Speaking & Workshops

Every place carries a story.

Through keynote presentations, author visits, and interactive workshops, Jessica invites audiences to explore how story connects us to history, creativity, identity, and one another.

Jessica has presented for educators, students, writers, arts organizations, libraries, professional associations, and community groups across Ontario.

Jessica's presentations are thoughtful, engaging, and conversational, blending storytelling, reflection, discussion, and practical ideas that participants can carry into their own work.

Storytelling, Creativity & the Writing Process

Jessica believes everyone has stories worth discovering and sharing. Drawing on her experience as an author, poet, playwright, and writing facilitator, she explores how creativity develops, how stories take shape, and how writers can nurture their own creative practices.

Some big ideas:

The creative process and finding your story
Historical fiction: researching the past to inspire the present
Writing from memory, place, and identity
Revision as discovery
Creativity and innovation
Building sustainable creative practices

Would you like to learn more about?

The Writing Spiral
Holistic Approaches to Story
The Four Seasons of Story
Revealing Story through the Four Elements
The Labyrinth Creative Living Plan

This image is some of the themes explored in the Writing Spiral.

Indigenous Education, History & Story

As a Métis author and Indigenous Education leader, Jessica shares stories and learning experiences that support deeper understanding of Indigenous histories, perspectives, and contemporary realities.

Her work connects education, storytelling, and Reconciliation, exploring how stories can build relationships, challenge assumptions, and create meaningful learning opportunities.

I love to share my learning about:

Métis history, culture, and perspectives
Métis stories in the classroom
Indigenous education and student success
Truth and Reconciliation in action
The role of story in preserving memory and identity

Some ideas I've shared with organizations in the past:

A Story of Georgian Bay Métis through Poetry
Introduction to Métis History, Culture, and Perspectives
Indigenous Texts in the Classroom
Holistic Approaches to Indigenous Education
Truth and Reconciliation: Moving Beyond Awareness

Please note: Keynotes and workshops are booked independently in my personal capacity as a writer.

This photo of Georgian Bay was taken by Jessica Outram.

Author Visits &
Literary Events

Jessica offers author visits and literary programming for schools, libraries, festivals, and community organizations.

Drawing from her award-winning middle-grade historical fiction, poetry, and creative writing practice, Jessica shares how research, family history, imagination, and storytelling come together to create meaningful stories.

We work together to determine what's best for your group:

Author readings and conversations
Writing workshops for students
Historical fiction and research discussions
Exploring identity, place, and family stories
Poetry and storytelling events

Selected Speaking Engagements

Organizations where I've facilitated creative programming and speaking in the past:

Trent University
Métis Nation of Ontario
Ontario Principals’ Council
School Boards
Canadian Creative Writers and Writing Programs Conference
Ontario Writers Conference
League of Canadian Poets events
Literary festivals and community arts organizations

Jessica works with organizations to create presentations and workshops tailored to their audience and goals.

You can read more about my professional qualifications on LinkedIn.

This photo is of an original painting by Jessica Outram.