In addition to writing and selling my books, I regularly give presentations and coordinate panels at conferences. I also work with teens as a mentor for the Maryland Writers Association, so I have experience in a school environment. If you are a conference organizer, event coordinator, or teacher, I'd be happy to discuss speaking at your event or school. Contact me!

Previous Speaking Appearances

I've spoken at many conferences and shows. Aside from technical presentations I gave during my earlier career, here are some of the many events where I've given a presentation, moderated a panel or attended as a panel participant:

• Brain to Bookshelf Conference 2021: Worldbuilding in Depth
• Brain to Bookshelf Conference 2022: Realistic Combat
• Brain to Bookshelf Conference 2023: Selling Books at Trade Shows
• Brain to Bookshelf Conference 2026: Taking Inspiration from Games (upcoming)
• Creatures, Crimes, and Creativity 2024: multiple panels
• Creatures, Crimes, and Creativity 2025: multiple panels
• MarsCon 2026: Multiple panels
• Maryland Writers Association chapter Meetings: Include some of the above talks, plus presentations on:
  • How to use Scrivener
  • Future-Proofing your Sci-Fi
• High School Presentations about writing in general

Topics for the panels where I've either moderated or participated include (incomplete list):

• Creating a Fictional Universe
• Elements of Good Urban Fantasy
• Fantasy World Building
• Fighting in Writing
• Kids Writing Workshop
• Losing True Dark (Astronomy and Light Pollution's effect on culture)
• That's Not How This Works: Science Fails in Fiction

Prepared Presentations

If you are interested in the content of my prepared talks, this section delves into more detail. I won't post the entire presentation, but feel free to reach out for detailed information.

	World-Building in Depth Are you struggling to create compelling, complex worlds? Have you found your setting lacks depth and realism? THis talk presents key elements every sci-fi and fantasy writer must consider when creating their worlds, such as resources and economics, cultural elements, and so forth. Other writers will find key topics useful as well.
	Realistic Combat When creating a fight scene - or any action scene for that matter - authors must include many elements. They must make the action compelling, while avoiding inaccuracies that pushes a savvy reader out of the immersion. What should you include? What should you avoid? And why does Hollywood so often get it wrong?
	Selling Books at Trade Shows Writing and publishing your book is merely the first step. Now comes the marketing. You might hope to create an online sensation, but every author in the world is competing to attract readers. Trade shows - conventions, book fairs, and similar events - offer a venue where you can meet your readers, expand your presence, make new friends - and even sell books!
	Taking Inspiration from Games From Chess to Minecraft, games have dominated entertainment, and in the modern era, they've mostly replaced books as a form of escape. But authors don't have to view games as competition only. This talk discusses what games have done right and explores how we can apply the same creative depth to our writing.
In Development	From Fan Fiction to Publishing Fan Fiction offers amateur writers a fascinating venue for expression. Whether you're writing stories about your favorite anime or sci-fi series, you learn writing skills while having fun with characters you love. But if you've ever wanted to see your creativity in a book, this talk will step through what you need to know.