Current speaking topics include:
‘What if?’: A Beginner’s Guide to Speculative Fiction – Talk/mini workshop
An introduction to speculative fiction – science fiction, fantasy, horror – discussing subgenres, how to start world building and magic system basics. Included are three writing exercises on setting and character.
(approx 90-120 minutes. Includes Q&A)
A/V Requirements: Data projector with VGA input, microphone
Other requirements: tables for participants, whiteboard, markers. Participants will need pen/pencil and notebook for exercises.
The Cartharsis of Writing
Since 2012, I’ve used my writing as to help deal with anxiety and PTSD. At first it was just a distraction, but it became a tool to help face my anxieties. I discuss my personal journey, and writing has helped me.
A/V Requirements: Data projector with VGA input, microphone
The History of Steampunk
Where did the steampunk genre originate? Where is it now? Are there Australian steampunk authors? Karen discusses steampunk in media – books, television, movies.
A/V Requirements: Data projector with VGA input, microphone
Creating Your Own Steampunk World or Persona.
You can use existing history and places to create your own unique steampunk world, or you can design your own from scratch. Karen will discuss steampunk tropes and the use of gadgets, as well as various steampunk sub-genres. How to include magic and the supernatural and how to incorporate ‘punk’ in your world and stories.
She will also explore character types, their interaction in their new steampunk world and how the process can be used to create steampunk costume personas.
This panel will be of interest to those who are steampunk-curious, interested in writing steampunk stories or creating steampunk comics, and to costumers/cosplayers interested in creating their own unique steampunk persona.
(approx 45 minutes. This is also available as a interatctive workshop: 90 mins)
A/V Requirements: Data projector with VGA input, microphone / ,
Workshop option: A/V Requirements as above / Other requirements: Tables for attendees.
Self publishing, from an Australian Perspective
Karen has self published her books using Createspace, Ingram Spark, Kindle and Smashwords. She discusses the process and how living in Australia effects using these platforms.
A/V Requirements: Data projector with VGA input, microphone
How to Plot a Story – for Non-Plotters.
This is a 60 minute interactive workshop demonstrating how to build up a basic plot and characters, one step at a time.
Requirements: White board, markers, microphone.
Costumes in Writing: Mid-16th Century Florentine Female Clothing and Accessories
Bring your writing to life. It’s the little details that make your reader believe in your world.
Did Renaissance woman wear corsets? How heavy were the outfits and how did they effect everyday life? How much did a dress really cost?
Karen will show you the various layers of mid-16th Century Florentine clothing and the process of dressing. She will also discuss the practicality of Victorian women’s fashion and how to adapt it for alternative history and fantasy settings.
Karen J Carlisle’s main area of costume interest is re-creation of mid sixteen century Florentine clothing and accessories. She has been a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism since 1994. She attended the Florence 2008 Costume Symposium: Janet Arnold Tribute, with lectures by Roberta Orsi Landini and the conservators of the Laboratorio Centro Restauri Tesseli, Pisa.
This talk is the first of two talks, specifically designed for writers, on how to wear historical clothing.
A/V Requirements: Data projector with VGA input, microphone
Other requirements: Table for costume item display.
Costumes in Writing: Late 19th Century Victorian Female Clothing and Accessories
Ever wondered what wearing a Victorian corset was like? Did it restrict movement?
Karen will show you the various layers of Victorian clothing and the process of dressing. She will also discuss the practicality of Victorian women’s fashion and how to adapt it for alternative history, fantasy or steampunk settings.
Karen J Carlisle has been a historical re-enactor since 1994, re-creating Victorian-style garments since 2007.
This talk is the second, in a series designed specifically for writers, on how to wear historical clothing.
A/V Requirements: Data projector with VGA input, microphone / Other requirements: Table for costume item display.
Rates (in person/online):
Per Talk: AU$250 (plus GST).
Engagement includes: approx. 45-60 minutes – includes talk and question/demonstration time.
Per Workshop: AU$250 (plus GST)
Engagement includes: approx 60 minutes of workshop/discussion
Per Day: AU$600 (plus GST) per day (3 talks max)
Engagement includes: Up to three talks – approx. 45-60 minutes – includes talk and question/demo time.
Note: Travel costs may be incurred for travel outside of metropolitan Adelaide for in person engagements.
Special arrangements can be made for community and non-profit groups.
To book Karen for a speaking engagement for libraries, organisations or schools,
please contact me
(subject: Speaking Engagment).