“She uses talent, marketing skill, and life’s inspirations to touch millions of lives through her creations.”
— Jim Barnes, Editor, Independent Publisher Magazine

Gifted author and artist Marianne Richmond is a “connection expert.” For more than 12 years, she has helped people relate with family, friends and colleagues through her numerous books, cards and gift items. Marianne is a skilled listener and communicator who understands how best to convey the emotions of life. Her writing and artwork have touched millions of people worldwide.

Marianne is delighted to customize a presentation depending on the makeup of your group. She can also offer a creative element, if desired. “I think people become more vested in the topic if they walk away with a meaningful reminder,” says Marianne.

Marianne will sign and sell her books at all her events, if desired.

If you have any questions feel free to e-mail Marianne at: mr@mariannerichmond.com

Topic: Especially for Girls (age 8 to 108) — Growing our Character
Optional Art Part: Character Trait Planter

“She’s a person of character.” We’ve heard that phrase. But do you know what it means? Simply stated, it means we are noticing a person’s consistent way of showing a particular personality trait, be it honesty, empathy, or generosity. But how do you develop a desired trait, when it doesn’t come naturally? Believe it or not – practice makes perfect, just like learning to play the piano. In this thoughtful look at developing our character, Marianne invites participants to deliberately select a trait, brainstorm how that trait shows up in life, nurture its growth, solicit feedback and, lastly, create a visual reminder of our desired character goal through a personalized planter.

Topic: Living Heartfully*
Optional Art Part: Collage Heart on Wood or Canvas

“Thank you so much for doing such a fantastic job speaking at our Women’s Event at Normandale Church! Your genuine kindness, humor and compassion were evident throughout the evening. I have heard many positive comments about the event. You really touched many lives and made us all think deeply about who we really are or who we want to change to become.”
— Julie James, Normandale Church, Edina, MN

We crave to be in relationship with others. But, how do we achieve these heartfelt connections when we barely have time to get our hair cut? By living with H.E.A.R.T. —humility, empathy, authenticity, reasonable expectations and with gratitude. In a fun, creative night, Marianne Richmond invites you to artistically depict what’s in YOUR heart — and in the process, connect with those around you!

Topic: When God Says Wait: a night of hope for women
Optional Art Part: Creating a Prayer Box

“What an incredible evening! It felt like a mini-retreat and my friends and I were truly inspired!” — Karen Richelson

What are you waiting for? A job? A child? A mate? News about your health? Or, simply said, life direction? We all, at one time or another, seek God’s plan for our life and subsequently feel frustrated when we are seemingly met with His silence. What we often hear as God’s “no,” however, is God’s “wait.” “Wait for My timing. Wait for Me to work in you. Wait while you learn to trust Me.” Marianne Richmond will provide hopeful perspective about our times of waiting. A perfect event for those in one of God’s waiting rooms.

Call for fee schedule and availability

Topic: Cash in on Your Creativity (ideal for community education class, or school setting with entrepreneurial focus)

Do you want to publish your own greeting cards, sell your handmade jewelry, or design web sites? If you have some idea of what you want to do but need to jumpstart the process, this class is perfect for you. You will receive a tool kit of ideas on getting started, learning to differentiate yourself, defining your brand, marketing, publicity, distribution, and the “best of” business advice from various business owners. Marianne is a local entrepreneur whose two million dollar business includes books, journals, and paper products found in more than 1,500 retailers nationwide, including Target, Inc.

Topic: I Have A Masterpiece In Me!

Join Marianne Richmond in her local studio where YOU will create your very own artistic masterpiece! Marianne often hears people tell her, "I am just not creative!" In this hands-on workshop, Marianne will share her paints, brushes and supplies while helping you create a painted canvas you can proudly hang in your home! Next class scheduled for February 2009.

Call for fee schedule and availability

Marianne is happy to impart her wisdom gleaned from twelve years of writing and publishing her creations. Areas of expertise include:

• benefits of self publishing vs. finding an outside publisher
• how to publish, market, and sell books
• the ins and outs of product development
• brand identity — logo development and positioning statements
• idea generation

Fee Schedule for Consulting and Creative Services
Travels from: Minneapolis, MN. Will conduct phone consultation as well.
Fee Details: $150/hour.

“Dear Marianne ... you're the best because you make crafts just like I love to.”
— Marisa, age 5

There is nothing more rewarding to me than seeing and hearing that my books are being read and enjoyed! That's why I love visiting schools and classrooms. Seeing young faces light up, sharing in their laughter, responding to their questions, and creating with the kids are some of my favorite times with students!


PRESENTATIONS: During a full day visit I will do up to three sessions, 50 minutes in length or two sessions in a half-day. In a typical session, I tell briefly how I became an author, talk about how ideas become stories and how stories become books (writer, editor, publisher). I will read one or several of my books, answer questions, and like to incorporate a creative time with the kids. Some art activities I have done:

• self portrais
• create your own greeting card
• create bag tags and/or charm bracelets

MY BASIC NEEDS: A chair, long table and bottled water are my only presentation requirements. I need at least 15 minutes between sessions to regroup my materials. Because of the quantity of props I use, it is best that I set up just once, preferably in the media center, and have groups arrive and depart on a schedule. The sessions should be by grade level (or near grade levels if combinations are necessary) and may be as large as you can fit into the space. The children should be seated on the floor.

SUCCESSFUL VISITS: One Children's Booksellers Association said it best in their guidebook for author visits: “The success of your event will depend on your students’ familiarity with your guest’s books. It is necessary for you to assume the responsibility of making the books available to the youngsters and seeing to it that they are read and discussed.” It is only after some years of experience with these visits that I offer the following observations, however obvious some of them may seem:

• The more preparation the children have, the more they will get from the experience.

• Possible questions for me can be discussed ahead of time.

• Teachers and aids should attend the sessions with their children so that effective
follow-up discussions and activities can be enhanced.

• Other faculty, staff and parents are invited to sit in on any sessions.

• Please stress the importance of everyone sticking to the schedule so everyone can
get the most out of my time. If the date becomes conflicted with any other major
school event, it is better to reschedule the visit than to try "working around it." Please!


SELLING BOOKS: Love to! Prior to my visit, I will provide schools with a School Author Visit packet which includes an order form for the book sale and a tally sheet.
I can also send these forms via a pdf file over e-mail. Most schools fax the tally sheet, with inscriptions, one week prior to the visit. Therefore, the majority of books are delivered on the day of the visit, autographed with personal inscriptions and sealed
in plastic bags. Additional books are brought on the day of the visit for last
minute orders.

FEES: Fees will be quoted upon request. Expenses may include mileage, lodging, meals and air travel when necessary.