Welcome to my teaching hub!
Welcome! You’ve landed on the home of Writing Workshops and Author Presentations by Melissa Bourbon. I’m a bestselling author, writing coach, and experienced educator. Whether you’re planning an in-person event, an online class, or a writers’ retreat, I offer engaging, craft-focused workshops and presentations tailored to fiction writers, aspiring authors, and writing organizations. From story structure and dialogue to platform-building and marketing, each session is designed to inspire, educate, and empower writers at every stage of their journey.
If you’re looking for an experienced, engaging presenter to inspire and educate your writing group, conference audience, or organization, you’re in the right place. I’d love to connect!
Ready to bring me to your event? Send an email to start the conversation.
Please browse my selection of workshops and presentations and ➤ contact me (melissa abourbonbooks at hey dot com ) about your needs and events.
Download ➤ Melissa’s Speaker One Sheet
Pinterest for Authors: Grow Your Platform Without the Social Media Overwhelm
Tired of chasing algorithms and posting daily just to stay visible? You’re not alone—and good news! You’re not out of options.
In this eye-opening (and totally doable!) 1-hour session, bestselling author and writing educator Melissa Bourbon introduces authors to the long game of Pinterest—a powerful and underutilized tool for author visibility. With Pinterest, your content keeps working for you long after you hit publish.
With more than 465 million monthly active users (98 million in the U.S. alone), Pinterest offers massive opportunity for discoverability—and yet, most authors aren’t using it at all.
In this session, you’ll learn:
Why Pinterest isn’t just “another platform” (hint: it’s not social—it’s searchable)
What authors can pin—even if you don’t have a blog
The basics of Pinterest SEO (and why keywords matter more than followers)
How to use pins, boards, and lead magnets to build long-term visibility
Whether you’re traditionally published, indie, or just starting out, Pinterest can help you attract new readers, grow your email list, and build a platform that works quietly behind the scenes—while you write.
Come curious. Leave inspired and with a clear understanding of how and why Pinterest should be part of every author’s marketing strategy.
What’s Your Story? Begin Your Memoir
Everyone has a story worth telling. Yes—even you.
Memoir is one of the most powerful forms of storytelling, and in this engaging, encouraging session, bestselling author and educator Melissa Bourbon helps writers uncover the moments in their lives that are waiting to be shared.
Memoirs aren’t just for celebrities. They’re for anyone who has experienced love, loss, transformation, resilience, or even the quiet beauty of everyday life. In fact, the most meaningful stories often come from the most unexpected places.
You’ll learn:
What defines a memoir (and how it differs from autobiography)
How to identify the story thread within your life experiences
What makes personal writing resonate with readers
Prompts and exercises to unlock key memories
How to begin shaping your story into a compelling narrative
Whether you’re drawn to writing about a life-changing moment, a defining relationship, a challenge you overcame, or a journey of growth, this session will help you take the first step.
This presentation can be offered as a single session or expanded into a class series. All formats leave participants feeling empowered, inspired, and equipped with a list of personal story ideas ready to explore on the page.
Essential Elements of Ebook Cover Design: Make Your Book Stand Out
In the ever-growing world of independent publishing, your ebook cover isn’t just a piece of art—it’s your book’s digital first impression. And in a crowded marketplace, that first impression matters more than ever.
In this visually engaging and practical session, bestselling author, designer, and book marketing educator Melissa Bourbon walks authors through the core principles of effective ebook cover design. Whether you’re creating your own covers or working with a designer, knowing what works—and why—can make all the difference when it comes to visibility and sales.
You’ll learn:
What makes an ebook cover stand out in thumbnail view (where most readers first see it)
How typography, color, and genre expectations shape reader perception
The do’s and don’ts of DIY cover design
How to ensure your cover speaks to the right audience
Why your cover is your most important marketing asset
Whether you’re preparing to publish your first book or looking to refresh a backlist title, this session will help you approach cover design with clarity, creativity, and strategy.
Participants will leave with a firm understanding of what makes a great ebook cover—and how to make sure theirs gets noticed.
Podcasting for Authors: Amplify Your Voice, Expand Your Reach
Looking for a dynamic, creative way to connect with your audience and grow your author platform? Podcasting might be your next best move.
In this practical and inspiring session, bestselling author and podcaster Melissa Bourbon pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start (and sustain) a podcast as an author. Whether you’re promoting your books, sharing writing advice, or simply want to build deeper connections with your audience, podcasting offers a powerful—and often untapped—way to expand your reach.
You’ll learn:
Why podcasting is a natural fit for authors (even introverts!)
How to choose your format, niche, and tone
The essential tools and setup you actually need to get started
Strategies to grow your listenership and repurpose your content
How podcasting can become a key part of your author brand and business
Whether you’re looking to build community, share your expertise, or create a marketing stream that feels authentic and fun, this session will leave you feeling confident, creative, and ready to hit record.
Come curious. Leave with a plan, a purpose—and maybe even the name of your future podcast.
The Hero’s Journey: Crafting Stories That Transform and Captivate
At the heart of every unforgettable story is a character transformed—and that transformation is what makes the Hero’s Journey one of the most powerful storytelling frameworks we have.
In this craft-focused workshop, bestselling author and educator Melissa Bourbon guides writers through the key stages of the Hero’s Journey, illustrating each step with vivid examples from fiction and film. You’ll discover how this timeless structure can deepen your storytelling, raise your stakes, and create emotional resonance that keeps readers turning pages.
You’ll learn:
The 12 essential stages of the Hero’s Journey (and why they work)
How to craft a protagonist’s internal and external transformation
The difference between plot events and character-driven storytelling
How to apply the framework to your own Work In Progress (WIP)
Tips for adapting the Hero’s Journey across genres—especially mystery, fantasy, and women’s fiction
This session is ideal for writers who want to create stronger, more emotionally compelling stories. Whether you’re outlining your next novel or revising your first draft, the Hero’s Journey can offer the clarity and depth you need to elevate your work.
Participants will leave with a clear understanding of the Hero’s Journey—and practical tools to begin mapping their own protagonist’s transformative arc.
The Hero’s Journey for Mysteries: Structure That Deepens Suspense and Character
Story structure is just as essential in mystery as it is in any other genre—maybe even more so. But how do you blend a traditional narrative arc with twists, red herrings, and reveals?
In this genre-specific session, bestselling mystery author and educator Melissa Bourbon adapts the classic Hero’s Journey and Three-Act Structure to fit the unique needs of mystery writers. From amateur sleuths to seasoned detectives, Melissa breaks down how to use this timeless framework to deepen character development, escalate stakes, and deliver a satisfying resolution readers won’t see coming—but will love.
You’ll learn:
How the Hero’s Journey maps onto mystery storytelling
Where the major turning points fall within a mystery’s structure
How internal transformation can mirror external clues and discoveries
How to use structure to enhance pacing and suspense
Ways to plot or revise your own WIP with the Hero’s Journey in mind
Whether you’re a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between, this session will give you the tools to structure your mystery with confidence—and make your protagonist’s journey unforgettable.
Participants will leave with a fresh perspective on story structure and actionable strategies to apply to their current or next mystery manuscript.
The Hero’s Journey for Romance: Crafting Emotional Arcs That Truly Satisfy
In romance writing, structure is everything. The love story may be front and center, but it’s the emotional journeys of both the hero and heroine that make readers fall in love—not just with the characters, but with the story itself.
In this heart-centered and craft-rich workshop, bestselling author and writing coach Melissa Bourbon explores how the Hero’s Journey can be used to shape the dual arcs of a romance novel. Through examples from popular films and books, you’ll learn how each character’s individual journey of growth and transformation intertwines with the central romantic plot.
You’ll learn:
How to map the Hero’s Journey onto both the heroine and hero
The balance between internal conflict and external stakes
How emotional beats align with key plot points in a romance arc
Why dual journeys make the final union feel earned and satisfying
How to use structure to deepen emotional payoff and connection
Whether you’re writing a swoony slow-burn, a spicy enemies-to-lovers tale, or a cozy romantic subplot, this workshop will give you the tools to make your characters’ emotional journeys as compelling as their chemistry.
Participants will leave with a solid understanding of how to apply the Hero’s Journey to their romance projects—and how to build love stories that resonate long after the final page.
Showing vs. Telling: What It Means and How to Do It
“Show, don’t tell.” It’s one of the most common pieces of writing advice—and one of the most misunderstood.
In this hands-on craft workshop, bestselling author and educator Melissa Bourbon breaks down the real meaning behind this phrase and shows you exactly how to apply it to your own writing. Through examples, discussion, and practical techniques, you’ll learn how to bring your scenes, characters, and emotions to life in a way that engages readers and elevates your storytelling.
You’ll learn:
What “showing” and “telling” actually mean (and when to use each)
How to spot telling in your own work—and transform it
The role of sensory details, body language, and internal thought
How to use “showing” to deepen character and emotional resonance
Strategies to balance both techniques for strong, effective prose
This workshop is ideal for writers in any genre who want to strengthen their voice, create vivid scenes, and keep readers fully immersed in the world of their story.
Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to make their writing more active, immersive, and emotionally impactful—line by line.
Creating Characters with Deep Backstory: Make Them Real, Make Them Resonate
Great stories start with unforgettable characters—and unforgettable characters begin with meaningful backstory.
In this hands-on, craft-focused workshop, bestselling author and writing coach Melissa Bourbon guides writers through the process of building layered, emotionally rich backstories that bring characters to life on the page. Whether you write mystery, romance, fantasy, or anything in between, your characters’ histories shape everything they do—and everything your readers feel.
You’ll learn:
Why backstory matters (and how much is too much)
How past wounds, secrets, and desires inform present conflict
Techniques to reveal backstory naturally through action and dialogue
How to avoid info-dumps and “telling” traps
The connection between character motivation and story momentum
Through practical tools, examples, and guided exercises, you’ll leave with a stronger sense of who your characters really are—and how to use their pasts to shape your story’s emotional core.
Participants will walk away ready to deepen their characters and, in doing so, deepen the impact of their stories.
Writing Compelling Dialogue: Make Your Characters Speak with Purpose and Power
Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s toolbox—and one of the easiest to get wrong.
In this dynamic workshop, bestselling author and educator Melissa Bourbon breaks down what makes dialogue truly work on the page. You’ll explore how well-crafted dialogue reveals character, drives tension, enhances pacing, and brings a story to life.
You’ll learn:
What makes dialogue sound natural—but still purposeful
How to avoid common pitfalls (like “on the nose” or flat conversation)
Techniques for differentiating character voices
How to balance dialogue with action and internal thought
How to make every line of dialogue earn its place on the page
Through examples, guided breakdowns, and practical exercises, you’ll gain the skills needed to write dialogue that’s authentic, character-driven, and memorable.
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to craft dialogue that elevates their storytelling—plus a free downloadable guide to keep the learning going.
The Business Side of Writing: Marketing Yourself with Confidence and Strategy
There’s more to being a writer than just writing the book. In today’s publishing world, authors are also expected to be the brand—and that means understanding how to market yourself effectively.
In this strategic and supportive workshop, bestselling author and educator Melissa Bourbon guides writers through the often-intimidating world of book marketing. From building your author presence to planning a promotional timeline, Melissa provides real-world tools and insight to help you feel prepared, not overwhelmed.
You’ll learn:
How to define your author brand and voice
What to include on your website (and why it matters)
How to use Pinterest as a search-based traffic tool
Key marketing materials like sell sheets and media kits
How to plan appearances, events, and newsletter content
What to focus on at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months before your book launch
Whether you’re preparing for your debut release or looking to level up your visibility, this workshop offers a practical roadmap to get you there—with a plan you can actually follow.
Participants will leave with clear, customizable marketing timelines and a toolbox of resources to help them confidently show up in the crowded publishing landscape.
Please contact Melissa at melissabourbonbooks at HEY dot com for more information on presenting for your chapter or group.
If you’re looking to book a passionate, experienced speaker who connects with writers and delivers actionable, inspiring content, Melissa Bourbon is available for writing workshops and author presentations, both online and in person. Perfect for writing groups, conferences, libraries, and literary events, each session can be customized to meet the needs of your audience.
Testimonials
“We were pleased to host Melissa Bourbon for a special workshop on unlocking the potential of Pinterest. Melissa’s expertise was a game-changer for our author audience and revealed the untapped power of this dynamic platform. Her insights on crafting attention-grabbing pins and mastering SEO techniques helped equip our authors with the tools to seamlessly connect with readers. We loved Melissa’s enthusiasm for sharing the Pinterest platform.” ~Kathleen Sweeney, BookBrush
____________________________________________________
“One of the highlights of our Grand Canyon Writers chapter meetings this year was having national best-selling author, Melissa Bourbon, discuss “Understanding Scene Structure.” Her insights from a long-standing writing career of more than 34 mystery books were helpful in identifying the value of crafting scenes to engage with readers. She provided tips about how scenes move the plot forward and the key to giving each one a purpose with emotional and physical reactions by the characters. A former English teacher, Melissa’s love of teaching definitely comes through with enthusiasm. It’s clearly the foundation for the success of her WriterSpark Academy as a natural step to help other writers.” ~Nicolette Lemmon, Vice President, Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers
____________________________________________________
“I can’t recommend Melissa Bourbon highly enough. A successful hybrid author, former marketing director at a publishing house, and an educator at both the secondary school and adult level, Melissa is well-equipped to present programs for writers’ organizations. She knows how to keep an audience engaged, and offers practical advice and useful information for authors at all levels, from beginner to master.” ~Diane Kelly, Board Member Murder We Write and Triangle Sisters in Crime
____________________________________________________
“Melissa Bourbon’s “Creating Characters with Deep Backstories” talk provides a useful toolkit for making characters in any genre more realistic. She offers helpful examples and actionable building blocks for authors.” ~Heather Redmond, author of the A Dickens of a Crime series (Columbia River Sisters in Crime President)
____________________________________________________
“Melissa Bourbon knows the importance of story structure in the writing of mysteries. She is able to describe and compare various methods such as the Three Act Structure and Hero’s Journey.
Melissa’s ninety minute presentation covers the classic structure of The Hero’s Journey and how to apply it to the writing of mysteries. Her presentation is clear, engaging, and relevant to readers and writers of crime.
Feedback on her courses for N.C. State OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) and for Duke OLLI included, “Extraordinary presenter” and “I am halfway through writing my first novel. This course was extremely helpful and got me even more excited to continue writing.”
Melissa would be an asset to the Sisters in Crime Speakers Bureau.
~Sara E. Johnson, Past president, Triangle Sisters in Crime (Author, Alexa Glock Forensics Mysteries
2025-2026 Presentations
Past Presentations
2025
April 30: RWA University “Pinterest for Authors”
June 3: Pan PowerUp (RWA) “Pinterest for Authors”
August 12: Women in Publishing “Pinterest for Authors”
September 17: South Oregon RWA “Pinterest for Authors”
October 15: Desert Sleuths, SinC “Pinterest for Authors”
2026
January 20: Calgary RWA “Pinterest for Authors”
February 14: Connecticut RWA “Pinterest for Authors”
March 14: West Coast Canada RWA “Pinterest for Authors”
2023
Book Brush: “Pinterest for Authors”
Published Writers Group, Power Up with Romance Writers of America: “The Hero’s Journey for Romance”
Sisters in Crime, Columbia River Chapter: “Creating Characters with Backstories”
Sisters in Crime, Hudson Valley: “The Hero’s Journey for Mysteries “
Sisters in Crime, Grand Canyon: “The Hero’s Journey for Mysteries”
NC State OLLI / Duke OLLI: “The Hero’s Journey and The Hero’s Journey for Mysteries
2024
Feb 17, 2024: Atlanta Writer’s Club
March 16, 2024: March, Suffolk Mystery Writers Conference
April 13, 2024: Beyond the Pen, Triangle Sisters in Crime
Sept 14, 2024: Pinterest for Authors, Triangle Sisters in Crime (NC)
For information on WriterSpark Academy, with self-paced, online courses, visit the course platform.