UPCOMING EVENTS
TO SWEETEN YOUR DAY!
November 19, 2022
Golden State Romance Writers
Brand Land: What is Author Brand and Why Readers Care (click to register)
Virtual event (Morgan Moore)
January 13-16, 2023
Pulpwood Queens Conference
Lovelace Cook interview
Author Panel Amelia Island FL
February 9, 2023 6pm PST/9pm EST
Rendezvous with a Writer
LA Talk Radio
In conversation with Bobbi Jean Bell
February, 2023
Lake Forest IL Book Club
The lovely ladies of Chicago have invited me back, to discuss prequel Orchid Blooming
Virtual private event
February 12, 2023
Valentine’s Day Book Signing
Brook Hollow Winery
594 Highway 94 Columbia NJ
April 1, 2023
Liberty States Fiction Writers Annual Conference
Brand Land: What is Author Brand or Millennials: Generational Insights
Hilton Garden Inn in Hamilton, NJ
April 12, 2023 4pm
Rehoboth Beach Book Club
These lovely ladies of Delaware have invited me back, to discuss prequel Orchid Blooming
Virtual private event
April 29-30, 2023 12-4pm
8th Annual Book Lovers Event
Thanks to Roz Lee for coordinating The Brook Hollow Winery event
594 Highhway 94 Columbia NJ
November 18, 2023 11am
NJ Romance Writers workshop
Presence & Persuasion: Help Readers Fall in Love with Your Books
With writers increasingly meeting readers at bookstores, book clubs and events, there are more and more opportunities to interact in-person. As an author, have you ever wondered how to engage, what to say and how to present your work? In this hands-on workshop, we’ll cover a) how to effectively engage in in-person conversations and b) provide a framework for you to craft your own pitch.
Carol’s signature workshops
VIEW SAMPLE WORKSHOPS VIDEO BELOW
Brand Land: What is Author Brand and Why Readers Care
Marketing doesn’t have to be daunting. In this insightful session, Carol will demystify what it means to have an author brand, how it’s much more than a logo and web presence, and why it’s foundationally important to do the thinking behind what you want to stand for. We’ll discuss how to apply archetypes to define your unique brand and the components of an author’s brand framework. We’ll also walk through some real-life examples to show the importance of consistency in visual branding.
Design as Art: 5 Principles to “SPARC” Brilliant Cover Design
Book cover design is a powerful tool to break through the clutter and communicate meaning. Learn about principles of design from a marketing professional. Find out which design elements are most important to keep consistent and why, how to start from your design objectives, and practice assessing design within the right context.
Carol will teach five truths to “SPARC” great design, and share how she applied them to award-winning Goodbye, Orchid.
Truth One: Simplicity breaks through, so don’t stuff everything onto the cover. Focus!
Truth Two: Prioritize your communications hierarchy.
Truth Three: Assess designs against the brief, not personal taste.
Truth Four: Real-life…assess design in situ.
Truth Five: Consistency, consistency, consistency.
Carol used these principles on her novel Goodbye Orchid, which won the Royal Dragonfly Award for Best Cover Design (one of nine awards). Her insights on book cover design have been featured in Pen to Print, Creative Indie, and the Writescast podcast.
Craft Marketing Plans like an Author-preneur
Marketing is the art and science of finding and connecting with your audience. In this hands-on session, Carol will demystify how professional marketers devise marketing plans. As with most success, it starts with setting quantifiable objectives. Carol will cover five principles, along with examples and how to apply them to your book launch:
- Readers have options, so authors need to relentlessly pursue a near perfect product
- Entrepreneurs recruit more promoters than detractors
- Reach then convert
- Plan early; then test, learn and adjust
- Marketing is an act of creativity. Approach with an open mindset
Millennials: Apply Generational insights to your writing
Millennials are the largest generation in the US. Find out how they’re defined and insights that can help you write Millennial characters. This session is for you if you’ve ever wondered what events have shaped this cohort, how they’re affected by the weight of college debt, how they’re the most technologically-dependent and diverse generation, and how they’re still fighting the “me, me, me” stereotype. Come to this hands-on workshop to discover insights to help you write authentic characters from this important generation.
Marketing as Mindset: Discover your superpowers
To market your work, you need an author brand, visual identity and well-crafted marketing plans. After the hard work of writing a book, why do these marketing tasks seem daunting? Come to this workshop to learn from 20+ years of marketing and strategy experience. Find out why marketing isn’t manipulation. Overcome the most common marketing blockers using four simple mindset shifts. Join us to experience why one author said after Carol’s workshop: “You inspire me and fire me up every time. I can’t wait to market my book and my why!”
PRIOR EVENTS
Nov 12, 2022
Bookycon Mega Metaverse Conference
Thanks to Nicole Talbott, brant menswar and the readers who joined for a great interview!
Nov 5, 2022
Virginia Romance Writers
Brand land: what is author brand and why readers care
Thanks to Moni Boyce, Kathryn Murphy and the VRW Chapter for a great session!
Nov 1, 2022
Parsippany Public Library
Thanks to Jean-Marie, Dee Ernst, Kimberley Ash and the Parsippany Public Library for a fun event!
Oct 15, 2022
Hoboken Book Festival: Author Talk and Book Signing
Thanks to Ethan, Julie Pu and the Hoboken Public Library for a fun event!
Oct 8, 2022
ASCEND-NJ Inspiring Across Generations Conference
Thanks to Sandip Mehta, Alok Goel and Helen Ahn for welcoming me and Sabahat Khan to speak on the Belonging panel. It was inspiring to share examples of creating space for belonging at work and personally; how intersectionality can amplify our voice; and both challenges and enablers to creating space for inclusion.
Oct 6, 2022
In conversation with Main Street Reads
You continue to be a rockstar 🙂
Love and hugs,
Shari
Oct 2, 2022
Barnes & Noble Bethlehem / Easton PA
Oct 1, 2022
Liberty States Fiction Writers
Sept 30, 2022
Bridgewater Book Club
Sept 24, 2022
Barnes & Noble St Pete’s Beach Fl
Sept 22-23, 2022
Novelists Inc Conference
Sept 10, 2022
Thunder Road Books launch party
September – October, 2022 (Various times)
Podcasts, Interviews and more:
Storyblender with Steven James 9/20 12pm
Rockin Book Reviews
KOBO Writing Life 9/6 1.30pm ET
DIYMFA podcast 9/1 3pm
Human Potential@Work 9/8 12pm
She’s Invincible
Story Hour 9/8 4pm
Desideratum 8/30 6pm
Boonton Library Tea Time
Overflowing Bookshelves/Thriving Authors 9/15 4:30pm
Remembering Shanghai blog 9/13
Books Live Forever 9/7
Arell’s Angels FB Group 9/18 7pm
Bookycall launch 8/31
WriteOn! September Spotlight
Steve Sears journalist Mid-Oct
The Storytellers (Dec 12 2022)
IngramSpark Beach Reads Insta
In conversation with hosts Steven James, LuAnn Worley, Rachel Wharton, Lori Walker, Debra Ruh, Kamie Lehman, Kathy Ramsperger, Theresa Bakken, Lotte Newlin, Dallas Woodburn, Claire Chao, Arell Rivers, Grace Sammon and more!
Join me on my launch tour as we discuss extending Goodbye, Orchid into a trilogy, the good/bad/ugly in launching a B Corps (benefits corporation), and how fiction can shine a light on disability awareness. These podcasts and events are captured in the Orchid Blooming media kit!
Sept 8, 2022
Adventures by the Book Fireside chat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOEd_TqIk1E
Sept 7, 2022
Happy to Help Podcast
Sept 1, 2022
Hasty Book List
Aug 29, 2022
Veterans Breakfast Club
In conversation with Executive Director Todd dePastino. It was an honor to share the story of Orchid Blooming with veterans
June 11, 2022
Warren County Parkfest @ Breadlock Park
Bread Lock Park 2627 Rt 57 Stewartsville, NJ 08886
June 4, 2022
Passaic County Book Fair
Novel Thoughts: Fiction Writers Talk about their Inspiration with Aleks Brittain, Youth Services Librarian Ringwood Library
Get to Know the Author: Carol Van Den Hende in conversation with Eleana Cordova, Wayne Public Library Adult Reference and Interlibrary Loan Librarian
June 3, 2022
I Love 2 Read Literacy Festival
GOODBYE, ORCHID “Word is Lit” and “Reading is Believing” author readings
May 21, 2022
Women Who Write Annual Conference
“How to be interviewed for the media and podcasts”
May 17, 2022
Pulpwood Queens Bonus Book-of-the-Month: Goodbye, Orchid
Excited for the next two books in the Orchid trilogy. I appreciate the thought in your choices—down to the naming of your characters. These are the details that weave magic, and add power to the story.” – Barbara Newman, award-winning authorApril 21, 2022
Independent Book Publisher’s Association Publishing University
March 26, 2022
Lehigh Valley Book Festival
March 15, 2022
Lake Forest Book Club
March 9, 2022
Peninsula Book Club
February 26, 2022
Thunder Road Bookstore
February 14, 2022
Veterans Breakfast Club
January 13, 2022
Adventures by the Book and Wisconsin Public Library
January 8, 2022
Washington D.C. RW
January 5, 2022
Bookends Review Interview with Editor-in-Chief
December 7, 2021
International Writers’ Network Dublin Ireland Near 90.3FM
Nov 20, 2021
RWA Annual Conference
Nov 13, 2021
Boonton Books & Beyond Festival
Nov 6, 2021
Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference
Oct 4, 2021
Zibby Books launch and awards event
Oct 2, 2021
Hoboken Public Library Booktoberfest
Sept 11, 2021
Brand Land: What is Personal Brand & Why Readers Care
aug 7, 2021
Brand Land: What is Personal Brand & How to Craft Yours
june 29, 2021
Personal Brand and How to Craft Yours
may 15, 2021
Women Who Write 10th Annual Conference
may 7, 2021
Junior League of Morristown Luncheon with Authors
April 17, 2021
California Writing Club
february 10 and 20, 2021
The Second Line show with Nola Nash and Write Review interview with Annie McDonnell, JD & Lorie Bridges
febryary 14, 2021
Valentine’s Day celebration
january 26 and Feb 3, 2021
Book Stores: Bethany Beach and Hockessin Book Shop
january 11-12, 2021
“Book Clubs: KG Survival Group and Sparta Book Club”
Virtual
january 4, 2021
“The Hidden Why Interview with Leigh Martinuzzi”
Podcast
December 29, 2020
“National Hero Day” Interview with Bronze Star of Valor combat-decorated Doc Jacobs
FB Live – click to view
DECEMBER 16, 2020
“WWW Goodbye, Orchid Book Club”
Women Who Write
DECEMBER 11, 2020
“Tea and Conversation with Cary Memorial Library”
Cary Memorial Library
Fun chatting about the inspiration behind Goodbye, Orchid, the writing process and what’s next.
“Now I can’t wait to read this!” – Christine.
DECEMBER 8, 2020
“Harness your Marketing Mindset Superpowers & Craft Marketing Plans like an Author-preneur”
International Womens’ Writing Guild
After this double-header 3-hour hands-on workshop, authors left with a plan, and felt more confident to market like a pro.
“Inspiring and motivating. Wheels turning”
“I feel that I have a plan now”
“Extremely helpful. I feel excited and ready to face marketing.”
“Thanks, Carol, so informative and inspiring.”
“Thanks, Carol! Very well done!” Details Here
DECEMBER 4, 2020
“The Joan Hamburg Show” Interview with the First Lady of Radio
WABC Radio
Joan shares her thoughts on Goodbye, Orchid and asks Carol about her Chinese-American background The Joan Hamburg Show
“Publish This! Over Lunch” Interview with David LeGere
Podcast
Carol and Dave discuss what’s inspiring in the literary world, how we source ideas from our own experiences…and not, and how Goodbye, Orchid can inspire optimism and empathy . Click here to listen: https://www.instagram.com/woodhallpress/OCTOBER 27, 2020
International Women’s Writing Guild
Millennial Seminar
Millennials: Applying Generational Insights to writing
“DIYMFA” Podcast Interview with Gabriela Pereira
Podcast
Virtual Event Gabriela Pereira and I discuss the three pillars of author marketing, and how Koehler Books and I applied these principles to launch award-winning Goodbye Orchid. https://diymfa.com/328SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
In Conversation with [words] bookstore
Maplewood, NJ
[words] bookstore hosts Carol to discuss Goodbye Orchid. Words Bookstore event
SEPTEMBER 21, 2020
“She’s Invincible” Podcast Interview with Kamie Lehmann
Podcast
Virtual Event
Carol will be featured on Kamie Lehmann’s entrepreneur podcast, “She’s Invincible” on September 21st. Click here to subscribe to the podcast and listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/shes-invincible/id1500146975
SEPT-OCTOBER, 2020
Interviews with Jen Lowry, Cari Marquette, John Raab, Jeff Ayers, Steven James, Dorris Burch, r.r. campbell
Podcasts
Discussing award-winning Goodbye Orchid with
Sept 18 Steven James The Storyblender Podcast
Sept 19 Jen Lowry Youtube Interview
Sept 23 Cari Marquette Homemade Sidedgig Podcast
Sept 30 Dorris Burch New Fab You Podcast
Oct 16 r.r. campbell Writescast podcast
Oct 17 John Raab, Jeff Ayers Suspense Magazine interview
SEPTEMBER 16, 2020
Carol VanDenHende and Caroline Leavitt Launch Party
Mendham Borough Library
Launch event with New York Times best-selling author Caroline Leavitt
Caroline loves Goodbye, Orchid and says “What do we really owe the ones we love? How far will we go to protect ourselves at the cost of a relationship? When a traumatic accident near-tragically derails a man’s life, can he dare to trust that the woman he adores will stick by him, despite all he’s hidden from her? A richly detailed story of star-crossed lovers that we root for, all told with unforgettable heart and insight.”
—Caroline Leavitt, New York Times Bestselling author of Pictures of You, Cruel Beautiful World and With or Without You
SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
In Conversation with Shari Stauch
“Main Street Reads”
SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
World Premiere “Wine and Words: Passion to Reality”
“Mendham TV”
AUGUST 12, 2020
Polka Dot Powerhouse
“Ben Salem Chapter”
Guest speaker: reinvention over three careers
june 6, 2020
Rutgers Writers Conference (COVID cancelled)
“Marketing as Mindset”
New Brunswick, NJ
april 24, 2020
NECRWA Annual Conference (COVID cancelled)
“Brand Land: What is Author Brand and Why Readers Care”
Boston MA
april 4, 2020
Liberty States Fiction Writers Annual Conference (COVID cancelled)
“Design as Art: 5 Principles of Assessing Book Cover Design”
Clark NJ
NOVEMBER 2, 2019
Valley Forge Romance Writers
“Craft Marketing Plans Like an Authorpreneur”
Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell PA
OCTOBER 19, 2019
Put Your Heart in a Book Conference
“Marketing as Mindset”
Renaissance Woodbridge Iselin NJ
JUNE 5, 2019
Kimberley Ash “Forget Me” Book Launch
Mendham Boro Library, Mendham NJ
Enjoy a fun-filled, lively evening as Kimberley discusses her background, her books, and her process with Carol Van Den Hende. Wine and light refreshments, as featured in her book “Forget Me,” will be served.
MAY 18, 2019
NJ Romance Writers
“Marketing as Mindset”
Sheraton Edison Hotel, Edison NJ
To market your work, you need an author brand, visual identity and well-crafted marketing plans. After the hard work of writing a book, why do these marketing tasks seem daunting? Come to this workshop to learn from 20+ Years of marketing and strategy experience. Find out why marketing isn’t manipulation. Overcome the most common marketing blockers using four simple mindset shifts. Join us to experience why authors say “You inspire me and fire me up every time!”
MARCH 30-31, 2019
Liberty States Fiction Writers’ 10th Annual Conference
Renaissance Woodbridge Iselin NJ
BRAND LAND: Applying Best Practices in Branding to your Writing Career
In this fun, fast-paced session, Carol will demystify what an author brand is. You’ll learn why branding is important, how to define your own brand, and the most important principle when translating your brand into a visual world (hint: think consistency!)
Chocolate and Books from Around the World
Come take a trip with your favorite stories from around the world and beyond, with chocolate and treats to accompany your visit.
Travel from Italy to France, China and even beyond the stars by exploring favorites like Da Vinci Code, Toujours Provence to newer titles like Crazy Rich Asians and The Martian…
in a multi-media experience accompanied by Italian desserts, chocolate croissants, Chinese candies and MILKY WAY Bars!
NOVEMBER 27, 2018
Sisters-in-Crime
“Applying Best Practices in Branding to Your Writing Career”
6:00-8:00 PM | The Jefferson Market Library 425 Avenue of the Americas (6th Ave. at 10th Street) New York, NY
What’s more mysterious than marketing yourself as an author? In today’s busy world, attention spans have dropped and it’s tough to break through. So what’s one way to make every marketing investment work harder? Know your brand, translate it into a visual identity and keep the key aspects consistent over time. In this fun, fast-paced workshop, you’ll learn why brand is important, how to use professional marketing tools to define your brand, and the most important portions to keep consistent. means to have an author brand, how it’s much more than a logo and web presence, and why it’s foundationally important to do the thinking behind what you want to stand for. We’ll discuss how to apply archetypes to define your unique brand and the components of an author’s brand framework. We’ll also romp through some real-life examples to show the importance of consistency in visual branding.
SATURDAY: OCTOBER 13, 2018
Marisa Corvisiero, Esq of Corvisiero Agency Author-preneur Conference
“Building an Author Platform & Brand: Marketing Books”
Oyster Point Hotel Red Bank, NJ
This presentation will cover the essentials of building and growing a platform and marketing books; what is a platform, who needs one and why, with a focus on branding and promoting. As the necessity for author platforms continues to grow, our goal is to help Authors be able to bring their projects to their readers and increase their visibility so that they sell more books and continue to reach new readers.
AUGUST 10-12, 2018
Writer’s Digest Annual Conference
“Millennials: Applying Generational Insights to Your Writing” and “Applying Best Practices in Design to Your Book Covers”
New York Hilton; New York, NY.
Writing Tips from Writer’s Digest Conference, including: “Be a great collaborator if you are working with a designer. Knowing what you want helps you determine whether you like the design you get and work with the designer to achieve a shared objective.” – Carol Van Den Hende
JUNE 16, 2018
NJ Romance Writers’ Workshop
“Craft Your Marketing Plans like a Pro!”
General Meeting begins at 10.30 AM | Renaissance Woodbridge, Iselin NJ.
JUNE 10, 2018
Women Who Write Workshop
“Craft Your Marketing Plans like an Authorpreneur!”
1;30 – 3:00 PM | New Providence Library; New Providence, NJ
JUNE 2-3, 2018
NJ-SCBWI Annual Conference
“Applying Best Practices in Branding to Your Writing Career”
Hyatt Regency; New Brunswick, NJ
OCTOBER 21, 2017
Women Who Write Opening Keynote Address
“Applying Best Practices in Branding to Your Writing Career”
Madison Community House, Madison NJ
OCTOBER 14, 2017
NJRW Put Your Heart in a Book Annual Conference
“Millennials: Applying Generational Insights to Your Writing”
Renaissance Woodbridge, Iselin NJ
SEPTEMBER 9, 2017
Valley Forge Writers Group Workshop
“Applying Best Practices in Design to Your Book Covers”
Montgomery County Community College Blue Bell, PA
AUGUST 18, 2017
Writer’s Digest Annual Conference
“Applying Best Practices in Branding to Your Writing Career”
Hilton New York Midtown New York, NY
MAY 6, 2017
Women Who Write Published Authors Network
“Applying Best Practices in Design to Your Book Covers”
New Providence Library New Providence, NJ
FEBRUARY 18, 2017
NJ Romance Writers Workshops
“Millennials: Applying Generational Insights to Your Writing” and “Design Thinking”
Renaissance Woodbridge Iselin, NJ
OCTOBER 15, 2016
NJRW Put Your Heart in a Book Annual Conference
“Design as Art: 5 Professional Principles of Book Cover Design”
Renaissance Woodbridge Iselin, NJ
SEPTEMBER 10, 2016
Women Who Write Published Authors Network
“Apply Professional Branding Frameworks to Your Brand as an Author”
New Providence Library New Providence, NJ
OCTOBER 17, 2015
NJRW Put Your Heart in a Book Annual Conference
“Apply Professional Branding Frameworks to Your Brand as an Author”
Renaissance Woodbridge Iselin, NJ
JANUARY 17, 2015
NJ Romance Writer’s Workshop
“Design as Art: 5 Professional Principles of Book Cover Design”
Woodbridge Hilton Woodbridge, NJ
NOVEMBER 15, 2014
NJ Romance Writer’s Workshop
“*YOU* as Brand: Applying Professional Frameworks to Your Brand as an Author”
Woodbridge Hilton Woodbridge, NJ
