Author talks and workshops
Stef is an award-winning children’s author and presenter of fun and educational author talks. She is an experienced Montessori teacher and children’s presenter running tailored story workshops for large groups of all ages.
Preschoolers to Prep
Stef’s storytime and scene recreation through drama is a highly inclusive and educational experience for younger ages. She reads from 2 of her published books and encourages children to discuss the plot and characters in a fun and engaging way.
Grade 1 to 3
Stef’s entertaining author talks include reading one of her published books and including the students in discussion on key scenes, themes, plot and character.
This discussion leads into how students’ personal experiences may spark a story idea. Stef will develop story seeds with students.
Stef can also complete an inclusive art activity with younger groups - either a drawing, word search or origami activity that links with themes from her books. This helps cement the learning outcomes.
Grade 4 to Year 8
Stef engages with this older age group by creating workshopping memorable characters and what challenges they might face. to drive a story narrative She encourages group discussions on character different points of views
Students can then workshop their own story seed using their memorable character in smaller groups. These can be used in class as story seeds for their curriculum work.
Testimonials
“Stef completed a Book Week Author in Residence in 2019 over three full days with the entire school. Stef did a wonderful job of keeping all children engaged in age-appropriate workshops from the littlest Foundation student to the soon to be graduating Grade 6's. The teachers loved how she linked many of the story writing workshop elements to their current curriculum. We look forward to welcoming Stef back again soon.”
F Cunningham, Librarian, Bellbrae Primary School
“All the students loved Stef’s story workshops and we now have some very enthusiastic young authors at Lisieux. Her presentations and workshops were pitched at the perfect level for each age group. The Foundations got on board with acting out scenes from A Home for Luna and Stef had complete control over this activity. She also had the older students enthused about creating imaginative stories with her visual story seed workshop where they all had a chance to contribute to some terrific story ideas. Even the most reluctant contributors were onboard. She is a master at creating a sense of fun and passion around stories.”
J Graham, Grade 4 Teacher/Librarian, Lisieux, Catholic Primary School
“I’m going to write a book about a lost dog and get it published like Stef.”
Student A, Grade 2, Bellbrae Primary School
“Thanks for the visit. I’ve got my own story board to write a book on a Space Chicken.”
Student T, Grade 5, Anakie Primary School
“You’ve set my whole class up with great story plots for our Term 3 curriculum. I am impressed how you managed to get every student involved.”
Mr J, Grade 6 teacher, Dingley Primary School
“Stef Gemmill is not only a passionate and talented children’s author, she is also an inspiring, inclusive speaker. In 2025 I had the honour of being a small part of Stef’s inaugural Sketch and Scribe Festival. I’ve not participated in a more inclusive, inspiring event for emerging writers and illustrators. The success of the program is testament to Stef’s professionalism and skill. As a speaker, Stef generously shared her vast knowledge and experiences in the writing and publishing world, creating an incredible buzz amongst those hoping to be published and those already with contracts. Her enthusiasm and energy were infectious. While she spoke, the only movement in the room was the movement of hands as participants took notes. At the time I was taking a writing break, or so I thought. After participating in one of Stef’s writing sessions, her energy inspired me to return to the keyboard.
Stef also is able to problem solve with the least amount of fuss or impact on participants I’ve seen. From wifi issues and faulty microphones to ill health forcing a speaker to withdraw at the last minute, Stef solved problems and fill gaps in the blink of a eye. In a nutshell, Stef is an inspiring, passionate and entertaining speaker with a vast knowledge of publishing and creating. She’s a joy to watch in action.”
Sue Lawson, Author of ‘Always Was, Always Will Be”, Masater of Ceremonies, Presenter - Sketch and Scribe Festival, 2025
“I didn’t realise picture books had so many layers of messages”.
R. Howell, Attendee – Local Word Festival, Geelong 2022 (Stef Gemmill, Panel Member ‘Writing for Resilience in Children’)
