How I became a public speaker.

I will not talk in class.

I wrote this sentence countless times in my youth at the behest of my teachers, from roughly first grade through...well, it doesn't matter. Little did those educators know, I was preparing myself for a future in public speaking.

Here's how I can help you today:

Keynote addresses
Seminar leader
Media expert
Presentations for libraries and community centers

Webinars

Book club talks
Workshop teacher
Zoom presentations

And—in what is commonly called "irony"—presentations for students from middle school to high school to colleges and universities.

And this time, teachers really want me to talk in class.

What can do for you? A whole lot.

Expert Topics

I'm always happy to tailor any presentation to fit your individual needs. Take a look. Researching, writing, and editing your compelling story for narrative nonfiction and memoir. Storytelling for corporate and nonprofit communications. Developing proposals for nonfiction books, plus tips on how to connect with literary agents and publishers. Creative writing as a personal journey. Presentations related to my books.

Past events & venues include:

Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
University of Chicago
DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Museum of Jewish Heritage, New York City
Melcrum Business Communications Conference, London, England
Gene Siskel Film Center of the Chicago Art Institute
Illinois State Library, Springfield, IL
State Library of Michigan, Lansing, MI
Michigan in Perspective 64th Annual History Conference
Chicago History Museum
Chicago Sunday Salon
Printers Row Lit Fest, Chicago, IL
Chicago Book Expo

B'nai Israel & South Britain Congregational Church, Southbury, CT
Chicago Teen Lit Fest
Grand Rapids (MI) Library Celebration of the Book Festival
Columbia College, Chicago, IL
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
Morton College, Cicero, IL
Triton College, River Grove, IL
Numerous public libraries, schools, bookstores, and book clubs, nationwide; podcasts and other media throughout the United States and worldwide

2025 Spring & Summer Events Schedule Coming Soon

How I became a public speaker.

Expert Topics

Sure, I want to talk in your class (or anywhere else).

Past events & venues include: