Work with me

Guide. Present. Faciliate. Inspire.

  • Open laptop, colorful children's book titled "The World is Waiting for You," a mug with painted flowers, and additional children's books on a wooden table.

    One-on-one Guidance

    Do you have a book project in you? Is your manuscript any good? Not sure how the industry works? Should you self-publish or seek a traditional publisher?  Over the past 30 years, I've done it all, from self-publishing to more than nine million books sold. Let's schedule a call to help you get the clarity you need. Meetings over Zoom.

    TIME: 60 MINUTES

    Inquire here
  • A group of people, mostly adults and young children, attending a seated storytime session in a conference room with two large screens displaying a colorful animated boat sailing on the ocean, as a woman conducts the program.

    Speaking + Workshops

    I love gathering in person or online to share conversation, inspiration, and practical tools. Opportunities include:

    Professional Conferences

    Parenting + Family-focused Events

    School Visits + Literacy Programs

    In-store Readings + Signings

    Retreats

    Workshop and keynote topics can include creativity, courage, emotional expression, and storytelling for children and adults alike.

    See topics here

Brave on the Page

Brave on the Page, a research-informed expressive writing experience designed to support emotional wellbeing, meaning-making, and courageous living.

Read more here

Retail & Licensed Collaborations

  • Retail "Exclusives"

    Together with my publisher Sourcebooks, I’ve created countless products in partnership with retailers wishing to offer their customers something special. Pictured above is the Big Library we created for Costco.

  • Charitable Partnerships

    This cute duo came together for The Kohl's Cares program. a charitable initiative where 100% of the net profit from the sale of books and toys goes to support non-profit organizations focused on family health and wellness.

  • Inspiring Collaborations

    Cincinnati Children's Hospital used the words from my book, Hooray for You, in their design of a new building serving children with special needs. Adding artwork and photos, they celebrate each patient’s individuality!

  • Licensed Products

    I have designed greeting cards and stationery products for several companies: LeaninTree, Shade Tree Greetings and NiqueaD. Working with companies who value the importance of personal connections in our increasingly digital world are favorite projects of mine!

Let's make something. Send me a note!

Kind words from clients and collaborators

  • “Thank you for being our featured speaker at the gala. You were stunningly wonderful and brave to share so candidly about your journey with epilepsy. It is because of people like you who demonstrate their perseverance and share it with others that it helps make someone feel less alone.”

    — Keri Olufson, Development Officer
    Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota

  • “If you are looking for a dynamic speaker for your class, conference or next big event, Marianne is the perfect choice!”

    —DR. NICOLE COBB, Vanderbilt University, TN Counseling Association President

  • ”Thank you for your support with the 1:1 session we had. As a result of that I have re-edited my novel, following the editor's assessment and I have published it on Wattpad entering the Wattys competition. This feels like a major achievement for me, and it was never about the actual competition, but it gave me the deadline I needed. Our call gave me the confidence to go ahead with it, so thank you again!”

    — Matilde Crocini, Inner Transformation Mentor and Podcast Host, Women Reclaiming Their Fullness

  • “Marianne's keynote for the Tennessee Association for Children's Early Education (TACEE) annual conference was empowering! Conference attendees loved her message of overcoming and belonging.  The positive reaction to her stories was palpable as people personally identified and connected the motivational truths to their teaching of young children.”

    — Cheri Lindsey, Early Childhood Education Director, TACEE