Author Visits
Elementary school, Middle School, or Creative Writing Workshops
In-person
Southern California
Writing Workshops
Illustration / Worldbuilding
Q&A Sessions
C. J. Biggin offers engaging author visits for students, combining storytelling, illustration, worldbuilding, and the creative process behind the middle-grade fantasy novels IYANWA and FAHLI.
Sessions are ran to encourage creativity in a way that feels approachable, inspiring, and genuine, especially for students discovering their own voices through reading, writing, and art.
Author Visits That Inspire Reading, Creativity, and Confidence
Stories have the power to spark curiosity, build empathy, and encourage young readers to see themselves as heroes of their own journeys. During each school visit, author C.J. Biggin shares the inspiration behind his middle grade fantasy novels, the creative process of building imaginary worlds, and the perseverance required to turn an idea into a published book.
Students gain an inside look at how stories are created—from the earliest sketchbook notes and character ideas to the final published novel. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, students discover that creativity is a skill that can be developed through practice, imagination, and determination.
Whether speaking to a single classroom, a grade level, or an entire school assembly, each presentation is tailored to the age and interests of the students.
Elementary School Author Visits
Elementary students are naturally curious about stories, characters, and the worlds hidden inside books. Presentations for younger audiences focus on imagination, storytelling, and the joy of reading.
Topics may include:
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How ideas become books
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Creating memorable characters
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Building fantasy worlds
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The importance of perseverance and creativity
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The role reading plays in developing imagination
Students leave with practical tools they can use to create their own stories and a renewed excitement for reading.
Middle School Author Visits
Middle school students are often beginning to explore more complex themes, emotions, and personal growth through literature. Presentations for older students examine the writing process in greater depth while encouraging creative thinking and self-expression.
Topics may include:
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Worldbuilding and fantasy writing
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Character development and storytelling techniques
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Overcoming creative challenges
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The path from manuscript to publication
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Themes of courage, friendship, belonging, and resilience
Students gain valuable insight into both the creative and practical aspects of becoming an author.
Creative Writing Workshops
Interactive writing workshops provide students with hands-on opportunities to develop their storytelling skills.
Workshop activities may include:
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Creating original fantasy worlds
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Developing believable characters
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Building conflict and tension
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Writing effective dialogue
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Exploring themes and emotional storytelling
Workshops are designed to encourage participation while giving students practical techniques they can apply immediately in their own writing.
Recommended Ages
School visits are generally best suited for:
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Grades 4–8
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Ages 9–13
Sessions can be adapted depending on the audience and goals of the school or classroom.
Supporting Literacy and a Love of Reading
Author visits create memorable experiences that help students connect with books in meaningful ways. By meeting the person behind the stories they read, students often become more enthusiastic readers and more confident writers.
School visits can support literacy initiatives, reading programs, book fairs, library events, and classroom learning objectives while reinforcing the importance of creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
FAQs
Presentations can be adapted for elementary school, middle school, and mixed-age audiences.
Yes. Virtual author visits can be customized to meet the needs of schools and classrooms regardless of location.
Presentation length can be adjusted based on scheduling needs, audience size, and event format.
Absolutely. Presentations can be aligned with literacy goals, creative writing objectives, reading programs, and classroom discussions.
Schools can discuss book ordering and signing options when scheduling a visit.
