Speaking & Workshops

Transformation Over Information

I speak to aspiring authors and creatives who are surrounded by ideas but unsure which ones deserve their time, energy, and commitment.

My work helps audiences slow down and make thoughtful, deliberate choices about the work they’re here to create.

In an AI-saturated landscape, producing more content is easy. Producing meaningful work? Not so much. My talks and workshops focus on discernment—how to decide what matters, what to develop, and what to let go—before turning ideas into books, frameworks, or creative projects.

Drawing on my background as a former high school English teacher and current nonfiction book and writing coach, I teach how to choose, structure, and move forward on the book project that aligns with your goals (and your heart). I also focus on how to incorporate story and reflection to convey ideas, uncovers the meaning and wisdom inside lived experience, and create connection, something AI cannot do for us.

Audiences leave with practical frameworks they can apply immediately to idea selection, message, and structural choices.

My topics and workshop sessions are designed for:

Writing conferences and retreats
Creative communities and literary organizations
Entrepreneurs and thought leaders interested in writing books to establish their authority
Breakout sessions for business or creative conferences

I am available as a keynote speaker, workshop or breakout session facilitator, podcast guest, online summit speaker, and virtual presenter.

All sessions are adapted to audience, time, and goals. I focus on facilitating the outcome you want your audience to reach, so every session is practical, engaging, and meaningful for your audience.

Topics:

I speak and teach on topics related to writing nonfiction, using story in nonfiction, and creativity.

The Courage to Create: Opening Yourself to the Creative Process

Who it’s for: People who want to create—write a book, start a project, make something meaningful—but feel blocked by fear, self-doubt, perfectionism, or the belief that they are “not creative enough.”

Focus:

A practical, inspiring talk showing how momentum and confidence are built through choice and action, not certainty.

Why creative resistance is usually an identity and decision problem, not a talent problem
How to begin recognizing yourself as a creator and making space—internally and externally—for creative work
How to move from idea overload to intentional ideation
Why choice plays a role in breaking creative paralysis
How to use execution as a practice of commitment, routine, and trust in the process

Participants leave able to:

Identify as creators without waiting for permission or credentials
Generate and evaluate ideas without getting stuck or overwhelmed
Feel confident in their ability to choose one idea to commit to instead of endlessly circling possibilities
Build a simple, sustainable plan to follow through
Take meaningful creative action even when fear is present

This topic is appropriate for a keynote, breakout sessions, or half-full day workshops.

Choose the Right Book for Your Business: Test Ideas, Maximize Impact

Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and experts using a book to get their message to a wider audience.

Focus:

Selecting a book concept aligned with business goals
Methods for testing market interest and commercial viability
Balancing purpose, audience, and business strategy in book planning

Participants leave able to:

Evaluate and select the strongest book idea for their goals
Test concepts before committing time and resources
Design a book that enhances authority, impact, and audience engagement

Clarity Before Content: Getting to the Heart of What You’re Trying to Say

Who it’s for: Aspiring authors who are stuck in idea overwhelm or over-explaining

Focus:

Why clarity is a thinking problem, not a writing problem
The three foundational areas every self-help author must identify for clarity

Participants leave able to:

Articulate the three foundational areas they need to structure their book effectively
Organize ideas with confidence and purpose
Evaluate their content to decide what to keep, cut, or save for later

This topic can be a shorter presentation and up to a full-day workshop.

Teach with Story: How to include story effectively in prescriptive nonfiction

Who it’s for: Aspiring nonfiction authors (thought leaders or entrepreneurs) who want to emphasize their point and teach with story but aren't sure how to weave narrative into their expertise.

Focus:

Why story is essential in nonfiction, to teach & connect with readers
How real stories connect emotionally in a world increasingly mediated by AI
How to decide which stories belong and which do not
How to structure stories strategically within and across chapters for impact

Participants leave able to:

Make deliberate decisions about story inclusion and use story as a tool for transformation
Recognize which stories truly serve their message
Use story to support transformation
Humanize their expertise and connect with readers

Information is easy to access. Transformation is not.

Booking & Inquiries

I am currently booking workshops, breakout sessions, podcasts, summits, and professional learning engagements.

To inquire, please email amy@amyisaman.com with:

Event name, date, and location
Format (in person, virtual, or hybrid)
Type of session (keynote, workshop, breakout, panel, podcast)
Event website, if applicable

Thank you for your interest.

About Amy Isaman

Amy Isaman, author and former high school English teacher, works with thought leaders and experts who want to become authors. She supports them in clarifying their ideas and strengthening their message, so they can craft a proposal or manuscript that sells. Her work emphasizes thinking before execution and meaning before polish.