Would You Like Ariella Moon to Speak at Your School?
Multi-published Young Adult author and Ophelia Project mentor, Ariella Moon, transforms school visits into a magical, educational journey. By tracing her writing career to winning a national essay contest in sixth grade, Ariella shows students how good writing and reading skills can open doors to better grades, college scholarships, and even a writing career. When time allows, Ariella draws students into an interactive game that imparts valuable writing tips. Visits usually end with a drawing/giveaway of her first novel (suitable for middle grade and up), Spell Check, Book #1, the Teen Wytche Saga. Ariella is equally at home speaking to an auditorium full of students and meeting with small groups. Her school events often include informal lunchtime Q&A with interested students or book club get-togethers. To arrange for your school event, click here.
Upcoming Events/Books Signing
Desert Writers Expo
March 11, 2015 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Rancho Mirage Library
Community Room (My table is in the back, in front of the stage.)
71100 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
RWA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The Indie Book Signing at the RWA National Conference in San Antonio, Texas drew a friendly crowd. Afterward, I couldn’t wait to tell artist Amanda Matthews that her covers for the Teen Wytche Saga had attracted a lot of attention. Many people said, “Your covers are beautiful!” SPELL CHECK, Book #1 in the Teen Wytche Saga was a big hit.
The place to be after the book signing was Amazon's "Celebrating Authors" Reception. What party in Texas would be complete without cowboys? Now I understand why cowboy romances are so popular!
RT Booklovers Convention 2014: New Orleans
Researching the Big Easy
My book signing at the RT Booklovers Convention in New Orleans coincided with my research trip for my upcoming (I’m writing as quickly as I can!) fourth book in the Teen Wytche Saga. In Book #4, the spell book has gone all voodoo, and Ainslie takes extreme measures to find her missing friend Sophia.
The Big Easy Highlight Album
Research
Voodoo Spiritual Temple & Cultural Center
(The mambo queen (rightly) wouldn’t divulge her secret recipe for Evil Away Incense, so I bought some. I think I have it figured out.) Good thing. Sophia is going to need it.
Holding a baby alligator.
(I don’t want to reveal any plot twists, but the bayou and alligators play an important role in the story.)
I had to check out the Moon Walk (talk about destiny!) because…you’ll have to read the book to find out why.
Writing Rock Stars
Melissa Marr (with laptop) interviews Veronica Roth.
(Total Fan Girl moment. I later scored a signed copy of Allegiant. Roth and I were wearing practically matching black Dauntless jackets.
Melissa gets all the best jobs. This time she interviews Gayle Forman, author of If I Stay.
USA Today Bestselling Author Olivia Gates and I rocked the FAN-tastic Day book signing event in our black and gold outfits.
Meet the Author!
I look forward to meeting my fans at the RT Booklovers Convention in New Orleans. Watch for me at the FAN-tastic Day Party, Saturday, May 17 in the Preservation Hall at the Marriott Hotel. 7:15-7:45 pm.
James Workman Middle School
I was a GATE mom for many years, so it felt like Homecoming to meet with the GATE students at James Workman Middle School. Such a bright, attentive group! Big thanks to librarian Angie Gallacher (pictured) for arranging my author event and allowing me to take over the library for ninety minutes. Thanks, too, to the GATE teachers who generously loaned me their students. The end of the event held unexpected, magical moments with students asking for hugs and one boy relating his personal story to me. What a warm introduction to the Palm Springs Unified School District!
Raymond Cree Middle School
I walked Miss Gracie at dawn so I could arrive at Raymond Cree Middle School by 7:30AM. Over the course of six class periods, students packed the library to hear me speak. My big thanks to them and to the gracious teachers (and their essential timekeeping) and the super nice librarian (who snapped photos throughout the day and endured the same speech for six hours!) Thanks, too, to Dr. Tracy Piper, Principal, for inviting me. Everyone was so nice, and I met lots of fun, imaginative students. Thank you! I can't believe I forgot to photograph the teachers and librarian!
Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School and Stanley Middle School Host Ariella Moon
Storms lashed the Bay Area as I returned for school visits, author presentations, and book giveaways. First stop: Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School. Sixth grade English Core students filled the auditorium, asking great questions about writing, Spell Check, my upcoming books, and the dragon that sometimes appears with me. The JM Book Club hosted a special lunchtime meeting. Their advisor, Lisa, won my heart with gourmet cupcakes.
Second Stop: Stanley Middle School, my daughter's former stomping grounds and the non-credited setting for Spell Check. English teacher, Debbie Valvur, doubled my presentation time and the sixth graders filled every extra minute with terrific questions. Go Wildcats!
I loved interviewing Stanley students during lunch. The fabulous girls and one awesome boy gave me terrific details about school life. I rushed home and incorporated some of what I had learned into Spell Struck. A huge thanks to all who showed up and shared their stories.
Sixth Grade Girls Read, Rule, and Rock!
My writing career began in the sixth grade when I won a national essay contest. So I was thrilled to do a book signing for a roomful of sixth graders and some parents. Fairy energy abounded, and my dragon made a sly appearance to the delight and fright of all. Thanks to my amazing hostesses for creating a stellar event! Happy reading, everyone!