Peggy Archer

When she is not writing for children, Peggy enjoys speaking to young people and adults in schools and libraries. Below is a list of her presentations. Other presentations or workshops not listed can also be arranged by contacting the author.

Peggy is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, a member of the Author’s Guild, and a member of the Indiana Writers' Consortium.

1— From idea to published book—the making of a picture book.
After reading from her picture books, during which the author encourages audience participation, the author will talk about how the story/book idea grew and developed into a finished picture book. Visuals used include copies of author’s writing and revisions, illustrator’s sketches, color artwork, book cover, F&G’s, and finally, published book.

2— Tips on writing poetry, for children/students through high school.
The author will talk about turning words into poetry, rhythm and rhyme. Visuals from the author’s picture book, FROM DAWN TO DREAMS, as well as other poetry books, are used. Includes the writing process and revision. Will vary with different age groups. May cover different types of poems with examples, and include exercises for writing poetry. PowerPoint presentation. May be done without PowerPoint.

3— Where ideas come from, for children/students.
Using examples from her own published books and magazine articles, the author will talk about where ideas come from, how to turn an idea into a story, how authors work, and offer tips on writing. Includes writing exercises.

4— Workshop for adults or older students on writing a picture book.
Offers tips for writing a picture book, using examples from her own picture books and picture books by other authors. Also covers different types of picture books, marketing and research. Includes handouts.

5— Writing Poetry for Children workshop, for adults.
Covers tips on writing and revising a poem, how to make your rhythm and rhyme shine, different types of children’s poetry, and how a collection of poems is organized to make a picture book. Shows the writing process and talks about working with an editor, using examples from the author’s picture book, FROM DAWN TO DREAMS. Examples from other children’s poetry books may be used as well.

6— Writing Rhyming Poetry for Children, for adults.
Concentrates more in depth on writing good rhyme for young children. Includes writing exercises and handouts.

7—Writing for the children’s magazine market, for adults.
Covers the difference between a picture book and a magazine piece, marketing and research, and targeting the right magazine.

8— An Author’s Journey, for adults.
The author will talk about her own writing journey to publication. Shares positive steps that helped along the way. Offers encouragement and direction to the beginning writer as well as those already published. PowerPoint presentation.

All sessions include time for Q&A’s and book signing.

Peggy Archer has a thorough knowledge of poetry essentials. She provides students with examples of elements and helps them to explore the impact of
rhythm and word choice.—Charmaine Wierzbicki, Calumet High School, Write Now! Aspiring Author Workshop, English Teacher

Archer's enthusiasm for children's literature and the whole writing process was inspirational to our students. We also loved seeing the story boards and illustrations. —Fiona McCarroll, Media Specialist, Solon Robinson Elementary

The students at VCA had a blast listening to Archer read Turkey Surprise. They liked interacting with the author.... The older students also enjoyed learning about the process involved in writing a book and getting it published. —Cheryl Wooten, Parent, Victory Christian Academy, Valparaiso, IN

Contact Information

For more information, or to schedule an author visit and for presentation fees, please contact Peggy Archer at:

309 Heatherwood Drive E
Valparaiso, IN 46383
cnparch@comcast.net