Available to Speak to Your Group

I'm having a great time speaking to groups from all over (from New York, to Chicago to Boise) at conventions, libraries, and for private groups.  ​I'm happy to report that the responses from participants and the comments from hosts have been outstanding (he says modestly). I have 30+ years of experience speaking to groups of all types and sizes and am available to speak on a variety of topics, including:

• Thrill(er) Ride: Lessons Learned on the Journey to Becoming a Novelist - In the past six years, I've learned a lot about fiction writing, publishing, marketing, and more from the world of being an author. Join in the fun as I share some valuable lessons, tips, and techniques, and share some stories and weird and wonderful experiences.
• "It's Not Too Late" and Other Lessons Learned on Becoming a Novelist - Six novels published, sales in eight countries, a dozen awards and honors... all since retiring from a "real" job. You too can rediscover the joy of writing and creating. Learn some of the basics of writing, publishing, and marketing your book, as well as some of the tips and tricks that make the job easier.
• Breaking News - The crisis in local journalism and resulting threat to our society.
• ​​Ten Critical Success Factors for Writers - A "top ten list" for groups comprised of writers or future writers that want to learn and improve, but don't have time for a longer workshop.
• 6 Dimensions of Strategic Assessment - A tool for discovering your organization's true challenges and opportunities.
• The Future Is... (Sorry You Missed It) - Accepting, adapting and thriving as the speed of change increases exponentially.
• Iowa Rocks - The state's critical role in the history of Rock 'n Roll music.​​

To schedule, contact me at: joe@josephlevalley.com

Contact Joe

Add a Fun and Engaging Talk to Your Next Meeting/Event

If interested in having me speak to your group or at an event, please contact me at: joe@josephlevalley.com. 
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UPCOMING EVENTS:

ALL EVENTS IN IOWA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

DAYTON - Saturday, May 24, 6 p.m., Dayton High School Alumni Banquet, short musical performance, followed by book signing. Alumni and guests only. Tickets required.

GRIMES - Tuesday, June 10, 5 to 7 p.m., Wandering Raccoon Books, 250 W. First Street, Grimes. Informal meet, greet, discuss books, and get signed books. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Friday, June 20, 1:30 p.m., presenting on an author panel at ThrillerFest, a huge convention of thriller writers, editors, agents, and publishers. The panel is called "RED HERRINGS, CLUES OR PUZZLES?" Open to the public but paid registration to the convention is required. Held at the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel.

URBANDALE - Wednesday, June 25, book club discussion. Private event for members and guests only.

JEFFERSON - Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m., Jefferson Public Library, presentation and discussion. Come join in the fun! Free and open to the public.

WAUKEE - Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19, Waukee Arts Festival, Centennial Park. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Bookpress Publishing will have a booth featuring many of its authors, including me. Stop by, chat about books, meet some authors, and get some signed books. Free and open to the public.

UNION - Monday, July 21, 5:30 p.m., Union Public Library, presentation and discussion. Come join in the fun! Free and open to the public.

SIOUX CENTER - Monday, September 8, 7 p.m., Sioux Center Public Library, presentation and discussion. Come join in the fun! Free and open to the public.

ALTOONA - Wednesday, October 1, 11:30 a.m., Lutheran Church of the Cross, luncheon followed by presentation and discussion. Members and guests only.

WINDSOR HEIGHTS - Sunday, October 5, Windsor Heights Book Festival. Details TBA.

FORT DODGE - Monday, October 13, book club discussion. Members and guests only.

CLARE - Monday, October 13, 4:30 p.m., Clare Public Library. Presentation and discussion. Come join the fun! Free and open to the public.

GRINNELL - Tuesday, October 14, 2 p.m. Private event. Members and guests only.

WEST DES MOINES - Tuesday, October 14, 6:30 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library. Presentation and discussion of books, writing, journalism, and true crime. Come join in the fun! Free and open to the public.

WAUKEE - Wednesday, October 15, 5 to 7 p.m., Mickey's Irish Pub, BOOK LAUNCH PARTY for Murder Suspended! Live music, free food and soft drinks, cash bar, signed books, and more! Free and open to the public. Come join in the fun and be among the first to get a copy of Tony's latest adventure - this time in Ireland!

WICHITA, KANSAS - Saturday, October 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1920 North Rock Road, Wichita. Meeting and talking mysteries with store patrons, and signing books! 

​URBANDALE - Saturday, November 1, Urbandale Public Library Author Fair. Details TBA.

​EVERYWHERE! - Tuesday, November 4, the latest Tony Harrington mystery/thriller, Murder Suspended, officially releases. Set in Ireland, the story involves a double murder sparked by a war between rival drug cartels. Available from any bookstore or online seller, or get signed copies by ordering from this website.

ACKLEY - Monday, November 10, 6:00 p.m., Ackley Public Library. Presentation and discussion. Come join the fun! Free and open to the public.

WEST DES MOINES - Saturday, November 22, 1 to 3 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Jordan Creek Mall. Chatting with booklovers and signing books. Stop in and say hello!

​DAYTON - Wednesday, December 3, at 4 p.m., Dayton Public Library, presentation, discussion, and book signing. Hope to share some laughs with many old friends. Free and open to the public.

HARLAN - Thursday, December 4, 6 p.m., Harlan Public Library, presentation and discussion. Come join the fun! Free and open to the public.

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PODCASTS AND OTHERS ONLINE:

"Maxwell's Iowa Coffeecast" - longtime Iowa radio personality Maxwell Schaeffer and I chatted over beverages recently. Topics included books, writing, journalism, and publishing. You can listen to our conversation at maxwells-iowa.captivate.fm. You'll also find interviews with other people more interesting than me. Give it a try and support Maxwell. He's one of the nicest people I know.

"Tuesday's Thanks" Podcast with Brian Proctor, based in Connecticut. Discussion of career paths, people to whom we owe much, and, of course, books! The podcast is now available at Episode 66 - Joseph LeValley by Tuesday's Thanks (spotify.com). 

Recent interview on "Your Daily Chocolate," a podcast based in San Francisco, CA. A link to the show is here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/0lHWEOYkcAb
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"Were You Still Talking?" podcast and YouTube program hosted by Joel Albrecht, recorded March 24, 2023. Available here: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/WhctKKXpXhxKfKHKM.   

"Writing & Editing Podcast," recorded on March 15, 2023; Episode 153 on the website here: Writing & Editing Podcast – Hosted by Wayne Jones (writingediting.ca)

"The Culture Buzz" radio show and podcast, KFMG Radio, Des Moines, with John Busbee. Recorded Wednesday, November 29, 2023. Go to KFMG.org. Previous interview recorded March 13, 2023. Link: JOSEPH Le VALLEY Aut. Mar 2023 The Sophocles Rule (online Audio Converter.com) : John Busbee, The Culture Buzz Host/Producer : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive ​

Drake University "Everclass" series. Hour-long presentation and discussion recorded on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Topics include writing, editing, publishing, crime, and journalism. Link to the program will be posted soon, or watch for it at Drake.edu. 

"The Ed Halbach Show" recorded in October 2023. Also available: previous episodes recorded in November 2022. All interviews available now at: www.edhalbach.com. 

"Destination Everywhere" podcast recorded Monday, October 24. Release details TBA.

"Had to Be There" podcast. Episode now available. Go to: Had To Be There | Podcast

Two episodes of the true crime podcast "Dieowa." As a guest, I share in one the details of a murder case I covered as a newspaper reporter, and in the second about the infamous robbery of the First National Bank in Mason City by John Dillinger and his gang. 

Interview by the Des Moines Public Library for its podcast.  Go to DMPL.org.

Two television interviews: May 17 and October 14 interviews on "Hello Iowa" program on WHO-TV.  Go to WHO13.com.

Jeff Rutherford "Reading and Writing Podcast" interview. 

 Examples of Feedback from Prior Speaking Engagements

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​      The Lake City Friends of the Library would like to thank you for your wonderful book event. We received so many favorable comments about your author talk - comments such as 'so personable,' 'such talent,' and 'he possesses the ability to bring his book characters to life for the audience.'  We were amazed at the attendance you drew to our small library. Thank you."

     "We thoroughly enjoyed having Joseph LeValley do a book talk at Ericson Library. He is a fascinating person, and kept our patrons engaged by sharing not only his story of writing, but his life experiences as well. I would encourage other Libraries to book him!" 
​-- The Ericson Library staff
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     "Thank you Joe for the great presentation! You were funny and articulate. I visited with many of the audience members after your program, and this is what they said:
     'I loved Joe's presentation. He is a great storyteller!'
     'I liked the way Joe told about his books, just enough information to pique my interest, but he doesn't give away the endings.'
     'I would love to go see him again!'
     'Please keep writing!' "
-- Roxanne Kuhlman, Friends of the Library, Fort Dodge, Iowa

      "Your presentation received rave reviews in Spencer! After hearing about your life experiences along with your knowledge on writing and publishing, everyone wanted to read your books."
-- Robin Munson, Adult Programming Librarian, Spencer Public Library

     "Joseph LeValley visited the Mason City Public Library to share his writing experiences as well as interesting behind the scenes details about his books. His remarks were captivating, entertaining, and informative. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, and they were pleased to have an opportunity to ask questions."
-- Jet Kofoot - Head of Adult Services & Archives

     "Very enjoyable.  Very entertaining.  Very informative.  A trifecta.   Best, he made it seem as though a later in life dream is still possible."
     "Excellent inspirational speaker.  Engaging, entertaining and humorous.  Captivated the audience leaving them wanting to hear and read more of his stories."
-- Attendees of program at Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines, Iowa
 
     "Joseph LeValley was a delight to have here at the James Kennedy Public Library.  He is a great storyteller and our patrons enjoyed hearing how he went from journalist to writer. They also loved the behind-the-scenes peek into the life of a writer, how the process works, and hearing where his inspiration comes from. We would recommend him to anyone interested in hosting him!"
--The  James Kennedy Public Library staff, Dyersville, Iowa​

      "Thank you to Joe LeValley for presenting the gripping tales from his success across three careers, including the release of his book Burying the Lede." 
​-- Posted on LinkedIn by the Rotary Club of West Des Moines, Iowa

​     "Thank you for taking time to present to our breakfast club on Tuesday morning. You were a hit to say the least! Several women told me how much they enjoyed the presentation and why wouldn't they? You were engaging and informative, with lots of humor sprinkled throughout. And the book club which is part of this group chose 'Burying the Lede' as the book of choice for next month. That certainly validates my comments here! Congratulations on your newly-published book. It's next on my list of 'must-reads'." 
​-- Carol Chambers, West Des Moines

​     "Thank you for participating in the WDM Library Friends Foundation’s author panel last night. It was super fun! We received a lot of positive comments. Everyone really enjoyed hearing about your books and your publishing journeys." 
​-- Sent by the Foundation's host for the event


     "(We) thoroughly enjoyed Mr. LeValley’s (Zoom) presentation about his journey to becoming an author, with his award-winning book, 'Burying the Lede'.   Even early in the  morning, Joe was the perfect mix of story-telling and laughs. Members commented long after his presentation on how much they enjoyed it.   The group looks forward to hosting him a second time ..."
-- Sent by The Affinity Breakfast Club, a local business networking group committed to building long-lasting connections in greater Des Moines, Iowa


     "Thank you for a fabulous presentation today! Loved it! Your presentation was perfect: interesting, professional, and fun! Our Rotary members were intrigued with the discussion of your five books AND also with the vignettes you shared of your life journey! That could be another book! Your life adventure really is filled with outrageous good fortune!"
​- Sent by a member of the Rotary Club of Des Moines


     "It was a wonderful event at the Mason City Public library! I’m so glad you came. I find the whole book writing/researching/publishing work to be fascinating. I have read your first two books and have plans to continue reading them—and I’ll tell my friends." 
-- Sent by an attendee


     "LeValley was an engaging speaker who did a great job walking through his writing and publishing processes! He came across as friendly, personable, and humorous. Our audience loved him, and he did an excellent job at piquing interest in his books while not spoiling anything significant."
-- Charles City Public Library

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     "We had an amazing turnout at our author visit with Joe LeValley on Monday evening! Thank you to everyone who came out and thanks to Joe for making it such an enjoyable and informative event!"
-- Dayton Public Library director