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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

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2024 topics

  • The 3 Acts & 3 Storylines of Every Successful Nonfiction Author's Journey
  • How to Write a Commercially Academic-Trade Crossover by Understanding the Reader's Journey
  • Nonfiction Author Platform Building & Awareness Campaign Basics
  • Is It Writer's Block? Is It Burnout? Or Is It Something Else?

upcoming events

Coeur Du Bois writers group logo

What "Show, Don't Tell" Means, What It Looks Like, and Why It Matters

Saturday, May 4th, 2024

Confused by the advice "Show, don't tell"? You're not alone. Even experienced writers struggle with this one. After nine years of substantive editing, I've come to the conclusion that novelists and memoirists stumble in this area because sometimes it's better to show and sometimes it's better to tell. Writers instinctively understand this, but struggle to identify showing versus telling in different contexts and which to do when and why.

If this sounds like you, join me at the May Coeur Du Bois Chapter (CBC-RWA) meeting for a writing workshop with real-world help, including real-world, compare-and-contrast examples and a take-home tip sheet.

IN-PERSON ONLY at 1:00 p.m., Smoky Mountain Pizzeria and Grill, 415 E. Parkcenter Blvd, Boise, ID 83706. 

For more information and to register, click here.

14th Annual Nonfiction Writers Conference promotional image

The 14th annual Nonfiction Writers Conference returns May 8-10, 2024

Held entirely online. No travel required! 

And I'm happy to be back for a 3rd time as one of the Ask-a-Pro pros!

Depending on registration level, attendees can access the following benefits:

  • Live educational sessions delivered by Zoom, including Q&A with speakers.
  • 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.

The Nonfiction Writers Conference has a long history of delivering educational content and helping accelerate the careers of attendees. If you’re ready to take your author business to the next level, don’t miss this powerful event.

Register for the Nonfiction Writers Conference: Click Here.

This year, I've joined the conference's affiliate program. So if you use the link above to register for the conference, they'll pay me a percentage of your registration fee.  

book Cristen for your event
"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
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past events

2024

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

2023

HEARTtalk with Dr. Charles Lee: The Ethos in Writing Memoir (July 2023, watch here)

JourneySixty6, the Writing Podcast: How to Move Your Story Forward with Scenes (July 2023, listen here)

Idaho Writers Conference 2023

Journey Sixty6, the Writing Podcast: How to Write a Memorable Memoir: Structuring and Building Unforgettable Scenes (April 2023, listen here)

2022

Writers Corner Workshop: How to Write in Scenes for Memoir and Novel Writers

Idaho Editors and Writers Association: Working with Clients Who Aspire to Be Traditionally Published (June 8, 2022)

Idaho Writers Conference (presenter and faculty, May 20 & 21, 2022)

NFAA Podcast Guest: Tips for Writing a Compelling Memoir (February 23, 2022; listen here)

Idaho Editors and Writers Association: Publishing Trends Panel Discussion, I covered traditional publishing topics (February 9, 2022)

2021

Nonfiction Writers Fall Conference (virtual): Ask-a-Pro (November 4th & 5th, 2021)

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, Ask-a-Pro (May 5-7, 2021)

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

2020

Nonfiction Writers Conference (virtual): Ask-a-Pro  (November 2020)

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

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)

2019

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)

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

2018

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

Working with a Developmental Editor (Library! Boise 2018)

2017

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

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)

2009-2014

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)

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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