Workshops & Speaking
Encouraging Writers. Equipping Storytellers.
Writing is both a craft to develop and, for many of us, a calling to pursue. Whether your group is just beginning its writing journey or has years of experience, I’m passionate about helping writers grow their skills, gain confidence, and discover new ways to strengthen their stories.
As a former educator, experienced workshop presenter, and award-winning author of faith-filled historical romance, I bring practical instruction, hands-on activities, and an encouraging approach to every session.
I offer workshops on writing craft, weaving spiritual themes into fiction, publishing paths, and the business of building an author platform. Sessions can be adapted to fit your group’s experience level, format, and available time.
I work with writing groups, schools, youth groups, retreats, and conferences, both virtually and in person.
Let’s find the right workshop for your group!
Find the Right Workshop
My workshops fall into three categories to help you find the topics that best fit your needs.
Story Structure
Explore the building blocks of a compelling story, from character development and plot to world-building and more.
Writing Craft & Practice
Strengthen your writing skills through focused instruction and practical techniques that help you grow as a writer.
Author Business & Publishing
Navigate the business side of being an author from newsletter marketing and reader engagement to understanding your publishing options.
Looking for something specific? If you don’t see the topic you’re looking for, please contact me. We can discuss whether it’s a topic I can confidently teach or, if not, whether I can recommend someone who can help.
Author Business & Publishing
- Author Newsletters 101: Build Your Reader Email List
- From Sign-Up to Superfan: Creating an Engaging Welcome Sequence
- Smarter Email Marketing: Engage Readers & Boost Sales
- Launch That Book: Newsletter Strategies for a Successful Release
- Traditional, Indie, or Hybrid? Understanding Your Publishing Options
Story Structure
3 Writing Rules You Can’t Afford to Break
Audience: Beginner to Intermediate
Session Length: 45 minutes of instruction, or 60 minutes with time for Q&A
“There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.” — W. Somerset Maugham
With so much conflicting writing advice, how do you know which rules matter and when to break them? Discover the storytelling principles that keep readers invested, create compelling characters, and make a story’s resolution satisfying. Then, when the writing gets hard, reconnect with the deeper purpose behind your calling to write and find encouragement to keep going.
Story Structure for Pantsers and Plotters
Audience: Beginner
Session Length: 45 minutes of instruction, or 60 minutes with time for Q&A
An expanded format with additional brainstorming may be available.
Whether you outline every chapter or discover your story as you write, understanding story structure can transform your novel. Learn how to build a compelling beginning, develop a tension-filled middle, and deliver an ending that leaves readers satisfied. Explore how character goals, escalating challenges, pivotal turning points, and personal growth work together to keep your story moving—and your readers turning pages.
*Expanded format provides attendees with the opportunity to leave with a loosely plotted story.
Braiding Subplots: Weave Multiple Storylines into One Compelling Novel
Audience: Intermediate to Advanced
Session Length: 45 minutes of instruction, or 60 minutes with time for Q&A
Do your subplots strengthen your story or distract from it? Learn how to weave multiple storylines together so they deepen character relationships, reinforce themes, heighten tension, and create one cohesive, compelling novel. Discover how to make every storyline serve a purpose in the bigger picture.
Building a World Readers Never Want to Leave
Audience: All Levels
Session Length: 45 minutes of instruction, or 60 minutes with time for Q&A
Hands-on practice included.
Your story’s world should do more than provide a backdrop—it should shape your characters, drive the plot, and immerse readers in the experience. Discover how to build a compelling story world for any genre without overwhelming readers with unnecessary details. Through hands-on exercises, experiment with genre-specific world-building and learn to make every detail count.
Writing Craft & Practice
The Art of Critique: Give, Receive, and Grow
Audience: All Levels
Session Length: 60 minutes
Group format only.
Critique doesn’t have to be scary—or brutal! Learn how to give thoughtful, constructive feedback that encourages fellow writers while helping them strengthen their stories. Discover how to receive critiques with discernment, recognize opportunities for growth, and build relationships that help you flourish as a writer.
Read Like a Writer: Learn from Published Books
Audience: All Levels
Session Length: 45 minutes of instruction, or 60 minutes with time for Q&A
Want to understand what makes a published novel work so well? Learn how to study successful books with a writer’s eye, uncovering the techniques behind compelling openings, effective dialogue, engaging pacing, and more. Through guided examples and hands-on practice, discover how to analyze an author’s choices and apply what you learn to strengthen your own writing.
*Attendees are requested to bring a book they don’t mind writing in, or copies of the first, last, and a middle chapter of a book they admire.
Picking the Write Fight: How to Write Gripping Physical and Verbal Fight Scenes
Audience: All Levels
Session Length: 45 – 90 minutes
Fight scenes should do more than add action or drama—they should change the story and reveal who your characters really are. Learn how to craft compelling physical and verbal confrontations that raise the stakes, expose character flaws and strengths, and keep readers turning pages. Discover how to make every fight purposeful, engaging, and impactful long after the conflict ends.
Available formats:
- Comprehensive Workshop (90 minutes): Explore both physical and verbal confrontations, from planning and character revelations to pacing, dialogue, and realistic consequences.
- Physical Fight Scenes (45 minutes of instruction, or 60 minutes with time for Q&A): Focus on writing dynamic physical confrontations that advance the plot, reveal character, and keep readers engaged.
- Verbal Conflict (45 minutes of instruction, or 60 minutes with time for Q&A): Explore arguments, communication styles, body language, and relationship tension to create confrontations that change characters and stories.
Session length and content can be tailored to fit your event’s schedule.
Weaving Faith into Fiction: Subtle, Substantive Spiritual Themes
Audience: Intermediate to Advanced
Session Length: 45 minutes of instruction, or 60 minutes with time for Q&A
An expanded format with additional brainstorming may also be available.
How can you explore meaningful spiritual questions without sounding preachy? Discover how to weave faith into your characters’ struggles, choices, and growth, creating authentic spiritual journeys that resonate with readers. Learn to give spiritual themes depth and meaning while allowing reader room to reflect and engage with the story for themselves.
Author Business & Publishing
Author Newsletters 101: Build Your Reader Email List
Audience: Beginner
Session Length: 45 minutes of instruction, or 60 minutes with time for Q&A
An expanded format with additional brainstorming may also be available.
Social media can help you connect with readers, but an email list gives you a more direct way to reach them. Discover the basics of starting an author newsletter, from choosing an email platform and creating a reader magnet to welcoming subscribers and planning content they’ll enjoy. Explore practical ways to attract subscribers whether you’re published or still working toward publication, and leave with a clearer picture of how to begin building your list.
From Sign-Up to Superfan: Creating an Engaging Welcome Sequence
Audience: Intermediate to Advanced
Established Newsletter Users
Session Length: 45 minutes of instruction, or 60 minutes with time for Q&A
A new newsletter subscriber is an opportunity to build a lasting reader relationship—but what happens after they sign up? Discover how to create a welcome email sequence that turns curious subscribers into engaged fans. Learn how to plan meaningful emails, encourage interaction, and introduce readers to your author brand, with practical guidance for setting up a sequence.
Includes a practical MailerLite demonstration. Concepts apply to other marketing platforms.
Smarter Email Marketing: Engage Readers & Boost Sales
Audience: Intermediate to Advanced
Best suited to authors who already have a newsletter and want to improve its effectiveness.
Session Length: 45 – 90 minutes
An expanded format with additional brainstorming may also be available.
Sending newsletters is only the beginning. Learn how to evaluate subscriber engagement, improve email deliverability, and develop targeted strategies that help your newsletters reach the right readers. Explore practical ways to segment your list, re-engage inactive subscribers, and create compelling emails that build reader relationships while supporting book sales.
Launch That Book: Newsletter Strategies for a Successful Release
Audience: Intermediate to Advanced
Session Length: 45 minutes of instruction, or 60 minutes with time for Q&A
An expanded format with additional brainstorming may also be available.
Your newsletter can do more than announce your book’s release—it can build anticipation, deepen reader investment, and help turn excitement into sales. Explore newsletter strategies for the months leading up to launch, release week, and the weeks that follow. Weigh the pros and cons of different approaches, then develop a flexible launch plan tailored to your own book and readers—all without overwhelming your subscribers or burning yourself out.
Traditional, Indie, or Hybrid? Understanding Your Publishing Options
Audience: Beginner to Intermediate
Session Length: 45 minutes of instruction, or 60 minutes with time for Q&A
Traditional, indie, and hybrid publishing each come with different costs, responsibilities, opportunities, and trade-offs. Explore how these publishing paths work, what to expect from manuscript preparation through publication, and the advantages and challenges of each option. Learn to recognize potential publishing pitfalls and consider which path best aligns with your writing goals, resources, and God’s calling for your work.
Meet Your Speaker
CRYSTAL CAUDILL is an award-winning author of “dangerously good historical romance” and an experienced workshop presenter who loves helping writers grow in their craft and God-given callings. A former elementary teacher, Crystal has presented workshops for writing groups, retreats, and conferences since 2018. Her teaching combines practical instruction, clear examples, and faith-centered encouragement to help writers strengthen in their storytelling, navigate publishing choices, and grow in their writing journeys.
Her debut novel, Counterfeit Love, was a 2023 Carol Award finalist, and her novella Star of Wonder received the 2024 Christy Award for Short Form. Crystal is a hybrid author and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. She is also a member of Faith, Hope, & Love.
Learn more about Crystal and her books at crystalcaudill.com
Professional Qualifications
- Former elementary education teacher
- Award-winning author, including 2024 Christy Award for Short Form
- Author published by Kregel Publications and independently published
- Represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency
Speaking Experience
- Experienced presenter at virtual and in-person writing groups, retreats, and conferences since 2018
- Kentucky Christian Writers Conference – 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023
- Royal Writers Virtual Conference – 2020, 2023, 2026
- American Christian Fiction Writers Conference – 2023
- Historical Christian Romance Writers Summit – 2023
- Serious Writers Chat – 2023
- Jump into Writing Virtual Conference – 2026
- Going Deeper Conference – 2026
Booking Crystal to Speak
I enjoy working with critique groups, writing groups, school groups, youth groups, retreats, and conferences of all sizes. Whether you’re looking for a focused workshop, an interactive group session, or a conference presentation, I’d love to help your group grow.
Didn’t see the topic you’re looking for? Email me, and let’s discuss your needs. If it’s a topic I can confidently teach, we’ll explore the possibilities. If it’s outside my area of expertise, I’ll do my best to recommend someone who can help.
Do you already know what you’re interested in? Let’s talk.
Use the form below to start our discussion. Please include:
- Name
- Contact email
- If event is virtual or in-person
- If in-person, the location
- Workshops interested in (Return to workshop list.)
- Dates or potential dates
I look forward to helping your group grow! Talk to you soon!
Start a Discussion with Crystal
What Workshop Organizers and Attendees Say
Read what workshop attendees and fellow writers have to say about Crystal’s teaching, practical instruction, and encouragement.
Writing Craft & Storytelling
“Crystal Caudill presented ‘Genres’ to our writer’s group in Lexington. At the end of our time together, not only did I have more knowledge about different types of stories I could read, I also felt challenged to try out different types of writing I can try for the Lord.”
— Kristy Horine, Lexington Writers Group Leader
“Crystal Caudill’s Plotting 101 presentation is a master class in shorthand. She clearly lays out an approachable, comprehensive pattern for authors to follow in any genre. She condensed time-consuming research into a simple linear construction. God bless her!”
— Susan Sams Baggott, KCWC Attendee
Publishing & Career Decisions
“I highly recommend Crystal Caudill’s Publishing Paths Workshop. She is articulate, and presented a thorough overview that was realistic, including pros and cons of publishing choices. If you are at a place to pursue publishing, this is a must-attend class that will equip you with information to help you make a decision that is right for your book.”
— Becky Kiely, Royal Writers Conference Attendee
Teaching Style & Practical Instruction
“Crystal Caudill’s ability to communicate is stellar. She presents herself as well prepared and knowledgeable. Whether the audience is comprised of beginning writers, multi-published writers, or contains both, she has the ability to speak to all levels and bring something fresh to each perspective.”
— Sara R. Turnquist, Historical Romance Author
