Sometimes the best way to discover a book is to meet the person who wrote it. Kathleen A. Erickson is available for storytelling appearances, author talks, book signings, literary events, and meet-the-author programs for audiences of all ages. Whether gathering around for a children's story, spending an afternoon talking about the curious journey from an idea to a published book, or simply meeting readers across a signing table, Kathleen believes an author appearance should be more than an opportunity to sell books. It should be an experience. Storytelling Appearances Kathleen doesn't simply read a story—she invites the audience into it. For younger audiences, a storytelling appearance can include selected readings from The Adventures of B.W. Pawn, conversations about the characters and the imaginative world of Chessdom, questions for the audience, and a behind-the-scenes look at how an ordinary chess piece became the hero of an adventure. Children can discover how characters are created, where story ideas come from, and how asking “What if?” can turn almost anything into the beginning of a story. For adult audiences, Kathleen's storytelling appearances draw upon a much broader collection of experiences and subjects. She can talk about becoming an author, finding stories in unexpected places, writing across multiple genres, transforming personal experiences into meaningful nonfiction, and what she has learned from a lifetime of observing people and telling their stories. Every appearance can include time for audience questions and conversation. Meet the Author Want something informal? A Meet the Author event gives readers an opportunity to stop by, meet Kathleen, talk about her books and writing, ask questions, take photographs, and have books personally signed. These events work especially well for: Libraries • Bookstores • Book Clubs • Literary Festivals • Community Events • Schools • Homeschool Organizations • 55+ Communities • Women's Groups • Conferences • Local Festivals and Special Events Book Signings Kathleen is available for scheduled book-signing events as well as signings held in conjunction with speaking engagements, storytelling appearances, workshops, conferences, and other programs. Book-signing events can include: Personalized book inscriptions Photographs with readers Informal conversations with the author Questions about writing and publishing Discussion of Kathleen's books and upcoming projects Short readings or storytelling throughout the event Opportunities for readers to discover additional titles Organizations may also combine a signing with an Author Talk + Q&A, giving guests the opportunity to hear Kathleen's story before meeting her personally. Create an Author Event for Your Audience Not every author appearance needs to look the same. A children's library might invite Kathleen for Storytime in Chessdom, followed by questions and book signing. A bookstore might host An Afternoon with Kathleen A. Erickson, featuring an author conversation, reading, Q&A, and signing. A community or 55+ organization might choose Everyone Has a Story, an entertaining conversation about the experiences we accumulate throughout our lives and the stories they leave behind. A book club might prefer an intimate Conversation with the Author. And a literary festival or conference may simply want Kathleen to meet readers, sign books, participate in an author panel, or speak about writing and independent publishing. Kathleen works with each host to create an appearance appropriate for the audience, setting, and occasion. In Person or Virtually Author talks, storytelling appearances, book-club conversations, and Q&A sessions can be presented in person or live via Zoom. Book signings and meet-the-author events are available in person. Invite Kathleen to Your Next Event Looking for an author who can do more than sit behind a table? Invite Kathleen to tell a story, meet your readers, talk about the writing life, answer the questions aspiring authors really want to ask—and, of course, sign a few books along the way. Because sometimes meeting the storyteller becomes part of the story.