Speaking
“Few people are as devoted to the study of fiction craft as Kathryn Craft. Through deeply considered masterworks and a sure grasp of how such stories can provide handholds to other novelists, she is able to lead where few can—recognizing and illuminating the essential humanity in our tales and the untapped potential within our characters.”
—Therese Walsh, Writer Unboxed UnConference
Since 2008, Kathryn has delivered well-received presentations and keynote speeches, sat on panels, and led interactive workshops for writers. Whether addressing fifteen in a diner or hundreds in a hotel banquet hall, her authenticity and infectious enthusiasm for storytelling craft create an intimate experience. The story craft she addresses in her sessions has arisen from problems she has seen time and again in the manuscripts she has edited—and, sadly, even in some self-published work.
Popular presentations
Kathryn has accumulated a robust menu of presentations over the years, all of which deliver all of which deliver “Aha moments” and concrete takeaways that can improve a writer’s work. Here are a few of her most popular presentations.
- Raiders of the Lost Arcs (narrative arcs)
- Navigating the Road from Journalist to Novelist (overcoming challenges specific to journalists)
- Get That Story Moving! (story movement)
- Invite the Reader to Co-Create (a spin on “show don’t tell”)
- Honing Your Hook (how to create a “Must Read Now”)
- Finding the Story in True Events (creative nonfiction & memoir)
Popular half-day workshops
Kathryn also offers hands-on opportunities for writers to try out techniques that can enhance their work.
- Story Shrink (from manuscript to synopsis to pitch to logline)
- Say That and More (dialogue)
- Maximizing the Emotional Potential of Your Novel
- How to Overcome Story Implausibility (suspending disbelief)
This is only a sampling. Read more about them in this Speaker’s Kit. If you see something you like, or would like me to develop a presentation to fit your specific needs, please get in touch here!
Testimonials
“Kathryn Craft is a very hard person to take a picture of when she is teaching. Between the talking hands and the animated facial expressions, I had to take a ton of photos to get one where she didn't have a funny expression. But that's one thing that makes her classes so enjoyable—her energy.”
—Philadelphia Writers’ Conference
"Kathryn is an engaging and knowledgeable speaker who gives novice writers plenty of encouragement and keeps experienced writers on their toes.”
—Black Diamond Writers Conference
“Kathryn drove us to write outside our comfort zones and embrace new writing techniques in these effective workshops.”
—Pennwriters Conference
“Kathryn blew me away!”
—The Write Stuff Conference