Appearances & Events | Author Brandi Kennedy

Author Appearances & Event Bookings

The Story Behind The Pages

Stories have an incredible way of starting conversations we didn't know we needed to have. Regardless of genre, the stories we love always help us learn more about ourselves and the world around us, and this opportunity to nurture wisdom, compassion, and understanding is part of what I love most about a good book.

Storytelling is one of my deepest passions, so whether it's a book-club discussion, writer's group, library event, podcast conversation, or virtual Q&A with members of the bookish community, I truly enjoy talking about the stories behind the pages. Maybe it's the characters, choices, and themes—or maybe it's the late nights, messy drafts, and unexpected plot twists. Either way, I'm always excited for the chance to talk about the story that unfolds in the space between a brilliant idea and a beautiful book in the hand of a reader.

If you love these things too, and you're interested in inviting me to speak or participate in future events, I'd love to hear from you!

Availability

Depending on location and event scheduling, here are my favorite ways to participate:

Book Club Discussions
Bookstore & Community Events
Library & Literary Gatherings
Panels & Roundtable Discussions
Podcasts & Interviews
Virtual Q&A sessions, especially with reader participation
Workshops & Developmental Presentations
Writer & Writing-Group Discussions

Keynote & Thematic Speaking Engagements:

Some of the most meaningful conversations I've had about my writing aren't about books at all. They're about what happens when life falls apart, in the chapters where we struggle to reclaim our voices or figure out who we are after life's greatest (and worst) plot twists.

I welcome opportunities to speak on the real-life themes and experiences that have shaped so much of my writing, because I believe exploring healing, resilience, empowerment, recovery, and rediscovering a sense of identity after life's hardest seasons can open doors to compassion and understanding—not only for ourselves but for the people around us. These conversations draw from lived experience and the hard-won perspective of a survivor, making space for both vulnerability and hope.

Presentations can be tailored to the needs of the audience or event, and may focus on specific themes, the connection between healing and storytelling, or the broader journey of understanding hardship, reclaiming our voices, and finding new ways to re-imagine what comes next.

*I am currently most readily available for virtual appearances. In-person engagements may be possible depending on location, scheduling, accessibility, and the nature of the event.*

A Note About Fees & Compensation

Connection Matters Most

I believe authors and readers benefit mutually from opportunities to connect through stories, and while every relationship requires both sides to bring something to the table, I don't like the idea of turning every conversation into a sales transaction.

For that reason, I am happy to consider unpaid virtual conversations, discussions, interviews, and community or reader-focused opportunities when the event is a genuine invitation to connect rather than a paid promotional package.

Writing is my dream, my profession, and my calling, so appearances that require substantial preparation, teaching, presentation development, travel, or professional services will generally require compensation. In other words: I don't pay to be featured. I do not purchase author showcases, "guaranteed exposure," networking opportunities, interviews, reviews, speaking slots, or other promotional opportunities.

*If your organization would like to invite me to commit professional time and expertise—and would like to discuss appropriate compensation—please keep reading!*

When Compensation Applies

I do not charge a fee simply for the privilege of speaking with readers or participating in genuine literary conversations, nor do I pay organizations to provide those opportunities. I don't pay for access to audiences, and I don't consider promotional exposure equal to compensation for professional services.

The following engagements often involve significant time, preparation, expertise, or travel, and will typically require compensation:

Conference Appearances
Commercial & Promotional Appearances
Custom & Educational Presentations
Events Requiring Travel
Extended Panels
Keynote Speeches
Workshops
Other engagements involving substantial preparation or professional time

Note: I also understand that every event is different, so conversations revolving around compensation will be evaluated based on availability, the scope of the engagement, preparation required, travel, audience, and other event-specific considerations.

Before Submitting Your Invitation

A Few Things You Should Know

I am a working author and a disabled single parent, so my availability is limited and varies throughout the year. Submitting a request does not guarantee availability or participation.
I do not participate in events that require authors to purchase advertising, pay participation fees, or otherwise pay for the privilege of appearing.
Invitations requiring advance purchase of books will be evaluated individually, based on requested volume, purchasing requirements, and availability.

If you still want to chat about books, writing, storytelling, and the ideas that live between the pages, I am always interested in a good conversation!

A Few Things I Need To Know

I value your time as much as I value my own, and I believe the best conversations begin with clear and honest communication. Before submitting an invitation below, please be sure to have the following information available:

Your Name & Contact Information
Your Organization & Your Role within the Organization
The Type of Event You're Planning
Whether the Event is Virtual or In Person
Your Proposed Date or Date Range
Expected Audience Size
Approximate Length of Appearance
What You Would Like Me to Do or Discuss
How or Whether the Event will be Recorded, Distributed, or Publicized
Where and How Your Event Will be Promoted
Whether there are Fees, Ticket Sales, Sponsorships, or other Financial Arrangements Associated with Your Event

To protect both your time and mine, please be as specific as possible and answer each question honestly. The more I know about the opportunity, the sooner we can determine the fit!

Request An Appearance

Interested in inviting me to your event?

Please complete the appearance request form below. I personally review each submission, and will reach out if the opportunity looks like a good fit.

Note: Submission of this form does not guarantee availability or participation, and due to the volume of requests I receive, I may not be able to respond to every submission.

Submit Your Invitation!