Series of Book Discussions, Signings for Everyman News
Author Michele Weldon will be discussing her new book on the changes in the crowded media landscape and what it means for journalists and readers throughout 2008. Check the book website for the latest updates http://www.everymannews.com/newsEvents.html

Weldon to Partner with CarePages.com
Beginning in spring 2008, Michele Weldon will regularly contribute her insights and thoughtful instruction on writing and the healing aspects of carefully constructed narrative on the site, www.carepages.com  Watch for a redesign of the site and also for Weldon’s frequently updated tips. 

Pushing Your Book After Publication
One of the most difficult jobs for authors is not writing the book, but promoting it. Michele Weldon helps fellow authors and aspiring writers understand the basics of book promotion in an informative panel at this year’s Journalism & Women Symposium September 9. Weldon speaks about press kits and book tours on a panel organized by author Alicia Shepard and featuring literary agent Gail Ross and literary publicist Cyndi Hughes. The conference, held Sept. 8-10 at Sun Valley Lodge in Sun Valley, Idaho, hosts workshops, lectures and mentoring sessions for women working as authors, reporters, editors, writers and instructors in newsrooms and university-level journalism education around the world. For more information: www.jaws.org 

Weldon Keynote at Chicago Women in Publishing 
Successful writers wear many hats and author Michele Weldon knows this better than anyone. As a journalist for newspapers, magazines, radio and online outlets; university journalism instructor, author and public speaker, Weldon has used her words well to create a versatile career. She will offer tips, encouragement and advice in her keynote, “Invest in Yourself” for Chicago Women in Publishing annual fall kick-off Thursday, September 21 fro 6-9 p.m. The event held at the Chicago Athletic Assoication, 12 S. Michigan Avenue , Chicago , includes cocktails and refreshments and is $25 for members, $30 for non-members and $15 for students. For more information: www.cwip.org/events.html

Lighting Up The Lakefront for NonViolence   
Celebrating 20 years of advocacy by applauding 20 heroes, Between Friends, a non-profit advocacy agency dedicated to stopping violence against women, will honor Michele Weldon as one of its heroes in a Light Up The Lakefront event Sunday, October 1. Weldon will speak at 5 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 190 E. Delaware Place , Chicago , and then will move to a lighting ceremony at Oak Street Beach to remember victims of domestic violence. “Celebrating 20 Years of Advocacy, Support and Education—Breaking the Silence of Domestic Violence” is the theme of the evening. For more information, contact: Terrill Stumpf, 312-981-3396 or visit www.afriendsplace,org/spev/html

Take Back the Night in Bolingbrook Features Weldon
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, Take Back the Night of Northern Will County will feature Michele Weldon as keynote speaker at their annual event Thursday, October 5 at 6 p.m. The speech and reception is at Bolingbrook Town Center , 375 W. Briarcliff Rd. , Bolingbrook , Ill , 60440 . Visit www.tbtnnw.org for more information.        

NU Author Talks About Memoirs
Everyone has a story to tell, but how do you tell your own story? As part its ongoing series of authors, Northwestern University’s Center for the Writing Arts, features Michele Weldon, NU assistant professor and author of the memoir, I Closed My Eyes, in the lecture,  “So you Want to Write A Memoir” Thursday, February 8 from 4-5 p.m. at the Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. For more information, contact Stacy Oliver: www.northwestern.edu/writing-arts

OTHER TOPICS
An expert keynote speaker with more than 10 years of experience before audiences from 50 to 750 in the United States and Canada, Michele Weldon delivers presentations and lectures on a variety of topics. Weldon is also able to customize a presentation for your audience on topics in the news, or of general interest to professionals as well as families. Engaging and entertaining, she is intelligent, informed and commanding as a speaker at conferences, fundraisers, workshops and special events. 

“Exellence in Reporting and Writing”
A superb instructor and motivator, Michele Weldon is available to coach writers, reporters and editors on newspapers, magazines and other writing staffs to do their best work. Through a presentation that can be all-day or half-day, Weldon takes journalists through the steps to discover how to improve their writing through better interviews, different writing techniques and clear organization of stories. Weldon also is available for one-on-one coaching of writers to look at their work and offer specific suggestions.

“The Power of Words”
Words have the power to not only inform, but transform. Why and how can writers shape history and change minds through their words? Delivered to an audience of professional writers or anyone interested in mastery of the language through literature and journalism, this presentation succeeds in offering new and creative insights on the majesty of the written word.

“She is One of Us”
Domestic violence has escalated to the shocking frequency of affecting one in three women in her lifetime. How does this happen? What can we all do to change that statistic and help women we all know? As a strong advocate for women’s issues and everyone’s right to peace, Michele Weldon can address audiences of lawmakers, litigators, politicians, therapists, counselors and educators on an issue she knows personally. Drawing from her own experiences in moving from victim to advocate, Weldon is honest and compelling for audiences of all ages. 

“Live Your Dreams”
A powerfully motivating speaker who can effectively address audiences from elementary school students to seniors, Weldon speaks about the opportunities to take the incidents of life and turn them into catalysts for change. How can we move forward and achieve our dreams? University professor, author and workshop leader Weldon can inspire men and women to take their own lives and see where they can move ahead into the life they only dreamed about. 

“Writing to Save Your Life”
With a trademark on the word she created, “scribotherapy,” meaning the process of writing to heal in your life, Weldon offers a keynote on how writing can positively affect your past, present and future. With anecdotes as well as scientific studies, Weldon demonstrates how writing is a magnificent tool for celebrating life’s triumphs and understanding life’s trials. 

“Quantity Time”
The single mother of three sons, Weldon manages her life with humor and humility, telling stories that will make the audience laugh and understand themselves better. She speaks honestly about the triumphs and setbacks of raising children and how she perseveres with faith and support from family and community.

“Speaking Out Loud”
How can anyone step to the podium and effectively deliver a message? Weldon can teach an audience from elementary school to college and working professional about the steps necessary to deliver an effective and informative speech. 

“Jumpstart Your Writing” 
A popular instructor at Northwestern University, Weldon has the skills and talent to teach any professional how to write better and more effectively. Including the tools of good grammar and solid tips on clear, concise and graceful writing, this workshop is critical for any company or group that writes to better communication and productivity. 

“Fearless”
Aimed at audiences of pre-teens and teens, this presentation can save lives. Weldon speaks frankly and eloquently on the danger signs of partner abuse and pointedly advises how to break away from a harmful relationship and learn to live a full life without the handicap of fear. Uplifting, empowering and crucial for the health and safety of young men and women, this is what millions of teens need to hear to redirect their paths. 

“Jumpstart Your Creativity”
So many of us want to write, but don’t know where to begin. With valuable information condensed from her popular Writing to Save Your Life Workshops, Weldon can ease an audience into writing for journals, essays, even memoirs with powerful tools and helpful insights that have helped thousands to jumpstart their writing lives and turn their ambitions into articles and books. 

Are you looking for a specific topic not found here? Email Michele Weldon your presentation needs at speaker@micheleweldon.com and she will customize a keynote for your specific audience. 

PRESENTATION FEEDBACK

"Thank you for your excellent work in our workshops. Your presence has helped us tremendously." --Ron Clark, Metro Domestic Violence Council, Portland, Oregon

"I enjoyed your keynote at One-On-One Writers & Editors Conference. You were great." --Writers & Editors Conference, Chicago, Illinois

"Michele was very helpful, interesting and thought-provoking. She was excellent and very informative with a great speaking style." --Evanston Northwestern Hospital, Evanston, Ill.  

"Michele Weldon has a story that is significant and can be a great help to anyone." --St. Giles Parish, Oak Park, Ill.

 "You did a great job teaching. You have made a difference in my life." --Off-Campus Writers Workshop, Winnetka, Ill.

"She is knowledgeable and compassionate and uses humor and good information to relate to the audience. She was able to facilitate questions and stay on rack with the task at hand. She is very personable, open and honest about her experiences." --Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Indianapolis, Ind.

"Your speech was truly inspirational and I'm confident it will live on int he hearts and minds of all those who heard it." --Northern Trust Bank, Chicago, Ill.

"Thank you for sharing your writings with us. They were humorous, tender and insightful." --FEMALE of DuPage County, Ill.

"Thank you for your moving and motivational speech. You are a gifted woman." --A Safe Place, Lake Forest, Ill.

"On behalf of all of us, thank you for being such an integral part of our panel discussion. We look forward to working with you again." --Friends of Battered Women & Their Children

 "Thank you for your tremendous program at the River Forest Public Library. I am so delighted Oak Park was a co-sponsor of the event. We would love to sponsor another program with you." --Oak Park Public Library, Oak Park, Illinois

"We loved your sense of humor. You are wonderful, very real, easy to relate to, charming and extremely funny. You are the best speaker we have had." --Christian Parenting, Western Springs, Ill.

"Your presence was an integral part of the success of the day and I have heard many wonderful comments about your books and presentation." --Assistance League of Chicagoland West

SELECT PRESENTATIONS AND KEYNOTES
American Association of University Women
National Association of Women Writers* 
American Bar Association Women
Newcomers of Oak Park
A Safe Place, Waukegan, Ill. 
Nineteenth Century Women’s Club, Oak Park
Barrington Newcomers Club
Northbrook Women’s Club
Bill Adams Memorial Foundation
Northwestern University Alumni Association
Brunch for Books, Oak Brook, Ill.
Northwestern University Women’s Center* 
Chicago Foundation for Women
Oak Brook Women’s Club
Children’s Memorial Guild
Oak Park-River Forest High School
City of Fargo, N.D.
Off-Campus Writer’s Workshop
Community Policing Institute, Minneapolis
Ozaukee County, Wis. Domestic Violence Council
Evanston Historical Society
PACES (5 Illinois chapters)
Evanston Hospital
Pillars Community Services
Family Services, DuPage County
Queen of Peace High School
Family Shelter Services, Washington, D.C.
Rainbow House
Family Violence Council of Cook County
Robert Crown Center Women’s Club
FEMALE (3 Illinois chapters)
Roosevelt Middle School, River Forest 
Florida Magazine Association
Rush/Oak Park Hospital 
Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau, Indiana
Sarah’s Inn
Friends of Battered Women & Their Children
Second Step 
Gottlieb Hospital
South Suburban Family Shelter
Hazelden Publishing Women’s Wellness Conference
Step By Step Early Childhood PTA
Hinsdale Women’s Club
The Adult Education of St. Isaac Jogues, Hinsdale
House of Good Shepherd, Chicago
Tuesday’s Child, Chicago
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center
Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
U.S. Department of Justice
Journalism & Women Symposium
Wheaton Newcomers Club
Junior League, DuPage County
Wheaton-Warrenville PTA
Lake Austin Spa “Wise Women Series” 
Willard School, River Forest
March of Dimes Annual Conference, Chicago
Women’s Peacepower Conference, Florida
Portland Domestic Violence Conference 
World’s Largest Writing Workshop, Chicago
Miraval Spa & Resort, Tucson, Az.
Writers & Editors Conference
Mount Sinai Hospital
Writers of Oak Park Public Library
Mutual Ground, Aurora
Writing to Save Your Life Workshops
Newcomers of Park Ridge
York High School Quill Society

RECENT EVENTS

The New Way to Write
As the times change, so does the way journalists write. The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication addressed the media shift at this year’s convention August 2-5 in San Francisco. The panel, “Re-defining Writing: Emerging New Models of Journalistic Practice,” featured Northwestern University assistant professor, author and journalist Michele Weldon, Northwestern’s David Abrahamson and New York University professor of journalism Brooke Kroeger. Weldon presented her findings based on two years of research and the topic of her upcoming book, Everyman News, defining the increase of features in newspapers, the need to appeal to readership, and the increase in democratic sourcing. The panel was held Wednesday, August 2, from 10 a.m.-11:30a.m at the San Francisco Marriott.

Writing Workshop
Michele Weldon offered her Writing To Save Your Life Workshop Sunday, August 20 from 1-4 p.m. on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston. Touching on issues such as writing without fear and sharpening your observation skills, Weldon delivered a vibrant, concretely useful program for professional and amateur writers of any skill level. Participants received a workbook, handouts, and hours of superb writing advice.

WOMAN TO WOMEN
“Together let us seek the heights,” is Alpha Chi Omega’s open motto. This summer the women of A Chi O did “seek the heights” at their national convention July 14-18 at the Chicago Hilton. The convention featured speakers from around the country including Assistant Professor of Journalism Michele Weldon.Weldon led two breakout sessions on women’s issues and writing. The first session, “She is One of Us,” focused on myths surrounding domestic violence. The second forum, “Writing to Save Your Life” discussed the importance and power of journaling and expressive writing. Other presenters at the conference were Marie Claire Health Editor Marty Munson, authors T.L. McCown and Rena Pederson and Betsy Stephenson, director of athletics at Emory University. For more information, contact: Diane Paschal, Marketing/Events Coordinator at 317-579-5050 or dpaschal@alphachiomega.org .

NEWSPAPERS CAN'T WIN
“Newspapers will never win the time race,” Michele Weldon told University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business editor Stephen Morgan. In the column, “All the News That's Fit to ... Aggregate, Download, Blog: Are Newspapers Yesterday's News?” published March 22, 2006 by the Wharton School of Business, Weldon was quoted on her take on the media landscape today. The piece was sparked by the sale of the Knight-Ridder newspaper chain to McClatchy earlier that month. Weldon ‘s new book deals with the increase of features as front page news. In the article Weldon was quoted emphasizing the newspapers’ need to make articles more appealing but also stresses that there needs to be less concern “about how the news gets delivered.” http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/index.cfm?fa=viewArticle&id=1425

MAKE YOUR WORDS WORK FOR YOU
During the National Association of Women Writers 2006 Writer’s Annual Tele-Conference Weldon told participants how to forge a career doing writing in many different forms from speeches to articles, books and documentaries. If you missed her presentation March 10, 2006, you have not missed the message. The CD from “Quilting a Career with From Words,” is available online along with other CDs from the conference featuring writers including 2002 Bellwether Prize winner Gayle Brandeis, and Jan B. King, editorial director for WomenPublishingNetwork.com. The 10 set CD collection can be purchased for $197 at http://www.naww.org/generic152.html .

"EVERYMAN'S NEWS" AT NU
Medill School of Journalism Assistant Professor Michele Weldon presented original insight and research based on the book she has been writing about the dramatic increase in features and narrative approaches to hard news on the front pages of American newspapers. She also discussed the increase in unofficial sources -- up to 75 percent in the 850 front page stories she studied in 2001 and 2004. Her presentation was the December Faculty Colloquium held Wednesday, December 7, 2005 at Northwestern University, Evanston.

July 16, 2005
Session Leader, "For the Love of Humanity: Adding People to Your Business News"
Association of Area Business Publications Annual Conference
Chicago, IL

May 21, 2005
Seminar, "Jump-Start Your Writing" 
Wheeling, IL

April, 2005
Speaker, "She is One of Us" 
International Conference on Violence
Montreal

February 13, 2004
Keynote, Shelter for Abused Women & Children, Registry Resort, Naples, FL

November 17, 2003
Moderator, Literary Circle Fundraising Event
Weldon will interview authors Alice Sebold and Glen David Gold in a discussion on the writing life
Glenbrook South High School
400 West Lake Avenue
Glenview, IL
Call 847-353-7143 or http://www.literarycircle.org 

October 24, 2003
Writing to Save Your Life Workshop
Flemington, NJ

October 23, 2003
Women’s Crisis Center
Keynote, Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, NJ

October 9, 2003 
The Second Step Annual Fundraiser
Keynote Speaker, Newton, Mass. 
For more info, visit the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Calendar of Events

October 2, 2003, 10 am- Noon, Off-Campus Writers Workshop, Winnetka, Ill.
Workshop, “Essays and Memoir” 

September 19-21, 2003
Journalism & Women Symposium, Annual Conference, Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Alberta, Canada
Panelist, “Public Speaking” and Presenter, “The Healing Power of Memoir”

August 21-23, 2003
Florida Magazine Association, Sarasota Ritz Carlton
Keynote Speaker, “The Power of Words”
Writing to Save Your Life Workshop 

PAST SPEECHES
http://www.lakeaustin.com/pr_loveofbooks.html
http://www.violenceresource.org/apps/brochure.pdf