Since becoming an author and writing coach I’ve given talks and run workshops to thousands of people all over the world.
If you would like me to give a talk or run a workshop at your workplace, organisation, school or college I’d love to hear from you.
Here are some of the topics I speak on…
- Making Friends with Failure: turning setbacks into success (see video below)
- 10 Things I’ve Learned from 20 Years as a Writer: see below
- Finding the Plot: how to craft a story or novel
- Writing and Selling Your Non-Fiction Book
- Your Soulful Self-Care Kit: how to become the happiest person you know
I’m also more than happy to tailor a workshop or talk to your unique needs.
10 Things I’ve Learned from 20 Years as a Writer
After the publication of her first four books, Siobhan was dropped by her publisher. She thought her career as a writer was over but then self-published a novel for young adults, which went on to win a national book award – the first self published book to do so. That novel ended up going to auction with eight publishers bidding for it, thus re-igniting her career. In the last 20 years, Siobhan has had almost 30 books published, for adults, young adults and children. Proof that you should never give up! In this honest, informative and inspiring talk, she shares the key lessons that have helped her bounce back from failure, forge a successful career and most of all, put passion and joy at the heart of her writing.
“The information and tips you gave were very useful and probably boosted the confidence and hopes of everyone there.”
“Inspiring, wise and professional.”
“Fun and inspiring.”
“I so enjoyed hearing you speak.”
Making Friends with Failure
In 2017 I was invited to give a FED talk on overcoming failure at the BBC, following an article I’d written on the subject for the Guardian.
The talk got such a positive response that, in 2018, I decided to take it on tour.
If you feel your workplace, organisation or college could benefit from a workshop or talk on overcoming failure and how to turn setbacks into success, please get in touch via the CONTACT form below.
You can read my article on overcoming failure on the Guardian website here.
Watch me giving the Making Friends with Failure talk at Inspiring Talks Brighton…
Upcoming Events
The Fun-Sized Writing Retreat
One thing that most writers crave is the opportunity to retreat from the world for a while to focus on their writing.
But most writers face two major obstacles when it comes to going on retreat – lack of time and lack of money.
Which is why I’ve created the FUN-SIZED WRITING RETREAT.
At just 3 hours long and £22.15 cheap, the only thing blocking a writer from this retreat is their own inner resistance – a topic we will be addressing, so all of you self-saboteurs need to come along!
Operating on the well known premise, it’s not the size that counts it’s what you do with it, the FUN-SIZED WRITING RETREAT will be jam packed with other good stuff designed to reignite your writing spark, get you focused on your writing goals, iron out any writing issues, and leave full of clarity and inspiration.
Taking place in the tranquil setting of the Friends Meeting House in Lewes, you will also have the peace and space to devote some quality brainstorming time to your work-in-progress – or the writing project you’ve always dreamed of starting.
It doesn’t matter what you’re writing (or dreaming of writing) – poetry, prose, fiction, online content, non-fiction – the FUN-SIZED WRITING RETREAT is the perfect way to prioritise your writing and get clear on your writig goals for 2020.
DATE: Saturday 29th February, 10am – 1pm
Click here to book your place.
The Full-Sized Writing Retreat
I’m delighted to be co-hosting THE WRITE RETREAT with author Jessica Huie at the beautiful Brooklands Barn in May. Three days and two nights full of inspirational workshops, one-to-one coaching and plenty of precious writing time in a tranquil setting.
DATE: Tuesday 5th – Thursday 7th May
The Awakening Weekend
The Awakening Weekend is a wonderful well-being festival on the Isle of Wight. At this year’s festival I will be running a workshop called YOUR SOULFUL SELF-CARE KIT, where I’ll share the 7 key tools I discovered on my 7 year quest for joy, love and peace (as detailed in my book, Something More…a Spiritual Misfit’s Search for Meaning). Find out how to become the happiest person you know.
DATE: Saturday 6th June
Hove Writing Workshop
I will be running a two hour writing workshop in Hove in June, hosted by Hatchery Writers. More details to follow…
DATE: Saturday 13th June
Praise
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for your talk on making friends with failure. Many people were talking about it in the office for days after. It really got us thinking. Inspiring.” Kayleigh Keam, CBeebies, Children’s BBC
‘Siobhan was a superb speaker on the Literacy Live stage at this year’s Victorious music festival – she brought a lot of energy to the stage and quickly engaged the audience with her heartfelt stories and sense of fun on how to harness creativity and how to make the most of every chance you have to write and create. She was amazing!’ Esther Harris, Bookollective
‘I have had the good fortune to work with Siobhan Curham on two occasions this academic year. As Director of Research within the School of Literature and languages I organise a number of annual events for our postgraduate students in Literature and Creative Writing, one of which was a symposium on the concept of ‘Ghosting’ which took place on the 8 October 2018 in collaboration with the Guildford Book Festival. I invited Siobhan to speak on her work as a ghost writer, and was so impressed by her that I asked her to speak again at a recent careers event held for our MA and Level 6 students on the 29 April 2019. Siobhan is not only a talented, award-winning writer, but also a wonderful motivational speaker. She combines her wide knowledge of the publishing and media industry with a warm personality and open demeanour that made these events both inspiring and accessible for our students. What I particularly liked about Siobhan’s talks was her willingness to share not only the pleasure of her successes, but also to give advice on those moments of perceived personal failure as a writer that may seem insurmountable, but can be springboards for innovative approaches to writing. Given that so many students in Higher Education suffer from the pressures to achieve academic and/or financial success, Siobhan’s positivity and perspective make her an excellent role model and her practical advice on writing and the vagaries of the industry, gleaned from a long career as a published novelist, journalist, media guest, and speaker at schools, universities, national and international literary festivals, make her a natural tutor. I recommend her highly and without reservation.’ Patricia Pulham, Professor of Victorian Literature, University of Surrey
‘Siobhan’s speech at Inspiring Talks Brighton was called Making Friends with Failure. It was brilliantly crafted with a wonderful flow to it that kept us all engaged right through until the end. She took us on a journey through her own failures and low points and then excited us with the hope of what can happen when we keep moving forwards. Her speech ended beautifully with some very valuable takeaways. She is, without a doubt, a natural speaker, with effortless delivery but most importantly she’s very entertaining.’ Sally Garozzo, Founder, Inspiring Talks Brighton
“I was truly inspired by your talk and your journey.”Tee Cee, TV vlogger, journalist, author
“Inspirational stuff!”Alexander Harris, BBC Radio Producer
‘We have discovered a gem in Siobhan Curham. She kept her audience of 450 students mesmerized with her formula of “How to write a great story” and “How to create a great life” and would now be our number one author to go to for a workshop or talk.’ Nessie Mason, Hay Festival
‘I was delighted to be hosting Siobhan’s interactive True Face presentation at this year’s Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival. Siobhan encouraged young women and girls to participate in a thought provoking workshop focusing on how they themselves can create happy and fulfilling lives. This was supported by Siobhan’s popular book, True Face, which covers the issues that these young girls worry about eg. social media, body image, finding real friendships. It was an informative and practical talk designed to help them overcome the pressures placed on them by society to be something they are not. Siobhan provided good advice on how they can overcome these fears and insecurities and identify their passions and strengths. An inspirational session – thank you.’ Jeremy Lewis – Patron, Cheltenham Festivals
‘Siobhan Curham visited Epsom College to address 60+ pupils to discuss her life’s journey as a writer, coach and speaker. She shared some useful techniques on encouraging young women to simply be the best they can be. The workshop focused on pride, inner strength, courage, facing adversity, being creative and confident and the importance of sharing things with people you value. Goal setting and achieving your dreams in stages were also explored. It was certainly well-received by the girls, who returned to the houses buzzing with ideas, inspiration and a new fresh perception of how to see their teenage world in preparation for their futures.’Helen Keevil, Head of Personal & Social Development, Epsom College
‘Siobhan Curham worked with Centrepoint between June and July 2012, running a series of workshops aimed at inspiring and empowering young people to write creatively. From the outset, Siobhan engaged the group, working with the mix of personalities and ensuring everyone had a say. Each young person was encouraged to draw from their own experiences making the pieces very personal, powerful testaments, particularly considering the backgrounds of the individuals the charity works with. Always looking to the future, Siobhan focused on the group’s dreams and aspirations as inspiration and brought the series to a close with a final competition available through her website Siobhan went on to mentor the winner of the competition, with stunning results. The resident and Siobhan developed a great working relationship, whereby Siobhan would set weekly exercises for her completion, on top of which the young person was able to secure a work experience placement at a children’s publishing company through Siobhan’s contacts. Siobhan was professional, warm, friendly, boundaried and carried out excellent work with the young people at Centrepoint and comes highly recommended.’ Teresa Redman, Assessment and Training Officer, Centrepoint
‘From the start of her fascinating talks as part of the Sharjah Reading Festival, Siobhan captured the audience’s attention – teen boys and girls and the staff. With her natural rapport she with them so successfully that they were willing to share their dreams in public, which takes courage and confidence.”Corrine Gotch, Sharjah Reading Festival
Get in touch
If you’d like me to give a talk or run a workshop for you simply complete the contact form below…