Author Talks & Keynotes

I schedule a limited number of in-person speaking gigs each year (when a pandemic isn’t raging). Over the years I’ve addressed thousands of people in diverse settings around the U.S. Whether your event is small and casual, big and formal, virtual or in person, I can tailor a presentation to meet your needs.

My speaker’s honorarium will be based on your organization’s ability to pay. When appearing in person and travel is required, I also ask that you reimburse any lodging, mileage, and meals.

Invite Me to Speak

To get a feel for my speaking style, please watch:

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Frequently Requested Topics

“Practicing Presence: Insights from the Streets”
What does homelessness look and feel like from street level? I found out firsthand. I once chose to go without a home for 47 days in Columbus, Ohio—my home at the time. After this presentation, you might look with new eyes at every person you meet, homeless and otherwise.

“Touching the Faces of Loss”
The losses we suffer have many faces. We often turn away from them to protect ourselves from sorrow and pain. Yet holding them gently is the necessary work of grief. Drawing on the themes of For the Sake of One We Love and Are Losing, I’ll help you approach your losses with more courage and compassion.

“The Good Medicine of Mindfulness Poetry”
Mindfulness poems are good medicine. They invite you to bring your whole self to whatever moment you’re in and truly live it. Drawing on this prize-winning anthology, which I co-edited, we’ll explore how reading and/or writing mindfulness poetry can benefit your life.


“The 1862 U.S.-Dakota War Through Sarah Wakefield’s Eyes”
Hear captivating stories behind Beneath the Same Stars, my novel that dives into Minnesota’s 1862 US-Dakota War from the perspective of Sarah Wakefield. She was a doctor’s wife who got caught up in the conflict. You’ll learn about a largely forgotten war that still haunts the Upper Plains.

“What to Do When the Muse Wakes You Up”
How does your creative side—your Muse—communicate with you? Nudge your shoulder? Tug your sleeve? Startle you awake in the middle of the night? Let’s dig into the magic of creative inspiration and how to more intentionally work with it.

Virtual Events & Book Clubs

I would love to chat with your book club, library discussion group, or other “literary salon” about my work. Thanks to modern technology, you can schedule me to join you via your favorite virtual platform. To arrange a free virtual author visit of 30-60 minutes, contact me. 

What’s a virtual visit like?

  • Cost: Free.
  • Format: Usually conversational, question-and-answer; no prepared remarks.
  • Length: 30-60 minutes, depending on your wishes.
  • Copies of the book: I encourage your group to purchase print copies from a local bookshop or directly from my Store. E-books (where applicable) may also be purchased. Buying direct is the best way to support an independent author. Buying local is the best way to support independent bookstores.
  • Reading and discussion: Ideally, group members would read the book before my visit. They would also hold their own discussion of the book before I get online, as preparation.

Intimidated by technology?
Contact me anyway, or ask a friend for help. Experimenting is fun, and well worth the effort. Virtual discussions sometimes have more audience participation than in-person events. These links might help you get started on some popular virtual platforms:

Need discussion starters for my virtual visit?
I am easy to talk with, so relax. Everything will be fine and dandy. I would be most excited to hear your group’s interpretations of my works and to answer specific questions about my creation of them. But if you’re feeling stuck, download this list of general author questions. It’s a mash-up of things that I have been asked or have read online. I don’t have canned answers. My replies will be spontaneous and conversational.

What Clients are Saying

”Phyllis Cole-Dai offers a consistent message: set aside distraction and pay attention. And we listen. For nearly twenty years, I have enjoyed hearing Phyllis deliver this message with compassion and eloquence, opening eyes, minds, and hearts to the most vulnerable among us, indeed, to all those we can no longer afford to ignore.

Paul BaggettAssociate Professor and Graduate Coordinator of English, South Dakota State University

”Phyllis has been a guest speaker in my classes and as a long time friend, I’m grateful for her leadership in many activities promoting a more positive future. With Phyllis, you get three gifts in one: intelligence, passion and compassion.

Carl KlineMt. Marty University

”I have attended readings and retreats that Phyllis has facilitated with incredible compassion and soul. I have seen her handle difficult situations with skill and kindness. Her presence is in itself healing as she is deeply insightful. Working with her has been not only a gift, but an unspeakable privilege.

Claire Willis, LICSWAuthor of "Lasting Words: A Guide to Finding Meaning Toward the Close of Life" and "Opening to Grief: Finding Your Way from Loss to Peace" Co-founder of Facing Cancer Together

”To listen to Phyllis Cole-Dai is to open the self to wonder, curiosity, mindfulness and epiphany. As an editor, writer, musician and teacher, she has a wealth of practical and personal information to share about creative process and so much wisdom about how we might explore the mysteries of being alive. Such a gift, the presence and words of this incredible woman!

Rosemerry Wahtola TrommerAuthor of "Hush", co-host of Stubborn Praise Poetry Series and Emerging Form Podcast

”Phyllis' presentation is engaging, professional, and thought-provoking regardless of platform. It has been well received by library customers each time she has visited. At each presentation, there has been a lively and enriching discussion — a wonderful opportunity to grow and learn from Phyllis and others in the community. We hope to invite Phyllis back often in the future!

Amber PettmanAdult Programming Librarian | Siouxland Libraries

The Fine Print

Live in South Dakota?

  • I am a South Dakota Humanities Scholar. If you’re located in South Dakota, you can apply to the South Dakota Humanities Council for funds to sponsor me for your event. More details here.
  • Scholar Lawrence Diggs has generously offered tech support for anyone who schedules through the Bureau and needs assistance. Contact him here.

Want a Virtual Presentation?

  • I would be happy to speak to your group via your favorite video-conferencing platform. Contact me for more information.

During the Pandemic

  • I will only do virtual events until further notice.
  • Contact me to discuss how I might serve your programming needs via your favorite virtual platform.
  • I can lead poetry or journaling circles, 1-2 hour classes, a series of workshops, or a full-fledged retreat.
  • Fees are negotiable.
  • (Virtual author visits for book clubs, as described above, are free.)

Press Kit and Videos

See my About page for my press kit (bio and headshots) and video samples of my work.

We got through the pandemic together.
Why stop now?

Sustenance from the arts. Free. For you.