Speaking Engagements
I am a comfortable and dynamic public speaker and have been featured at numerous writers' conferences and other publishing events. I enjoy sitting on panels, giving presentations, and meeting one-on-one with writers and students.
Sample Presentation Topics
What’s Your Big Story Idea? – What makes a manuscript rise to the top of the submissions pile? What makes editors snooze? Should you be following trends? Join me for an answer to the oft-asked question “What are the major houses looking for?” and a focus on recent books and book deals with one-of-a-kind, memorable, “Why didn’t I think of that?” story ideas that stand out from the pack. Inspire yourself to think bigger.
Diving into the #Literary World Through Social Media – Whether you’re writing or illustrating picture books, working on your next novel, or polishing your first pitch, social media is a great way to connect with readers – not to mention agents, editors, librarians, booksellers, and new author and artist friends. How can posting, tweeting, tagging, and blogging – or even just observing – enrich your network, help you avoid faux pas, and keep you up on what’s abuzz? Learn how to take your social media savvy to the next level (or just where to begin!).
Events
NYU Summer Publishing Institute
Mentor, Summer 2024
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards jud
Judge, Spring 2024
NYU Graduate Publishing Capstone
Portfolio judge, December 2023
We Need Diverse Books mentorship program
Winter 2023
Columbia Publishing Course
Book Workshop Mentor, June 2022
SCBWI Utah
Fall 2020 [cancelled/pandemic]
SCBWI Long Island
Winter 2020
RWA Rosemary Writing Contest
Judge, Spring 2020
SCBWI Arizona
Fall 2019
Columbia Publishing Course
Book Workshop Evaluator, Summer 2019
SCBWI New Jersey
Summer 2019
RWA Rosemary Writers Contest
Judge, Spring 2019
Kidlit College Webinars
Online
Various, 2016-2018
Surrey (Canada) International Writers Conference
Fall 2017
Book Passage Children's Book Weekend
Summer 2018
SCBWI Central California
Fall 2018
SCBWI New England
Spring 2018
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Judge, Spring 2018
Book Passage Children's Book Weekend
Summer 2017
SCBWI New England
Spring 2017
SCBWI Florida
Winter 2017
SCBWI Midsouth
Fall 2016
Nerdy Chicks Summer School
Online
Summer 2016
Book Passage Children's Book Weekend
Summer 2016
SCBWI New England
Spring 2016
SCBWI New Jersey
Fall 2015
SCBWI San Francisco South
Spring 2015
SCBWI Iowa
Spring 2015
SCBWI New Jersey
Summer 2014
Writers Digest Webinars
Online
2016
ASU Desert Nights, Rising Stars Conference
Winter 2014
SCBWI Western/Central Upstate New York
Fall 2013
ASU Desert Nights, Rising Stars Conference
Winter 2013