Stories where kids succeed because they're kids, not in spite of it.
Presentations
I am a frequent guest speaker at schools, writing conferences, and club meetings. I'd love to speak to your group! Email me at cwallenbooks@gmail.com to get started.
Previous Hosts Include...
Life, The Universe,
and Everything Symposium
Storymakers Guild
League of Utah Writers
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers
Utah Authors Day
Pioneer Book
Pikes Peak Writers
Springville Library
Upcoming Appearances
Eagle Mountain Writing Conference
March 14, 2026
Eagle Mountain, Utah
Comedy (Seriously)
Don't Look Like a Rookie
Wait, Can I DO That?
For Everyone
Comedy (seriously.)
No matter your audience, genre, or format, applying the principles that make comedy writing work can take any project from predictable to un-put-downable!
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This presentation is geared toward writers of any level of experience, with writing from laugh out loud to deathly dramatic.
A Crash Course in Critique
Every writer needs a good editing team. Learn how to get the advice that gets results, and how to help other writers make their work shine.
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This presentation is for anyone learning to write collaboratively, or with critique partners or beta readers. It can be tailored to the audience, from students to adults.
Codes, Ciphers, and Secret Messages
As long as humans have been sharing ideas, they've also been finding ways to conceal them. Learn the history of secret messages and the methods used to craft them, then create a new code of your own!
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This presentation can tailored to different audiences: history buffs, mystery writers, or students ages 8 and up.
For Grownups
Kid Lit 101
Want to write for kids? Here's everything you'll need to know to get started.
This overview of the current children's literature landscape, from picture books to YA, highlights unique considerations for writing, querying, publishing, and marketing kids' books.
Publishing Paths and Red Flags
​Once you finish writing a book you have a lot of decisions to make. We’ll discuss next steps, how to decide which publishing path is right for you, and publishing scams to look out for.
The Secret to a
Pain-free Synopsis
Whether you’re a plotter or prefer to discover the story as you go, starting off with a solid synopsis will set you up for success and save editing time down the road. Learn best practices for formatting and submissions, what an effective novel synopsis looks like, and how to put your synopsis to work for you.
Wait, Can I DO That?
A beginner’s introduction to publishing contracts, copyright, public domain, fair use, and other legal concerns for writers. From fan fiction to brand names and everything in between, learn what’s allowed, how to stay out of trouble, and how to protect your rights as a creator.
Don't Look Like a Rookie
(Even If You Are!)
Every writer has to start somewhere, but that doesn't mean you want to be pegged as a rookie. Learn to avoid the most common beginner's mistakes in line editing, formatting, submissions, and curating your personal brand so you can present yourself like a professional in person and online.
Words?
In THIS Economy?
​Learn the art of Word Economy—conveying your ideas in the most efficient way possible. Word economy can help you cut down a bloated wordcount, streamline clunky sentences, give your words more impact, and craft a unique narrative voice.