For Book Clubs, Librarians, & Event Organizers
* I speak both in person and online *
As an author, I love talking about books just like I love writing them. It’s part of why I became an editor and creative writing instructor as well as a writer. I’ve always been drawn to magic and mystery, so you’ll find those elements in my stories and the books I read. They also permeate my book discussions.
When presenting, I do my best to inform, engage, and entertain and tailor topics to your audience. I attempt to keep my talks fun, up-beat, and to the point.
What You Can Expect
A pre-event phone call or meeting to discuss your audience’s expectations and logistics
An energetic and positive discussion/presentation to engage, inform, and entertain
Bookmarks and button pins for attendees
A book club discount on purchases made through this website
PDF of questions for book clubs
Presentation slides/handout for attendees
Event promotion on my platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok and LinkedIn as well as announcements at the various organizations I actively participate in
A follow up phone call or meeting
I have Zoom! If you’d like a virtual meeting, I have a virtual meeting program that can make that happen.
Contact me for more information and to book me for your event.
Presentation/Discussion Topics
The Secret Life of Fairy Tales
This presentation shares how fairy tales have evolved and changes to match the morals and traditions of society, secret messages hidden these stories, and who their real audience is. Once you understand their twisted, magical history, you’ll fall even more in love with fairy tales and their retellings.
Fascinating Magic Systems and Why They Work
Fantasy readers love the spells, magical creatures, and casters present in their favorite books. Have you ever wondered how those magic systems are made and why some are more fascinating than others? This presentation is all about the magic and rules of your favorite worlds.
Creative Writing Presentations
As a creative writing instructor and book editor, I also offer a variety of presentations on different aspects of writing, book marketing, and publication. You can find those presentations here.
Questions for Book Club Members
What would you choose at the end of “A Salty Invitation?”
Which story from When Magic Calls was your favorite?
Which character do you most identify with?
What are your thoughts on the book’s illustrations?
Which fairy tales did you find?
What’s your favorite fairy tale and was it represented?
What were the similarities among the stories?
What themes did you pick up on?
If you could have one item from the museum of magical artifacts, what would it be and why?
If you were making a movie of one of the stories, who would you cast?
What feelings did these stories evoke in you?
There are several different kinds of magic in When Magic Calls. Which was your favorite/would you like to have?
Did this collection remind you of any other books?
Are there lingering questions from the stories you're still thinking about?
PODCASTS I’VE BEEN ON
Become a Writer Today - discussed different types of editing, tips for writing settings, and my book When Magic Calls
Dear Creativity . . . Lets Write! - discussed writing diverse characters and people different than yourself
The Mysterious Goings On Podcast - talked about urbane fantasy and the dark history of fairy tales and why they stick around
Write On Four Corners - talked about “updating” fairy tales in my book When Magic Calls