About

Telling True Stories – Successful nonfiction publishing 

College media instructor and award-winning author shares how to create nonfiction that grabs attention (including your autobiography)

50 – 110 minutes. Who are you and what have you learned that the world needs to discover? Beckstrand has authored a series of immigrant biographies for young readers and two self-help books for adults. “I love to hear and share true stories of courage and resiliency.” Participants will learn how to identify their core message and gather, organize, and articulate it in a way that will grab and influence readers. Some marketing tips will be shared. (Can be in English or Spanish—or a workshop with notice)

Areas of expertise: Research, interviewing, writing, genealogy, publishing, print production, history and cultures, book marketing

Getting Your Book to the World – Traditional vs. Digital Publishing & Marketing

Best-selling author and college media instructor Karl Beckstrand shares simple steps to publishing success (including ebooks) 50 – 110 minutes. How do you get your book/product to your target audience/buyers—and have it consumed? Beckstrand presents the pros and cons of traditional, self-, and e-publishing (including Print on Demand), and how to market to a global audience using traditional and new media. In the digital age plot, character, and setting are still essential; what has changed is delivery.  Beckstrand tells how to find an editor, designer, and agent. He can take questions and recommend options based on participant needs (in English or Spanish). Participants will learn how to research, write, publish, and market their stories (fiction or nonfiction). Can include copyright law and can be a panel with advanced notice.

Areas of expertise: Publishing; Mass Media - TV/radio/print/online; Marketing & PR (SEO/PPC/Social Media); Journalism/Associated Press style; Design; Print Production; Creativity; Curriculum Creation; English/ESL; Humanities; Adobe Creative Cloud; Languages & Cultures; Teaching & Learning Activities.

Making Habit Work for You - Replace the Bad with Milestones

Writer and business owner discusses establishing small daily practices that can replace vice and produce huge achievement; 50 - 110 minutes. People are often overwhelmed when facing a bad habit or forging a new routine; sometimes precedent convinces them that there’s no beating ingrained things. Beckstrand speaks of the small picture and how seemingly insignificant acts practiced daily—without fail—can yield herculean results. It doesn’t necessarily take great exertion, but commitment to consistent daily steps, to go from helplessness to achiever. Beckstrand shares true stories of individuals who have conquered personal demons and made the world better via persistence in the little things. Beckstrand will answer participant questions and share tips on what works and what doesn’t.

Areas of expertise: Relationships, Philosophy; 12 Steps; Ethics; Training & Instruction; Goal attainment

Writing for Media: News Stories & Press Releases that Get Attention 

Publisher and mass media instructor Karl Beckstrand teaches how to write a newsworthy story and win free publicity for your product, service, or organization; 50 – 110 minutes. Beckstrand gives a crash course in Associated Press style and the difference between benefits and features (how to avoid hype). He’ll show inverted pyramid story structure, formatting (acronyms, dates, titles, addresses), leads, and headlines that will grab media professionals, and how to follow up for a spot on a show. He explains libel and slander and can answer questions regarding summaries, metadata, links, and other details that can get a story noticed. Beckstrand has access to a variety of professionals who can offer input in panels, workshops, labs, and seminars.

Areas of expertise: Journalism, Publishing, Broadcasting & Film (studio, radio, film, television); Marketing & Public Relations; Creativity (music, art, theater, literature); International Organizations; Spanish Language & Interpretation; Teaching & Learning Activities; Public Speaking

Writing Scripts for Shows, Film, Ads & the Web 

Screenwriter and mass media instructor Karl Beckstrand teaches how to write scripts for marketing and entertainment; 50 – 110 minutes. Beckstrand shows the standard formats for radio, T.V., film, ad, and Web scripts/screenplays. He emphasizes the value of visual storytelling and offers tips on what to avoid. He speaks on creating treatments and synopses that grab the attention of media professionals and agents. He can also answer questions regarding character, scene, story development, and production. Beckstrand takes time to answer participants' questions and has access to a variety of professionals who can offer input in panels, workshops, labs, and seminars. He does short Skype appearances/consultation for free. 

Areas of expertise: Broadcasting & Film (studio, radio, film, television); Marketing & Public Relations; Creativity (music, art, theater, literature)