Absolute joy
She brings heart, honesty, and hope to everything she does.
Nothing short of
a gift
Nora doesn’t just tell stories— she inspires others to find their own.
Working with Nora was an
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- Dr. Stephanie A. Burdette
Assessment Coordinator / Associate Professor
WV State University
- Lauren Vandever
Oklahoma Writing Project
- Josephine Fields
Literacy Leader
The Partnership for Appalachian Girls’ Education
The conversations she sparked left lasting impressions on every young woman in that room.
Her professionalism, authenticity, and generosity as both a writer and presenter made her a true asset to our program.
Having Nora visit one of our literature groups was
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School Visits
"...which consisted of a high school visit, library staff training workshop, and a special meet the author program for teens. Not only was Nora delightful from start to finish, but she was able to engage all of our audiences throughout the day."
We hosted Nora for a full-day
- Holly Summers-Gil
Senior Program Manager, Teen Services, Charlotte Mecklenburg Ligrary, ImaginOn, Charlotte NC
sampling of popular presentations
After an interactive reading of Yoga Frog, Nora introduces the basic of storytelling. Students brainstorm with Nora and receive materials to create their own Yoga Frog adventure.
suited for your specific needs
What – structurally & artistically – makes a great short story? This interactive session includes generative prompts, revision strategies, & examples of how novelists have used the short form to create their books.
Short & Sweet: Intro to Short Fiction
Dialogue has the ability to turn solid stories into input down. Able reads by upping tension, adding authenticity to settings and creating character so real they practically read from the page. Learn the difference between real life dialogue and story dialogue; how dialogue beats and subtext can reveal characterization and build tension; and learn exercise exercises to strengthen your dialogue, writing and revising chops.
Talk to me: how to write dialogue that drives plot and engages readers
Participants will identify their characters' belief systems, vocabularies, and appearances, as well as those characters' feelings about where they're from. Writing prompts will follow a discussion of "tellable" versus "untellable" narratives.
writing rural and why it matters
Nora is just as comfortable speaking to a group of three as she is to an auditorium of 3,000 (which she has done). She has offerings suitable for elementary ages through adult learners. Please note that Nora can design custom workshops and talks upon request.
Yoga, frog plus!
Does setting define character, or this character defined setting? Does it matter? (Spoiler: yes) And what happens when we recognize the body, with its personal history and ephemeral, as setting?
Beyond the boundaries of place: exploring internal and relational settings to unlock character
— and that connection is at the heart of every talk I give. Speaking to groups is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do, because it’s not just about sharing my work; it’s about showing up, fully, for others. Whether I’m talking to students, teachers, writers, or readers, my mission is always the same: to make each person in the room feel seen, valued, and heard. I bring warmth, honesty, and grounded presence to every event, and I create space for real conversation—the kind that reminds us we’re not alone and that our voices, our experiences, and our stories matter. I believe there’s power in the gift of belief—of telling someone, yes, your voice matters. Your story matters. And you have something to say. Helping someone see that in themselves is one of the greatest honors of my work.
I believe deeply in the power of story to connect us.
students hold a Special Place In My Heart
Our teens really connected
"with Nora and her story, and you were so approachable and kindly welcoming. From the training to the program and in-between, you engaged with everyone with ease and thoughtfulness. We hope to have you back in the future.”
-Kara Hunter, MLIS
Teen Librarian | South County Regional Library
Yoga offers tremendous benefits for kids including decreased stress, increased self-control, increased confidence, and improved focus. It’s adaptable for all ages and needs. I would love to meet your students and spread the joy of yoga!
Yoga Frog
