Talks

Brevity makes for good writing, but it’s not my strong suit–especially not off the page. When I’m writing, but especially when I’m talking, I lean more towards the run-on sentence than the haiku. What can I say? I love to chat. More specifically, I enjoy connecting with readers and fellow writers in settings that allow us to explore the craft, art, and business of writing.

As an instructor, I’ve taught academic writing at Columbia University and travel writing to journalists through Mediabistro.com, and spoken about writing to students ranging from fourth graders to post-grads.

As a speaker, I’ve given over 110 talks and readings at venues ranging from libraries to nursing homes, bookstores to consulates, Greek festivals to literature festivals. If you’d like to attend a talk, please review my upcoming speaking engagements below.

If you’re interested in discussing teaching opportunities or booking me to speak to a group or class about Lucky in Love, The Ladies of Managua, Other Waters, or North of Ithaka; writing fiction, memoir, or travel pieces; or any other relevant topic, please visit the contact page. I’m also available to phone in to book club meetings; click on the link and fill out the form if you’d like me to join yours. Just consider yourself warned: once I start talking, it’s hard to get me to stop.