Diana Parsell

Author Talks

During pre- and post-publication of my book on Eliza Scidmore I’ve given more than 70 author talks. Host venues have included bookstores, libraries, historical societies, professional and civic organizations, garden clubs and private events. A popular feature is my liberal use of evocative historical images. I’ve customized talks to emphasize topics such as Gilded Age globetrotting, the history and symbolism of Japanese cherry blossoms, and Scidmore’s White House encounters and botanical interests.

I’ve honed my public-speaking skills as a longtime docent for public tours at the Library of Congress and as a member of Capital Speakers Club. I’ve done interviews for news outlets such as  NBC’s “Today” show, C-Span, BBC2 and Japan’s NHK TV network, as well as many podcasts. See samples of my presentations on the News and Events pages of this website

Book Clubs

I’ve met, in person and virtually, with many book clubs to discuss my biography of Eliza Scidmore. Many readers have told me they appreciate the clarity of the historical context, and the style and pacing of this inspiring woman’s story that spans the dynamic period from America’s Gilded Age to World War I. Check out my Discussion Guide and Author Q&A.

Craft Workshops

Throughout my editorial career I’ve led a variety of classes and workshops on nonfiction writing and editing, and can customize a workshop for your group’s interests. My latest topic covers the process of researching, writing and shaping a book of historical biography or narrative nonfiction, a talk I’ve presented at the New York conference of Biographers International, the Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Md., and the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Marietta College in Ohio.

To discuss a possible talk or workshop, contact me here.

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Testimonials

“The Asian American Forum sends a heartfelt thank you for a wonderful presentation. It was timely, informative, and also lots of fun. I have heard from many people, some saying it was the best talk that our group has ever presented. How’s that for a nice compliment?”
— Asian American Forum, Washingon, D.C.

“Thank you so much for the outstanding presentation you made today to members of Welcome to Washington! I heard so many wonderful comments about it from those who attended. Eliza was clearly an exceptional woman, and you did such a great job in telling her story. It was fascinating to hear what you had to do to research source material.”
— Welcome to Washington International Club, at Hillwood Museum

“Our conversation with you has been the talk of the town this afternoon in Glacier Bay headquarters. …  The fact that we went from thinking, ‘Eliza must have just been some wealthy heiress,’ to now knowing that she was a world-traveled, independent, indefatigable start-up, reminds me of the power of research to unearth voices of forgotten figures.”
— Caitlin Campbell, park ranger at Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

“Thank you, thank you, thank you for your presentation! It was SO interesting—everyone in attendance was raving about it.”
— AAUW, Va. Northern District

“It was inspirational to hear you speak, and your research was amazing. … We learned so much history in the story of this woman who lived beyond the expectations of her time. I can’t remember so much discussion and no distraction to other things when we met to discuss your book.”
— Moderator of book club in Grand Junction, Col.

“The workshop was amazing and extremely helpful. It made me rethink the structure of my book. Not only was [the instructor] knowledgeable on the topic, but she was able to speak to all with different book ideas so the class was useful to everyone.”
— Participant in “Shaping Your Book of Narrative Nonfiction,” Writers Center, Bethesda, Md.