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Cristen speaking at writers event
Cristen speaking at editors event
Cristen teaching memoir workshop
Cristen speaking at Idaho Writers Guild literary luncheon

upcoming events

Nonfiction Writers Conference 2025 with image of Roxanne Gay

The 15th annual Nonfiction Writers Conference returns May 7-9, 2025 and is held entirely online. No travel required!

Many of you know that I'm a long-time fan of the Nonfiction Authors Association and their annual online conference, and I'm delighted to be back as an Ask-a-Pro for the 4th time! If you're able, I hope you'll join us. -Cristen

Early discount ends Friday, April 11th!

Depending on registration level, attendees can access the following benefits:
• Live educational sessions delivered by Zoom, including Q&A with speakers.
• Opening speaker and New York Times bestselling author Roxane Gay discusses how to write with courage.
• Pitch the Agents LIVE!, an interactive double session where several literary agents
listen to author pitches and give constructive feedback. If agents like what they hear, they will request proposals from participants. (Must apply to participate; 20 participants will be selected.)
• Attendee Networking and Mastermind Event, featuring small group discussions held with Zoom breakout rooms. Each participant can share a two-minute introduction, then gets 8 minutes to share a question or challenge and get feedback from other group members. Even introverts love this unique event!
• Ask-a-Pro sessions, delivered as one-on-one phone or video consultations with industry pros. Many attendees feel these are worth the price of admission alone.
• Private Facebook group to connect with attendees and speakers.
• Recordings and transcripts available for those who can’t attend all live sessions.

If you’re ready to take your author business to the next level, don’t miss this powerful event.

2 Ways to Register for the Nonfiction Writers Conference

  1. You can use this link through which I earn a commission: register using Cristen's affiliate link
  2. Or you can opt-out of that by registering here.
Coeur Du Bois writers group logo

Saturday, August 2nd

I'll be back live and in-person at the August Coeur Du Bois writers group in Boise, Idaho.

Stay tuned for details.

book Cristen for your event

2025 topics

  • I Want to Write, but I Can't: How to Identify and Overcome What's Stopping You From Getting Into and Staying In The Zone
  • Academic-Trade Crossover Books: The What, Why, and How
  • The Aware Author: 5 Categories of Awareness and 5 Core Competencies Every Author Needs to Succeed
  • The Aware Advocate: Deconstructing Autism and ADHD Tropes to Craft More Realistic and Meaningful Narratives

 

"The insights Cristen shared were motivational and also practical. She helped me think about the writing process from multiple perspectives which will inevitably result in more powerful writing--whether fiction, nonfiction, memoir, whatever. Plus, her professionalism and expertise seem to be only matched by her warmth, approachability, and sincere desire to help others."
Monica Pierce author headshot
Monica PierceIdaho Writers Guild Literary Luncheon attendee, August 2019
"Cristen Iris is an excellent speaker who is known for her editing skill and professionalism. She clearly expresses relevant material that I can immediately apply in my business. I appreciate Cristen’s ability to readily handle questions and offer well-researched methods and ideas."
Kim Foster
Kim Fosterfreelance book editor and co-founder of the Idaho Writers and Editors Association
"Thank you for sharing your insights during your Anthropology at Work: From Education to Employment, College to Career presentation. It was the most inspirational fifty minutes I've experienced since returning to university studies!"
Katherine Kappelmananthropology major, Boise State University
"Amazing insight. Really appreciate the transparent, no-holds-barred presentation. Tremendous help!"
Jake Levyaaspiring author, nonfiction workshop attendee
"Cristen is an authority and gives a well-structured workshop. Really liked the comparison of nonfiction and fiction and what's at stake for the reader."
Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, career coach headshot
Pamela Kleibrink Thompsonwriter, creative consultant, recruiter
"The handout is great and a good resource for later ... excellent talk. You're my role model. I want to be as informed and professional as you are."
Carol Kjarfreelance editor, author
"Cristen's information and presentation are pragmatic. I walked away with gems I can use."
anonymous
"Cristen’s engagement with the audience was phenomenal. The information was well presented. She is a dynamic, knowledgeable, and engaging speaker. I highly recommend her as a presenter."
Renee SettleNonfiction Authors Association Chapter Leader, Meridian, Idaho
"I went into Cristen’s Persuasive Vegan talk thinking I would learn how to handle the “How do you get your protein?” and other perpetual questions that people eating a plant-based diet get. Instead, I experienced a profound mind shift regarding the way I interact with my omnivore husband. Cristen speaks with compassion and heart and helps others to live up to their highest self. Thank you!"
Barb Smith
Barb Smithfounder of Eat 4 Health
"As a presenter, teacher, author, and Toastmaster, I am always delighted to find someone as talented, graceful, and professional as Cristen Iris. She exudes confidence, displays high organizational skills, while being able to deliver each person’s needs in a training setting. She’s a gem in our community, and I’m thankful to know and work with her."
Sherry Briscoe
Sherry Briscoeauthor and workshop organizer for the Idaho Writers Guild
"Cristen is a true professional on every level. As a leader for the Nonfiction Authors Association, she provided support, training and encouragement for her team. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she never hesitates to go above and beyond to exceed expectations. She has been a valued asset to our organization and will no doubt continue to dazzle all those she works with in the future."
Stephanie Chandler
Stephanie Chandlerfounder and CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association
"A truly fresh look and professional approach on how to build a writing career. This needs to be video recorded! So many writers need to hear this."
David A. RozanskyBe So Good They Can't Ignore You workshop attendee
"Cristen Iris is well-spoken and organized as a speaker. And well informed!"
Sharon BrownBe So Good They Can't Ignore You workshop participant

past events

2024

Journey Sixty6 The Writing Podcast (episode 109) | Memoir Expert Cristen Iris on the Elements of a Well-Written Memoir (listen on Apple Podcasts)

Coeur de Bois writing group live presentation| What "Show, Don't Tell" Means, What It Looks Like, and Why It Matters

Nonfiction Writers Conference, virtual event | Ask-a-Pro

Idaho Writers Conference, The Lifelong Author live presentation | You've Been Booked as a Presenter (Podcast Guest, Panelist, Workshop Leader, etc.)—Now, What Will You Say?

2023

HEARTtalk with Dr Charles Lee videocast | Cristen Iris: The CRAFT of Writing Memoir (watch on YouTube | listen on Spodify)

HEARTtalk with Dr. Charles Lee videocast | Cristen Iris: The Ethos in Writing Memoir (watch on YouTube)

JourneySixty6, the Writing Podcast (episode 91) | How to Move Your Story Forward with Scenes (listen on Apple Podcasts)

Idaho Writers Conference | manuscript evaluation pro

Journey Sixty6, the Writing Podcast (episode 87) | Thinking Like a Filmmaker When Writing Your Memoir (listen on Apple Podcasts)

2022

Library! at Collister Idaho Writers’ Corner live presentation | How to Write in Scenes for Memoir and Novel Writers

Idaho Editors and Writers Association live presentation | Working with Clients Who Aspire to Be Traditionally Published

Gurmeet Judge Leadership and Communication Videocast | Why Should Business Leaders Write a Book? – Cristen Iris (watch on YouTube)

Idaho Writers Conference live event | presenter and faculty

NFAA Podcast Guest | Tips for Writing a Compelling Memoir (listen here)

Idaho Editors and Writers Association live presentation | Publishing Trends Panel Discussion (I covered traditional publishing topics.)

2021

Nonfiction Writers Fall Conference, virtual event | Ask-a-Pro

Idaho Writers Guild Writers’ Corner virtual presentation | How to Avoid the Top 5 Novel-Writing Mistakes

Idaho Writers Guild Literary Lunch virtual event | Book Publishing Panel

Nonfiction Writers Conference virtual event | Ask-a-Pro 

Writing and Book Awards virtual event | The Why, Which, and When to Help You Sell More Books

2020

Nonfiction Writers Conference virtual event | Ask-a-Pro 

Rediscovered Books Ask an Editor Live Facebook Event | 500+ views; click here for on-demand video access

Library! at Collister Idaho Writers’ Corner live presentation | Be So Good They Can't Ignore You: How to Develop Your Craft and Create a Brand that Opens Doors

Idaho Editors and Writers Association live presentation | A Professional Approach to Writing and Editing Commercial Memoir

2019

Hillcrest Library Boise, Idaho Writers’ Corner  live presentation | Writing a Legacy Memoir: Finding the Story in Your History

Library! at Collister Idaho Writers’ Corner live presentation | Micro Blogging for Authors: Develop Your Brand and Sell More Books (Rated 9.5 out of 10 by attendees)

Idaho Writers Guild Literary Luncheon live presentation | Your Vision, Your Voice: How to Think like and Work with a Developmental Editor (Sold out & rated 9.67/10)

Boise Self-Help Group live presentation | The Approachable Vegan: Bringing People to the Table and Keeping Them There

Whole Food, Plant-Based 4 Life Support Group, Boise live presentation | The Persuasive Vegan: How to Talk Your Walk without Trampling Others

The Aware Athlete Show podcast | Play to Win: How to Make Your Life Imitate Your Art & Be the Hero of Your Own Journey (watch on YouTube)

Eagle Public Library live presentation | Memoir Writing 101: Finding the Story in Your Story

Meridian Chapter of the Nonfiction Authors Association live presentation | Setting the Record Straight: How Traditional Publishing Really Works and Why You Need to Understand It

NFAA Teleseminar Greatest Hits Replay | Cristen Iris – Secrets to Writing Authoritative and Compelling Nonfiction

2018

Library! at Collister Idaho Writers’ Corner live event | Author Panel Q&A

Idaho Editors and Writers Association live presentation | Genre Specialization: The Key to Editorial Excellence

Nonfiction Authors Association Teleseminar | Secrets to Writing Authoritative and Compelling Nonfiction

Boise State University Anthropology Department live presentation to students about to graduate | Anthropology at Work: Education to Employment, College to Career

So Called Podcast Interview | Cristen Iris, Professional Writer, Developmental Editor, Book Collaborator, and Ghostwriter

Library! Boise Idaho Writers’ Corner live presentation | Working with a Developmental Editor

2017

Library! at Collister Idaho Writers’ Corner live event | Author and Editor Panel

Idaho Editors and Writers Association live presentation | The Power of Precise Language: Choosing Words for Impact and Effectiveness

Idaho Writers Guild live masterclass presentation | The Wind Up, the Pitch, and the Swing

Library! at Collister Idaho Writers’ Corner live presentation | Point of View & Perspective

Library! at Collister Idaho Writers’ Corner live presentation| It's All About Pacing

2007-2014

Idaho Health and Welfare Spring 2014 Epidemiology Conference live event co-presenter with medical anthropologist and epidemiologist Dr. Robert Graff | Evolutionary Medicine and the Heterozygous Advantage

Smart Women, Smart Money Conference live presentation | The Importance of Balancing Fixed and Variable Investments (~2009)

Toastmasters 2007 Area Humorous Speech Contest | 1st place winner (I also served as President of the St. Alphonsus Toastmaster Club in Boise, Idaho.)

I value autonomy within community and am, therefore, an inclusive businessperson. I do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, country of origin, age, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, gender identity, or sexual orientation in any of my activities or operations. Whenever possible, I avoid working with people and vendors who demonstrate a disregard for the dignity, safety, and overall well-being of any other person or group. My clients and I agree that without intellectual integrity and respect for human dignity, our work has limited value. Therefore, we place the wellbeing of readers in the forefront of our minds and agree to focus our efforts on educating and empowering them.

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