation, with a touch of humor, and a wealth of sound and helpful advice about what to expect, as an author, after a book is completed and a contract with a publisher is signed. Talk focuses on publisher expectations and the personal tasks and marketing an author should engage in to make their book the best success it can be in the professional market. (Length: 30-35 min appx)

Informative discussion and power point presentation, suitable for writing groups, workshops, and book groups interested in the publishing process and industry. Equipment needed: Large screen, room that can be darkened, microphone for large groups, small podium, and book signing table.

(11) PLANTING SEEDS

A Christian based talk on how all believers can plant “seeds” of their faith in all aspects of their lives. Inspired by the life of Johnny Appleseed, Stepp uses Biblical understandings and her own life experiences to inspire others to realize the impact they can have in their daily lives by sharing in large or small ways in their homes, work, art, and among their neighbors and friends. (Length: 30 min appx)

An inspiration talk given often to church groups and Christian organizations. Equipment: small podium and book signing table.

(12) THE MAKING OF A BOOK

A forty-five minute presentation in which the author discusses her experiences and process in creating fictional novels, gaining publication, and handling book marketing and publicity. The presentation covers these steps: (a) Forming the concept or idea for a book, (b) Developing the characters, (c) Creating the setting, (d) Plotting the story, (e) Writing the book, (f) Finding a publisher, and (g) Marketing the published book.  (Length: 45 minutes with a short period for questions afterwards)

Equipment needed: podium, microphone for large groups, and signing table; author can bring an easel for visual illustrations for small groups or a visuals can be presented in powerpoint if a projector and screen is available for larger groups. An interesting presentation for writers conferences, writers groups, and literary festivals.

(13) WRITING 101 WORKSHOP: THE MAKING OF A BOOK

A longer presentation or workshop in which author discusses her experiences and process in creating fictional novels, gaining publication, and handling book marketing and publicity. The presentation covers these steps: (a) Forming the concept or idea for a book, (b) Developing the characters, (c) Creating the setting, (d) Plotting the story, (e) Writing the book, (f) Finding a publisher, and (g) Marketing the published book.

Author involves participants in each step, teaching writers how to accomplish the steps with interactive, hands-on activities added. Equipment needed: podium, microphone for large groups, and signing table; author can bring an easel and utilize visual illustrations for small workshop groups or provide powerpoint illustrations, preferable for large groups, if a powerpoint projector and screen is available.

This lengthier presentation is appropriate for writer’s groups, literary and writers’ conferences, book groups, libraries, and other related events. Workshop: 2- 4 hours in length, according to event and need, with interactive, hands-on activities added.

The author can also teach this workshop as a short elective or continuing education course on a college campus.

ADDITIONAL NOTE

With advance notice, author can plan and design other appropriate presentations based on her background and experiences

Contact Dr. Lin Stepp for More Information.