Menu
close
Previous
Next

upcoming events

 

Join me at the virtual Nonfiction Writers Fall Conference

 

November 4th & 5th, 2021

I'll once again be participating as one of the Ask-a-Pro experts, and I highly recommend this conference to all nonfiction authors and aspiring authors.

Conference Sessions, include:

  • Master Amazon Ads
  • Conduct Your Own Podcast Tour
  • Digital Tools to Make Marketing Easier
  • Pitch the Agents Live!
  • and more

Register Here: NFWC2021

Final Discount: Save 20% with code: NFWC20 Expires 10/22/21

Nampa Public Library logo

Workshop for aspiring authors: Which Publishing Model Is Right for You: Traditional Big 5, Traditional Indie Press, Self-Publishing, or Hybrid/Partner?

Due to Idaho's ongoing Covid crisis and the need to protect staff and attendees, this event has been postponed and will be rescheduled when it is once again safe to attend live events.

Workshop Description: Over the past several decades, the publishing industry has experienced a seismic shift. The rapid advancement of technology and shifts in reader habits has created more opportunities than ever for authors. But with opportunity comes complexity and pressure on authors to not just be creatives but to be brands.
 
In this workshop, we'll explore these five common questions to help you identify where you best fit within the publishing landscape and how to leverage your position to establish your writing career and sell books:
  • Should you try to get a deal with one of the major trade book publishers, often referred to as the Big 5?
  • Should you pursue one of the many independent publishers?
  • Should you maintain total control of your book's production and go the self-publishing route?
  • Or is a hybrid/partner publisher the best fit?
  • And where do literary agents fit into all this?

Idaho Writers Conference logo

 

Idaho Writers Conference 2022

May 20-21, 2022

Boise, Idaho

I'll be:

  • providing manuscript evaluations,
  • serving as an expert panelist,
  • be participating in the publishing "speed dating" event,
  • and offering general advice and support to attendees and other faculty members.

Stay tuned for details, or visit the Idaho Writers Guild's Conference page.

Rediscovered Books

Did you miss Our May 7, 2021 Ask an Editor Facebook Live Event?

 

Rediscovered Books: 500+ views; click here for video access

 

Cristen Iris speaking at an event close up

Looking for a speaker, panelist, workshop leader, or one-on-one conference consultant?

Event organizers love my enthusiasm and commitment to their success. I see myself as your strategic partner, invested in your event and your attendees’ experience and long-term success.

Attendees love my straight-forward, results-oriented approach and fun but educational delivery. They also appreciate how I find ways to speak to authors at every skill level and stage of the publishing journey.

connect with Cristen

POPULAR TOPICS & WORKSHOPS

 

writing

Your Vision, Your Voice: How to Think Like and Work with a Developmental Editor (SOLD OUT & rated 9.67 out of 10 by Idaho Writers Guild Literary Luncheon attendees!)

Writing and Book Awards: The Why, Which, and When (to help you sell more books)

Micro Blogging for Authors: Develop Your Brand and Sell More Books (Rated 9.5 out of 10 by attendees!)

Writing Memoir: Find the Story in Your History (for aspiring authors, always an audience pleaser)

Editing Memoir: The Difference between Commercial and Legacy Memoir (for professional editors)

Be So Good They Can’t Ignore You: How to Develop Your Craft and Create a Brand that Opens Doors

From No to Go! How to Build Your Brand and Write a Competitive Book Proposal

Quiet Influence: Brand Building and Power Networking for Introverts

 

health, effectiveness, and community

The Approachable Vegan: How to Talk Your Walk without Trampling Others

Play to Win: How to Make Your Life Imitate Your Art & Be the Hero of Your Own Journey

Real World Anthropology: How Understanding People and Their Environments Can Improve Your Experience and Outcomes

all customized to appeal to your audience and meet your goals

Cristen Iris leading a writing workshop
Cristen Iris speaking to Idaho Writers Guild Literary Luncheon attendees at the Riverside Hotel in Boise, Idaho

past events

How to Avoid the Top 5 Novel-Writing Mistakes (June 8, 2021; Idaho Writers Guild Writers Corner virtual event)

Idaho Writers Guild Literary Lunch: Book Publishing Panel (May 18, 2021; virtual)

Nonfiction Writers Conference, 2nd time Ask-a-Pro (May 5-7, 2021; 11 of 12 sessions sold)

Writing and Book Awards: The Why, Which, and When to Help You Sell More Books (January, 2021; virtual)

Nonfiction Writers Conference: Ask-a-Pro  (November 2020, sold out)

Be So Good They Can't Ignore You: How to Develop Your Craft and Create a Brand that Opens Doors (Writers Corner, Library! at Collister, February 2020)

A Professional Approach to Writing and Editing Commercial Memoir (Idaho Editors and Writers Association, February 2020)

Writing a Legacy Memoir: Finding the Story in Your History (Hillcrest Library Boise, Idaho October 2019)

Micro Blogging for Authors: Develop Your Brand and Sell More Books (Library! at Collister Boise, Idaho October 2019 Rated 9.5 out of 10 by attendees!)

Your Vision, Your Voice: How to Think like and Work with a Developmental Editor (Idaho Writers Guild Literary Luncheon August 2019, Sold Out & Rated 9.67/10!)

The Approachable Vegan: Bringing People to the Table and Keeping Them There (Boise Self-Help Group August 2019)

The Persuasive Vegan: How to Talk Your Walk without Trampling Others (Whole Food, Plant-Based 4 Life Support Group, Boise August 2019)

Play to Win: How to Make Your Life Imitate Your Art & Be the Hero of Your Own Journey (The Aware Athlete Show August 2019)

Memoir Writing 101: Finding the Story in Your Story (Eagle Public Library January 2019)

Setting the Record Straight: How Traditional Publishing Really Works and Why You Need to Understand It (Meridian Chapter of the Nonfiction Authors Association January 2019)

Author Panel Q&A (Library! at Collister December 2018)

Genre Specialization: The Key to Editorial Excellence (Idaho Editors and Writers Association November 2018)

Secrets to Writing Authoritative and Compelling Nonfiction (Nonfiction Authors Association Teleseminar October 2018)

Anthropology at Work: Education to Employment, College to Career (Boise State University Anthropology Department seniors 2018)

So Called Podcast Interview 2018

Idaho Writers' Corner Author and Editor Panel (Library! at Collister Boise 2017)

Working with a Developmental Editor (Library! Boise 2018)

The Power of Precise Language: Choosing Words for Impact and Effectiveness (Idaho Editors and Writers Association 2017)

The Wind Up, the Pitch, and the Swing (Idaho Writers Guild 2017)

Point of View & Perspective (Library! at Collister 2017)

It's All About Pacing (Library! at Collister 2017)

Evolutionary Medicine and the Heterozygous Advantage (Idaho Health and Welfare Spring 2014 Epidemiology Conference co-presented with medical anthropologist and epidemiologist Dr. Robert Graff)

The Importance of Balancing Fixed and Variable (Smart Women, Smart Money ~2009)

Idaho Speakers Bureau member badge
"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
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 Kappelman
Katherine Kappelmananthropology major, Boise State University
"Amazing insight. Really appreciate the transparent, no-holds-barred presentation. Tremendous help!"
Jake Levya
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
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 Kjar
Carol Kjarfreelance editor, author
"Cristen's information and presentation are pragmatic. I walked away with gems I can use."
anonymous
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 Settle
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
Previous
Next

I am an inclusive business person. 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 and will not contract with any author or vendor who demonstrates a disregard for the dignity, safety, and overall well-being of any other person or group.

Copyright 2019 WriteNow, LLC dba CI Communication Strategies. Privacy Policy: Click here to view our full privacy policy. Site Designed by V-Squared Creative.

Top closealign-rightchevron-downlinkedinellipsis-vyoutube-play