Here’s what attendees had to say about
Colleen’s previous workshops and presentations:

Click here to review her speaking topics.

“What adjectives does one use to describe Colleen Story? Positive, prepared and professional come to mind. And since I’ve advanced into alliteration, how about engage, excite and energize (in that order.) As the keynote speaker/evening workshop facilitator for our 2018 West Texas Writers’ Academy, Colleen not only shared the secrets of literary survival, but inspired each of us personify peak performance!

Timothy Lewis, Penguin Random House Author; Co-founder & Host of the West Texas Writers’ Academy


“Workshops can be hit or miss. Colleen’s is a hit! Colleen has a strong, dynamic stage presence and the authenticity and authority that come with many years of being a professional writer. Her presentation was relevant, timely, and creative. Colleen strikes just the right balance between professional and approachable, and I walked away able to immediately apply what I’d learned (and with a fun but practical reminder of the workshop’s purpose). I’ll be back for more of her workshops and will enthusiastically encourage my clients to participate.”

~Cristen Iris, former National Chapter Director, Non-Fiction Authors Association, Book Editor, Ghostwriter (Boise, Idaho)


“Dynamic and professional are the first words that come to my mind after hearing Colleen Story’s presentation. Overcoming obstacles on her journey to pursue the things that she is passionate about was very inspiring. I definitely came away with a new sense of purpose and determination to find my own path as a writer.”

~Natalie Bright, Author & Blogger (West Texas Writer’s Academy)


“Colleen Story is a program chairman’s dream. She responds quickly, is flexible, and delivers a top-notch workshop. We all suffer from self-doubt and can be more productive. Instead of chiding us, Colleen validates these feelings with research. It was comforting to know that creative people are more likely to suffer from self-doubt. Even better, Colleen arms workshop participants with workable solutions to help us become the writers we know we can be.”

~Linda Skinner, Western Colorado Writers’ Forum Program Chair (Grand Junction, Colorado)


“Colleen’s content was unique and fresh. I appreciate that it addressed an overlooked yet important issue: writer health. So many workshops are geared toward words on a page, but self-care is just as relevant to the quality of writing as the actual craft.  Thanks for doing such a great job relaying information and making it fun!

Colleen is about details. When planning our event, we were able to confirm all of Colleen’s workshop logistics 4 months in advance, allowing us more time to work on other conference aspects. When she arrived, we already knew what to expect—from technology needs to handouts—which made the workshop run smoothly for attendees, Colleen and us as organizers. It is a pleasure to work with someone who plans ahead, is organized, and doesn’t have any last minute surprises.”

~Andrea Porter, Director Extended Studies, West Texas A&M University


“Colleen Story is a dynamic, insightful, and informative presenter. She has the rare ability to show creative people how they can maximize their efforts, and does so with enthusiasm, charm and effective hands-on techniques. Colleen showed me aspects of my work that I was unaware of, and can now take full advantage of. I recommend her to any writer or creative person who wants to excel.”

~Lance Thompson, Script Doc, Ghostwriter and Actor (Boise, Idaho)


“Colleen will open your eyes to all those little things that get in the way of your productivity and she’ll equip you with the tools to eliminate distractions and increase your productivity. I attended her workshops at the Northern Colorado Writers Conference and listened to her high-energy presentation. Needless to say, I took home many useful tips to eliminate what wasn’t important in my life and focus on being more productive with those things that are.”

~Chuck Barrett, Bestselling Thriller Author (Fort Collins, Colorado)


“Colleen Story’s presentations on writer wellness and goal setting were a unique and welcome addition to this year’s Idaho Writers Conference. Attendees came away feeling much more confident in their abilities and ready to pursue their writing with renewed vigor.”

~Doug Copsey, Idaho Writers Guild Board of Directors


“What a pleasure to have Colleen visit Grand Junction. Her two-hour presentation was riveting. I never missed a word of it and I could tell from the audience response that the feeling spread throughout the room. Colleen gave us a well-thought-out, effective and practical set of concepts, based in her real experience and in her knowledge of both writing and health. What a pleasure. We all went home with plans to overcome our writing ‘monsters.’ Thank you, Colleen.”

~Virginia Jensen, Western Colorado Writers’ Forum (Grand Junction, Colorado)


“Colleen is an excellent speaker. Her presentation was concise, inspiring, and practical in the best of ways.”

~Jeri Walker, Editor (Boise, Idaho)


“Colleen has become my go-to productivity guru. My darling workaholic husband is becoming familiar with my ‘Colleen says…’ quips. In my defense, I find I’m reminding myself to avoid time thieves and I LOVE the ‘I don’t…’ phrasing of saying no! It feels powerful.”

~JC Lynne, Fantasy Author (Fort Collins, Colorado)


“I thoroughly enjoyed Colleen’s talk about overcoming self-doubt. Her keen insight and willingness to share her own personal journey resonated with me. I’m always impressed and encouraged by authenticity and grace. She had plenty of both!!”

~Renee Settle, National Chapter Director, Non Fiction Authors Association (Boise, Idaho)


“I attended Colleen’s freelance writing presentation at the Northern Colorado Writers Conference and enjoyed her personal story and revealing quiz. Colleen is professional, knowledgeable and thoroughly covered all aspects of starting your own business. I highly recommend Colleen as a speaker and workshop leader.”

~Belle Schmidt, Poet (Fort Collins, Colorado)


“I thoroughly enjoyed Colleen’s class on boosting productivity. It was well organized, professional, thorough, fun, and truly helpful. One unforgettable illustration she gave keeps me on task whenever I think about lapsing into my old ways. This was the best material, bar none, that I’ve ever seen on productivity. Her research was exceptional, and the presentation was a hit with everyone in the class.”

~Chere Hagopian, Poet (Cheyenne, Wyoming)


“Colleen’s presentation was fantastic. I was most impressed with the way she led me to believe that I really could get rid of self-doubt as a writer. I went into it a skeptic, because what writer doesn’t struggle with self-doubt? But she led us through point-by-point, in a way that was not only engaging and understandable, but that actually affected change in the way I think about things. Packed full of information, entertaining, and well worth the time spent. Colleen is not only a gifted writer, but a gifted speaker as well.”

~Donna Cook, Author and Editor (Boise, Idaho)


“Thanks for speaking at the Idaho Writers Conference. Your presentation on the Raven vs. the Cow writer was a fun and informative bit of storytelling for storytellers that was fresh and really well done. Thanks again for presenting. I learned a lot.”

~Bill Riley, Author (Boise, Idaho)