Karl Beckstrand is an eight-time published author with 16 titles online (reviews by Horn Book blog, School Library Journal, Midwest Book Review and ForeWord Reviews). Raised in San Jose, California, USA, he received a BA in journalism from Brigham Young University and is pursuing an MA in international relations from American Public University.
Since 2004 he has run a publishing company, producing captivating stories, ads and scripts. An engaging presenter and consultant, Beckstrand has experience in high tech, public policy, radio, TV and film. He has lived abroad, been a Spanish/English interpreter, and enjoys volleyball and kayaking (usually not at the same time). Beckstrand’s activity books, Spanish & bilingual books (with pronunciation guide), e-book mysteries and nonfiction stories feature minority characters and usually end with a twist. His work has appeared in: Barnes & Noble, Border’s Books, Deseret Book, Costco, Kindle/Nook/Kobo/iBooks, Children’s Miracle Network, The Congressional Record of the U.S. House of Representatives, Papercrafts Magazine, LDS Film Festival and various broadcasts. Find: “Karl Beckstrand – Author” on FB, Amazon, Twitter. Find his books via: Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Brodart, Bn.com, Follett/BWI and Premiobooks.com.
Since 2004 he has run a publishing company, producing captivating stories, ads and scripts. An engaging presenter and consultant, Beckstrand has experience in high tech, public policy, radio, TV and film. He has lived abroad, been a Spanish/English interpreter, and enjoys volleyball and kayaking (usually not at the same time). Beckstrand’s activity books, Spanish & bilingual books (with pronunciation guide), e-book mysteries and nonfiction stories feature minority characters and usually end with a twist. His work has appeared in: Barnes & Noble, Border’s Books, Deseret Book, Costco, Kindle/Nook/Kobo/iBooks, Children’s Miracle Network, The Congressional Record of the U.S. House of Representatives, Papercrafts Magazine, LDS Film Festival and various broadcasts. Find: “Karl Beckstrand – Author” on FB, Amazon, Twitter. Find his books via: Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Brodart, Bn.com, Follett/BWI and Premiobooks.com.
What the audience can expect
Creating, Publishing & Marketing Your Book /E-book for Broadest Impact
– Bestselling author shares simple steps to publishing success
50 – 110 minutes. How do you write and publish a book–and have it read? How do you market a book/e-book? In the digital age, plot, character and setting are still essential; what has changed is delivery. E-books now outsell physical books. Beckstrand presents the pros and cons of traditional, self- and e-publishing (including Print on Demand). He shares how to get stories into readers’ hands and how to promote to a global audience using traditional and social media. He can take questions and recommend options based on participant needs. Participants will learn how to organize, write, publish and market a book (including Internet options). Can be an author panel or workshop with notice.
Life, Career & Entrepreneurship
– Bestselling author discusses finding your life’s work and loving what you do
Includes discussion on preparation and networking for maximum fulfillment. 50 – 110 minutes (can be a panel with advanced notice)
Ten Fun Activities for Healthy Learning
– Bestselling children’s author shares 10 ways to engage learners beyond the digital void
50 – 110 minutes. Where do stories come from? How does a story become a book/e-book/film/play? What can you do with a brown banana? Have you ever been frightened by sounds in your house? Beckstrand lives to share ideas with educators, parents and groups–in English or Spanish–on how to engage primary age (and older) learners in story creation/performance, healthy eating, family history and family fun time. Beckstrand’s narratives and learning activities include themes of courage, family, sharing and friendship. Activities convey important skills while entertaining all age groups. Participants will be able to implement hands-on activities in one-on-one, group, or classroom settings for engaged learning (lesson ideas include those for older/adult classes/grades). Also: The Quality Family Time Myth! 10 Fun Activities for Healthy Family Time
Finding & Sharing Family Stories
– Bestselling author shares simple steps to documenting and publishing stories for posterity & the world (including writing your autobiography)
50 – 110 minutes. People of all ages find inspiration from the biographies of great men and women who faced difficulties. What many people don’t realize is that within their own families are stories of great courage and resilience. “I grew up hearing the stories of my ancestors, which include pilgrims, Mormon pioneers and possibly Native Americans. I love to share their lessons. I’m researching the third in a series on ancestors who immigrated to America as children.” Where is your family from? How does a family or personal story become a book/e-book? You will learn how to research family histories and biographies, interview family members, create and document stories, and publish them for family or the world–using traditional publishing and e-publishing and new media (includes e-books).
– Bestselling author shares simple steps to publishing success
50 – 110 minutes. How do you write and publish a book–and have it read? How do you market a book/e-book? In the digital age, plot, character and setting are still essential; what has changed is delivery. E-books now outsell physical books. Beckstrand presents the pros and cons of traditional, self- and e-publishing (including Print on Demand). He shares how to get stories into readers’ hands and how to promote to a global audience using traditional and social media. He can take questions and recommend options based on participant needs. Participants will learn how to organize, write, publish and market a book (including Internet options). Can be an author panel or workshop with notice.
Life, Career & Entrepreneurship
– Bestselling author discusses finding your life’s work and loving what you do
Includes discussion on preparation and networking for maximum fulfillment. 50 – 110 minutes (can be a panel with advanced notice)
Ten Fun Activities for Healthy Learning
– Bestselling children’s author shares 10 ways to engage learners beyond the digital void
50 – 110 minutes. Where do stories come from? How does a story become a book/e-book/film/play? What can you do with a brown banana? Have you ever been frightened by sounds in your house? Beckstrand lives to share ideas with educators, parents and groups–in English or Spanish–on how to engage primary age (and older) learners in story creation/performance, healthy eating, family history and family fun time. Beckstrand’s narratives and learning activities include themes of courage, family, sharing and friendship. Activities convey important skills while entertaining all age groups. Participants will be able to implement hands-on activities in one-on-one, group, or classroom settings for engaged learning (lesson ideas include those for older/adult classes/grades). Also: The Quality Family Time Myth! 10 Fun Activities for Healthy Family Time
Finding & Sharing Family Stories
– Bestselling author shares simple steps to documenting and publishing stories for posterity & the world (including writing your autobiography)
50 – 110 minutes. People of all ages find inspiration from the biographies of great men and women who faced difficulties. What many people don’t realize is that within their own families are stories of great courage and resilience. “I grew up hearing the stories of my ancestors, which include pilgrims, Mormon pioneers and possibly Native Americans. I love to share their lessons. I’m researching the third in a series on ancestors who immigrated to America as children.” Where is your family from? How does a family or personal story become a book/e-book? You will learn how to research family histories and biographies, interview family members, create and document stories, and publish them for family or the world–using traditional publishing and e-publishing and new media (includes e-books).
Presentation Approach
Beckstrand takes time to answer participant questions. He can facilitate panels, workshops, labs, and seminars (in English or Spanish) and does short Skype appearances for free.
