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How I became a public speaker.

I will not talk in class.

I will not talk in class.

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.

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

Past events & venues include:
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  • 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

2024 Fall Events Schedule Coming Soon

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