Keynote speaker, author, educator, and professional human being.
Stories, ideas, and conversations that make us a little more human.
I’m Erica Richmond, an author, educator, writing mentor, and keynote speaker. I speak about writing, communication, storytelling, creativity, and what it means to be a little more human in the way we work, create, and connect.
My keynotes are thoughtful, practical, and conversational. There’s usually some humour, a few things to think about, and at least one moment where you might look at something you thought you understood a completely different way.
I speak at conferences, professional development events, schools, libraries, community organizations, and other gatherings. Some of my talks are about writing. Some are about communication. Some are about stories. All of them are ultimately about people.
Have a look around and see what might fit your audience.
Erica is a Canadian communication speaker, workshop facilitator, author, and educator who brings a unique perspective shaped by years of teaching professional communication, facilitating writing workshops, and building communities through authentic relationships.
Keynotes
The Courage to Write
What if confidence doesn't come before writing—but follows compassion?
The Courage to Write explores what gets in the way of writing, why creating a sense of safety matters, and how we can move past perfectionism, self-doubt, and the fear of getting it wrong.
How to Speak to (and Like) a Human
We're surrounded by communication. But are we actually communicating with each other?
This practical and often playful keynote explores how paying better attention, asking better questions, listening for what's underneath, and speaking like an actual human can change the way we connect with people.
Explore How to Speak to (and Like) a Human
Why Our Stories Matter
The stories we tell help us make sense of our lives—and help other people understand us.
Why Our Stories Matter explores the power of storytelling to create connection, understanding, and change, and asks what happens when we make space for the stories that might otherwise go unheard.
Author Talks & Books
My books open doors to conversations about big feelings, difficult experiences, creativity, connection, and the stories we carry with us.
The Pixie Books
Pixie and the Bees and Pixie and the Fox are children's books that create opportunities to talk about anxiety, unhealthy relationships, emotions, and asking for help.Author visits and presentations are available for schools, libraries, educators, and community organizations.
Parenting After Suicide / Yelling at Dead People
My writing about parenting, grief, loss, and what happens after a family is changed by suicide is part of a larger project called Yelling at Dead People.
These presentations create space for honest conversations about experiences that can be difficult to talk about—and the role storytelling can play in making meaning from them.
Creative Projects
Mail Art Stories
What happens when we tell stories through postcards, letters, and pieces of mail?
The Mail Art Stories Project grew into a book, an exhibition, and a collection of stories shared between strangers. Presentations can explore the project itself, the creative process behind it, and the surprising ways art and storytelling can create connection.
A great fit for libraries, arts organizations, community groups, creative gatherings, and anyone interested in making things a little differently.
Basille, Keith Wightman Public School
“We have students practice finger spaces between their words, encourage them to use punctuation, and model correct grammar. However, we often fail to explain "why" we write. Erica visited my classroom and opened my students eyes to the fact that writing is something that real life adults do. Moreover, she showed how writing has a special power: although it often can't change how things are on the outside, it can change how we feel on the inside (and this makes all the difference). Her book, "Pixie and the Bees," breaks down the vital topic of mental health down to building blocks that children as young as 5 can understand. Mental health is something that has never been more present in public education. Erica's underlying message, "my words matter," give students the tools to face and better understand the world around them.”
Let's Talk
Looking for a speaker for your conference, organization, school, library, or community event?
Have something in mind but aren't sure which presentation is the right fit?
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About Erica Richmond
Erica Richmond is a Canadian author, college instructor, writing coach, and speaker. She teaches communications at the college level and has spent years guiding writers of all ages in developing confidence, craft, and emotional safety in their work.
She is the founder of Open Sky Stories, where she leads writing workshops, retreats, and webinars designed to help people reconnect with their creativity and tell meaningful stories.
Erica is the author of multiple books, including the Pixie Series, children’s books used in schools, therapy offices, and mental health organizations to help young readers explore big feelings such as anxiety, self-doubt, and relationships.
Her creative nonfiction essays from her forthcoming manuscript Yelling at Dead People have been shortlisted for literary prizes and accepted for publication in literary journals.
Her work and ideas about storytelling have also been featured in dozens of podcast interviews and live radio conversations, including CBC Radio. Visit her media page to view them all.
Through her talks, Erica invites audiences to see storytelling not just as a creative act, but as a powerful way to understand our experiences, connect with others, and develop the courage to share our stories.
Communication has been at the centre of everything she does.
Erica Richmond brings together a unique combination of experiences:
Communications educator
College professor
Author
Entrepreneur
Workshop facilitator
Writing coach
Community builder
Public speaker
For more than a decade, Erica has helped people communicate with more clarity, confidence, and courage.
Her approach is practical, welcoming, and deeply human.
Why Erica?
Who Erica Speaks To
Erica provides keynote presentations and workshops for:
Women entrepreneur organizations
Small business groups
Conferences
Libraries
Colleges and universities
Educators
Healthcare organizations
Nonprofit organizations
Community groups
Author Visits for Schools
Erica Richmond offers engaging author visits for elementary schools and libraries, featuring readings from her Pixie Series and conversations about storytelling, creativity, and understanding big feelings.
School presentations may include:
interactive book readings
conversations about emotions and storytelling
behind-the-scenes insights into how books are written and published
simple creative writing activities for students
Her books are used in schools, therapy offices, and mental health organizations, helping young readers talk about feelings such as anxiety, self-doubt, and relationships.
Featured Speaking Topics
Every keynote explores a different aspect of human connection
How to Talk To—and Like—a Human
Building meaningful relationships in an increasingly automated world
In a world of AI, automation, and endless content, genuine human connection has become one of the most valuable business skills we have.
This keynote explores how curiosity, listening, and paying attention can transform the way we build businesses, lead teams, and create lasting relationships. Participants leave with practical strategies for building trust, creating memorable experiences, and discovering why being genuinely human may be the greatest competitive advantage of all.
Ideal for: Business conferences, leadership events, women entrepreneurs, professional associations, and workplace teams.
The Courage to Write
Overcoming blocks and rediscovering the joy of writing
Writing isn't just about words—it's about courage.
Whether we're writing a book, a journal, a difficult email, or simply trying to express ourselves honestly, fear often gets in the way. This interactive session explores why writing feels so vulnerable and how we can create the safety needed to reconnect with our voice, creativity, and confidence.
Participants leave inspired to write with greater freedom, curiosity, and joy.
Ideal for: Writers, educators, libraries, creative communities, and anyone longing to reconnect with their creativity.
The Power of Writing Your Story
Why your experiences matter—and how sharing them creates connection
Every person has stories worth telling.
Our stories help us make sense of our experiences, preserve memories, strengthen communities, and remind others they are not alone. In this inspiring presentation, Erica explores the transformative power of personal storytelling and invites audiences to reflect on the moments that have shaped them.
Whether stories are written, spoken, or simply remembered, they have the power to heal, connect, and inspire.
Ideal for: Libraries, community organizations, educators, conferences, book clubs, and wellness events.
Book Erica Richmond as a Speaker
Looking for a speaker who will help your audience think differently about communication, creativity, and connection?
Let's create a conversation your audience will remember.
In addition to her speaking and teaching work, Erica Richmond is a frequent guest on podcasts, radio programs, and literary media, where she shares insights about storytelling, writing courage, emotional resilience, and the creative process.
She has been interviewed on dozens of podcasts and live radio programs, including CBC Radio, discussing topics such as personal storytelling, writing through grief, creative nonfiction, and the power of stories to connect us.
Browse Erica’s media interviews, podcast appearances, and press features.
Media & Interviews
Erica Richmond is a Canadian author, speaker, and writing coach whose work explores storytelling, mental health, grief, parenting, and creative expression. She is available for podcast interviews, media features, speaking engagements, and writing workshops focused on storytelling, emotional wellbeing, and writing from a place of safety.