I am an experienced teacher and speaker, with loads of enthusiasm and energy, and  love to visit schools and libraries. My sessions can include:

• Meet the author
• Writing workshops for all ages
• Poetry workshops
• Virtual school visits.

I can work with children of all ages – from early childhood, to year 12 and beyond.

Workshop/Presentation Ideas (or I can tailor to your needs)

Meet the Author

Tailored to the age of the audience, these sessions include a combination of reading from one or more of my books, and talking about the writer’s life – where ideas come from, how they are shaped into stories, and the steps in producing a book. Questions are encouraged, and sessions are usually very interactive.

Cattitude Conundrum (new for 2023)

This lively session will focus on the secret thoughts of animals. Sally’s cat character  Queen Narelle  thinks she is queen of  the house.  Can we really know what cats – or other pets –  think? And, if they could talk, what would they tell us?  As we try to answer that question, we will also explore the process behind the writing of the book Queen Narelle inspiring students to write stories of their own.

Sometimes I Cry

For middle primary through to secondary students, Sally talks about the tougher topics she deals with in her verse novels and historical picture books, and why she feels they are important.

You Can Write Poetry

Tailored to the age group, a hands on writing workshop where participants are enabled to write free verse poetry. Suitable for primary, secondary or adult participants.

But I Don’t Know What to Write!

For any age group, lots of ideas to get started, and how to keep going. The aim of this workshop is for participants to just write – and they will.

Going Deeper

For classes who have studied one of her works, Sally will tailor a discussion around themes and issues that have arisen during their reading, giving readers a chance to have their questions answered.

Whole Day Writing Workshop (NEW)

Want to build your students’ writing skills in an in-depth experience? Drawing on one or more of her books, Sally will structure a day of activities to your chosen area of writing, including poetry, narrative, character development, plotting and more.

Belonging 

Combining creative writing with speaking skills, and exploring social justice and themes of belonging, this workshop uses poetry activities to connect students with classmates, the community and the wider world.

 Looking Up

What if you got a card in the mail from a stranger? How would you react? This workshop uses a greeting card as a starting point for plotting a story with YOU as the main character. Suitable for 7-11 year olds.

Do Not Forget Australia

2018 marked the 100th Anniversary of a battle in the French village of Villers-Bretonneux, a battle which forged a friendship between France and Australia. Sally Murphy’s picture book, Do Not Forget Australia tells the story of this friendship in an accessible form. She is available to visit schools, libraries and festivals to share the story in a session tailored to the age of the audience.

Feedback from a satisfied teacher:

“I was fortunate enough during school to attend a session much like this one with the now famous Roald Dahl. He was incredibly dynamic and he went on to become such a figure head in children’s literature. From what I’ve seen of your presentation today and your well rounded body of work – I believe that you will be the next Roald Dahl. Thank you so much for this opportunity”  (Cannington Library, 2014)