Author Talks & Workshops

If you’re hosting a writing event, conference, or webinar, I’d love to be there! Connecting with fellow writers is one of my favorite things! As both a professional writer and educator, sharing insights into the writing journey with writers of all ages is my calling.

I offer in-person and virtual author talks, keynote speeches, workshops, and Q&As to schools, libraries, festivals, conferences, and webinars. For more details or to schedule an in-person or virtual author talk, fill out the contact form.

I can cover a variety of topics in multiple formats. These include:

• • Writing a Children’s Book. This can be taught as a bootcamp on every aspect of writing a children’s book, or I can focus on one area, such as plot, character, or theme.
  • Publishing a Children’s Book. I’m happy to discuss any aspect of the process, including indie vs. traditional publishing.
  • Marketing a Children’s Book. I have experience with multiple ways to be your own publicist, from using the press to guesting on podcasts to author visits.
  • Writing & Publishing for Kids. I co-wrote “Attack of the Monster Pickles!” with my 10-year-old son Parker, so I have direct experience and insight into kid authorship.
  • Freelance Writing. I’ve published numerous articles in major media, including USA Today, Healthline, and Business Insider. I’d love to discuss any aspect of freelance writing, from pitching to structuring articles to the specific rules of writing for the web.
  • Writing Personal Essays. I’ve contributed personal essays to various sources, such as Tiny Beans and YourTango, so I can discuss the unique aspects of writing compelling personal narratives as their own art form.
  • Building a Freelance Career. In addition to discussing how to write articles, I can build a talk around turning writing into a career.
  • Art and Money. I’ve written extensively in the personal finance space and even spent time as a money coach! I love to talk about managing money as an artist. My favorite thing to talk about is mindset and the unique ways artists can think about and relate to money.

A Little About Me . . .

I published my first article in a major newspaper when I was 16 (in 1993) and have been actively writing professionally since 2018. I’ve made it my mission to learn as much as possible and work hard on honing my craft.

Along the way, I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to write professionally — both in the fiction and nonfiction spheres.

I’ve also been an educator for nearly 30 years, teaching all grade levels from kindergarten through college. I have been teaching college-level writing for 17 years. Additionally, I serve as the coordinator of the Writing Center at Ohio Wesleyan University, a position I’ve held since 2022. 

While I love to teach craft and technique, my favorite thing to talk about is mindset. Putting your work out there takes a tremendous amount of courage, and many of us (myself included!) let fear hold us back from pursuing our dreams.

I don’t want anyone else to spend years of their lives putting off their calling, so I’m deeply passionate about sharing the insights I’ve learned in my own creative journey.

I can discuss this or any other writing-related topic live in-person or virtual at your event or webinar. Fill out the contact form to discuss ideas and details. I look forward to hearing more about your event!