I’m an Emmy-winning travel writer, author, and publisher who speaks on stages across the US about travel and writing.
If you’re interested in booking me as a speaker, I’ve got a list of topics below. I’m also happy to create custom presentations. If you see something on my site or in my books that you think would be a great chat, let me know!
Click here to see upcoming appearances.
Presentations
Travel Presentations
Living Landmarks of Chicago
Based on her book by the same name, author Theresa L. Goodrich presents ten of her favorite Living Landmarks of Chicago. You’ll be enthralled as she introduces you to not only the architecture of landmarks like the Field Museum and Art Institute of Chicago, but also unveils the people behind the bricks and mortar. You’ll learn little known stories about famous – and infamous – characters like Marshall Field, Walter Newberry, and Cap Streeter, for whom Streeterville was named.
Planning Your Perfect Road Trip
There’s nothing like jumping in the car for an adventure, and right now road trips are more popular than ever. Theresa L. Goodrich is an inveterate road trip enthusiast who’s traveled thousands of miles to tell the stories of America’s treasures.
In this fun and energetic session, Theresa shares her best tips for planning your perfect road trip adventure, including choosing your ideal destination, saving money during your travels, and doing it all safely. Whether you’re looking to drive cross-country or just need a weekend getaway, you’ll learn how to plan an experience you’ll love.
Based on Theresa’s book, Planning Your Perfect Road Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide to Hittin’ the Road
Road Trips from Chicago
Ready to hit the road, but don’t know where to go? An inveterate road tripper and lifelong Midwesterner not only provides a step-by-step method to find destinations, but also recommends several places within a few hours of Chicago and its suburbs.
This exciting presentation goes beyond the typical destinations and highlights unique places that’ll create life-long memories.
A Tour of Five National Parks
Award-winning author Theresa L. Goodrich presents a tour of five unique National Parks. After a brief history of the National Park System, she’ll take you inside parks that highlight the west’s ecological diversity. During this program, you’ll virtually explore Badlands National Park, Glacier National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Zion National Park.
Theresa goes beyond visual beauty and into the stories of the parks themselves and how they came to be. At the end of this presentation (and probably before!), you’ll be ready to plan a real-life visit to these natural wonders.
Pacific Coast Road Trip
Explore the rugged beauty of the West Coast, from the beaches of San Diego to the streets of Seattle with award-winning author Theresa L. Goodrich. She’ll take you along this bucket list road trip, sharing her firsthand experience driving the Pacific coast, as well as offer tips for planning your own road trip. From charming seaside towns to breathtaking views, you’ll discover the best places to stop along the way.
You’ll learn stories of places like Cape Disappointment, Big Sur, and Cannon Beach, and you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the beauty of this stunning region. Whether you’re planning your own road trip or simply looking for some armchair travel inspiration, you’ll love this hour of adventure and exploration.
Travel Inspiration: Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is an easy day trip or weekend trip and has long been a popular destination for residents of Chicago and its suburbs. While the area’s known for golf and for the ritzy mansions that surround Geneva Lake, it’s got much more going on.
Author Theresa L. Goodrich highlights some of the best reasons to make the short drive, including riding along one of the last remaining mailboat routes, visiting a beer baron’s estate with ties to Jane Addams, discovering the birthplace of modern astrophysics, and feeding ostriches. By the end of this presentation (and probably before), you’ll be planning your Lake Geneva getaway.
Travel Inspiration: Midwest Road Trips
Who says the Midwest is flyover country? Discover scenic drives in the heart of America in this fun presentation. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to glacial grooves, from tiny towns that pack a punch to world’s largest things, you’ll see there’s a whole lot going on in this part of the country.
Travel Inspiration: Scottsdale Arts, Outdoors, and Old West
Scottsdale is known for spring training and golf courses, but it offers a whole lot more than sports. In this presentation, you’ll learn why this desert landscape inspired the likes of Paolo Soleri and Frank Lloyd Wright. With hiking, kayaking, a bustling viniculture scene, and ever-present reminders of the Old West, you’ll meet the captivating allure of this Arizona city.
Travel Inspiration: Sheboygan – Who Knew?
Known as the Malibu of the Midwest, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is the fresh water surfing capital of the world. If that made you think, “Who knew?” hold onto your beach towel, because this Midwest destination will blow you away.
With a thriving art scene, delicious dining, and miles of beaches, this presentation will entice you to plan a vacation to Sheboygan.
Travel Inspiration: Indiana Amish Country
Shipshewana is Indiana Amish Country, but it’s more than just buggies and pie. It’s miles of trails and acres of lakes. It’s live entertainment and the biggest flea market in the Midwest. It’s fresh produce and fresh air. Feeding bison and filling your belly. Quilt barns and quilting bees. The polished feel of beloved antiques and the sharp scent of new handmade furniture.
In this dynamic presentation, you’ll discover why this easy road trip from Chicago is a relaxing getaway you’ll want to add to your bucket list, as well as a look into Amish culture and why there are so many in the Midwest.
Based on Theresa’s book, Show Me Shipshewana: a Guide to Indiana Amish Country
Writing and Publishing Presentations
Finding Your Voice
Learn how to find – and use – your voice to tell stories in an authentic and meaningful way that enables you to connect with readers.
Passive Voice Primer
Put some punch into your prose with this masterclass on using active voice. You’ll learn Passive Voice is, why it’s such a downer, and how you can not only recognize it, but also excise it.
Research Rabbit Holes
One of the best ways to bring writing to life is to include accurate and intriguing details. In this presentation, you’ll learn how to find primary source documents that give your story detail and that special something to make it stand out from every other piece about your subject.
Self-Publishing 101
So you want to publish a book? Learn the steps to go from manuscript to final product, including the pros and cons of indie publishing, common mistakes, the basics of distribution, and tips on promoting and marketing.
Writing and Publishing Workshops
Workshops are multi-day intensive events that encompass multiple aspects of writing and publishing.
Travel Writing Mastery
Taught by Emmy-winning author, publisher, and speaker Theresa L. Goodrich, this extensive master course will show writers, step-by-step, how to bring destinations to life. This is a beginning to end, from concept to published product, deep dive into the craft of travel writing.
Simple Self-Publishing
Based on the course and book of the same name, this hands-on multi-day workshop breaks down the complex world of independent publishing into simple steps. If you start the workshop with a completed manuscript, by the time you’re done, you’ll have published your book.