Ying is a sought-after speaker known for delivering engaging, inspiring presentations that educate, entertain, and motivate audiences. Her programs range from keynote addresses and featured lectures to interactive workshops and multi-day seminars.

"There is not one day when I don’t feel blessed for being able to do what I like most — writing and sharing my journey with others."
Keynote aboard The World Residences at Sea​

Rising Above Adversity:  From Mao’s China to the American Dream

In this keynote, Ying shares her journey from Mao’s China to becoming an award-winning author, weaving together food, culture, resilience, and storytelling.

Culture, Food & Travel

 The Art of Living Well: Timeless Wisdom for Health and Happiness
​A practical wellness lecture on timeless habits for health, happiness, balance, and mindful living.
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Discover enduring principles for cultivating health, happiness, and well-being in this inspiring workshop. Rooted in the belief that the mind and body are deeply connected, these time-tested practices offer a holistic approach to enhancing both inner vitality and outer radiance. Explore the power of balance, natural approaches to wellness, and mindful living.

​Learn how a peaceful mind, healthy habits, and a balanced lifestyle can help you thrive, drawing on wisdom that has guided people for generations in the pursuit of a healthier, more fulfilling life.
A Culinary Journey from East to West
​A personal and culinary lecture exploring Ying’s journey from Mao’s China to America and her East-meets-West approach to food, health, and balance.
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​Ying will share stories about her upbringing during Mao’s China, her journey from East to West, and her deep love of food. She will also explore three key Asian principles: food that delights the senses, food with yin-yang balance, and food as medicine. Additionally, Ying will introduce her innovative approach to healthy, delicious cuisine, blending Eastern wisdom with Western science—combining Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory principles and Dr. David Servan-Schreiber’s anti-cancer insights with a yin-yang balanced diet.  
The Intersection of Food and History
​A cultural food lecture exploring how local cuisine, markets, ingredients, and traditions shape daily life, health, beauty, and community.
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Ying will trace different country's culinary history, showcasing how food influences people's daily life, enriches beauty and health, and—most importantly—binds communities together. She can also lead the guests to the local market to shop for fresh ingredients and conduct cooking classes, as well as demonstrate how to use the local flowers and herbs for beauty purposes.
Food as Medicine: Asian Wisdom for Modern Health
​A holistic wellness lecture exploring Asian principles of mindful eating, yin-yang balance, longevity, vitality, and natural radiance.
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Wellness starts from within. This workshop uncovers the ancient Asian secrets for maintaining youth, vitality, and overall well-being through mindful eating and holistic living. Rooted in timeless wisdom, we’ll explore the yin-yang balance in food and its impact on health and longevity, as well as how to balance energy, nourish the body with the right foods, and embrace a lifestyle that promotes natural radiance.

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Tea: The Art of Wellness and Flavor

A cultural workshop exploring tea’s role in health, hospitality, and everyday cooking.​
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​Just as Americans grow up drinking a variety of fruit juices, I grew up drinking a variety of teas. I also ate many dishes prepared with tea. Yes, “ate.” The Chinese have been cooking with green tea almost as long as they have been drinking it.

For centuries, the Chinese have revered tea as a natural healer for body and soul and have been cooking with tea almost as long as they have been drinking it.

In this workshop, Ying Chang Compestine, the author of Cooking with Green Tea and the spokesperson of Celestial Seasonings, will introduce you to the different types of tea, its health benefits, and how to put this potent protector to work in your cooking.
Spirits of Asia: Gaki and Hungry Ghosts
​A cultural lecture exploring Asia’s hungry ghost traditions and what these enduring stories reveal about human nature, belief, and society.
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Across Asia, stories of hungry ghosts have inspired centuries of ritual, art, folklore, and storytelling. This intriguing lecture explores Japan's gaki and the broader hungry ghost traditions found throughout Asia, revealing what these mysterious spirits teach us about desire, compassion, memory, and the human condition.

Drawing on history, religion, literature, and cultural traditions, Ying offers a fascinating glimpse into a world that continues to shape festivals, beliefs, and stories across Asia today.
Kaiseki: From the Tea Ceremony to Japan's Refined Cuisine
​A culinary culture lecture exploring kaiseki’s tea ceremony origins and its deep connection to seasonality, beauty, balance, and mindfulness.
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Kaiseki is often considered Japan's most refined culinary tradition, yet its origins are rooted in the simplicity of the tea ceremony and the principles of Zen Buddhism. This fascinating lecture explores the history, philosophy, and evolution of kaiseki, from its humble beginnings to its role as a celebrated expression of Japanese culture.

Participants will discover how seasonality, balance, presentation, and mindfulness shape each meal, offering insight into Japan's unique appreciation for beauty, harmony, and nature.

Wellness & Personal Growth 

The Healing Power of Writing Your Story
​An inspiring writing lecture on using personal storytelling, memoir, and journaling to foster creativity, resilience, self-discovery, and emotional well-being.
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Stories help us make sense of our lives. Through writing, we can reflect on our experiences, preserve meaningful memories, and discover new insights about ourselves and the world around us.
In this inspiring and interactive lecture, award-winning author Ying explores how personal storytelling can foster creativity, resilience, and emotional well-being. Drawing on her own journey as a writer, along with examples from history, literature, and everyday life, Ying demonstrates how writing can help us move beyond life's challenges, reconnect with our authentic voices, and find greater meaning in our experiences.

Whether you are interested in memoir, journaling, creative writing, or simply preserving your personal history, this lecture provides practical tools and inspiration for using storytelling as a pathway to creativity, self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth.
The Stoic Way: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
​An engaging lecture on using Stoic wisdom to build resilience, gratitude, purpose, and peace of mind in everyday life.
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What can an ancient philosophy teach us about living well today? In this engaging lecture, Ying explores the timeless wisdom of Stoicism and its practical applications for navigating life's challenges with greater resilience, purpose, and peace of mind.

Through stories, examples, and simple practices, participants will discover how Stoic principles can help cultivate gratitude, strengthen emotional resilience, focus on what truly matters, and find greater contentment in everyday life.
Keeping the Mind Active Through Writing
​A playful writing workshop that uses creative prompts and short exercises to keep the mind active, curious, and engaged.
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Have you ever wondered how writing can help keep the mind alert, flexible, and full of curiosity? This workshop uses creative exercises, sensory prompts, wordplay, and short writing activities to encourage imagination, focus, and mental engagement.

​Ying will guide participants through playful and practical writing exercises designed to spark new ideas, strengthen observation, and encourage fresh ways of thinking. Participants will explore images, objects, food, nature, memories, and imagination as starting points for creative expression.
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Everyone will leave with simple tools they can continue using at home to keep writing, thinking, observing, and creating.
Nurturing Creativity and Self-Discovery Through the Power of Writing
​A reflective writing workshop on using storytelling for healing, self-discovery, emotional clarity, and creative expression.
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“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." — Maya Angelou.
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Writing has the power to heal, inspire, and transform, just as mindful living strengthens the body. These workshops explore how writing can be a tool for self-discovery, emotional clarity, and creative expression. Attendees will learn how to develop their unique voices, refine their ideas, and bring greater depth to their storytelling.
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Writing and Publishing

Writing the Stories Only You Can Tell
A practical workshop on turning personal memories, family traditions, and cherished recipes into meaningful books.
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We all have stories worth sharing—whether they come from life experiences, family history, or the foods and traditions that shaped us. In this workshop, Ying guides attendees through transforming meaningful moments into engaging books, from heartfelt picture books and compelling memoirs to narrative cookbooks rich with personal and cultural history.
Storytelling is at the heart of every great book. Whether capturing childhood memories, preserving family stories, or adding deeper meaning to recipes, writers will learn how to shape personal material into stories that connect with readers.
This hands-on workshop offers practical tools and inspiration for anyone who wants to craft a children’s book, document a life story, or turn a love of food into a compelling cookbook.
​Memoir Workshop: Telling Your Story
​A hands-on memoir workshop that helps writers transform personal memories and life experiences into meaningful stories for family, future generations, or publication.
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Have you always wanted to write your life’s memories and experiences? This workshop will guide you through the process of leaving a living history for future generations. Ying will share her journey of writing her internationally-renowned Revolution is Not a Dinner Party about her life growing up in China. Writers will study narrative structure, develop storytelling skills, and learn tips and techniques for adapting their many life stories into compelling memoirs.

Ying will also discuss the rewards and challenges of writing a compelling memoir, and provide handouts with writing diagrams and tips. Writers will have a chance to select an event/topic to write about and share in class.

Memoir Writing Tools
Navigating Publishing Journey with Focus and Persistence
​A practical publishing workshop that guides aspiring authors and illustrators through the process from drafting and revision to submissions, contracts, and book deals.
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Join Ying Compestine as she navigates the often complex journey of publishing—from drafting to deal-making. Drawing on her extensive experience, Ying offers a unique class designed to guide aspiring authors and illustrators through the multifaceted stages of publication.

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The Building Blocks of Great Storytelling
​Learn how to create memorable characters, compelling plots, and stories that resonate with readers and stand out in today's publishing market.
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Have you ever wondered how some authors consistently create bestselling stories while others struggle to gain traction? This workshop reveals the strategies successful authors use to foster creativity, overcome writer’s block, structure compelling narratives, and polish manuscripts into award-winning books.

From crafting dynamic characters and engaging plots to understanding audience expectations and market trends, this workshop helps writers turn ideas into stories that resonate and sell. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, you'll gain practical tools to elevate your fiction and make it commercially viable.

Ying will share her methods for crafting acclaimed novels, including how to hook readers from the start, build strong storylines, and develop memorable characters with meaningful conflicts. She will also discuss selling to major publishers and maintaining long-term relationships with editors.​
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Navigating the Publishing World
For traditional/self-publishing: agents, book proposals, and getting publishers interested.
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Navigating the publishing world can feel overwhelming, whether you are pursuing a traditional book deal or exploring self-publishing. This workshop breaks down the key steps, from finding the right publishing path and working with a literary agent to crafting a strong book proposal, developing a smart marketing strategy, and understanding how to get publishers to pay attention to your book.

​Writers will learn how to position their books for success, whether submitting to publishers or launching independently.


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​How Manage Your Creative Career
For contracts, marketing, income streams, and building a sustainable writing life.
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What separates successful writers from those who struggle? It’s not just talent—it’s treating writing as an art and a business. This lecture will equip you with the essential strategies to build a sustainable career, from setting clear objectives and marketing effectively to negotiating contracts and exploring new income opportunities.
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Writing isn’t just a passion; it’s a profession that deserves fair compensation. Publishing exists at the crossroads of creativity and commerce, and understanding this intersection is crucial. Beyond traditional publishing, you’ll learn innovative ways to diversify your income and create financial stability.
Join an accomplished author—renowned for children’s books, cookbooks, magazine articles, and digital content—as she shares proven techniques for maintaining productivity and achieving financial success as a writer.

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How to Sell Your Book without an Agent and Find the Right Agent
A publishing workshop that helps writers understand when to seek an agent, how to work with one, and how to build a successful career with or without representation.
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Have you wondered about the possibility of publishing success without an agent or pondered how to find the right one? This workshop will address the critical factors authors need to consider when searching for agents, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of collaboration with an agent. 

You'll gain insights into the working relationship between authors and agents and learn how to navigate your career independently, should you choose to. Ying will draw on her experiences to unveil the strategies behind her writing achievements and provide a unique view on traversing the publishing terrain, with or without agent representation. If time allows, you'll have the opportunity to have your pitch critiqued by Ying and your peers. 
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​Crafting A Strong Pitch
​An interactive publishing workshop that helps writers craft a clear, compelling book pitch for agents, publishers, and the marketplace.
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​A well-crafted book pitch is key to getting noticed by agents and publishers. Whether you’re writing nonfiction, a memoir, or a cookbook, your pitch must showcase why your book matters, why you’re the right author, and how it fits into the market. This interactive workshop will guide you through the essential elements of a compelling book pitch, helping you present your project with clarity and confidence.
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We’ll explore what makes a book pitch stand out and how to tailor it for success. Whether you’re just starting or refining your pitch, you’ll walk away with a clear strategy to position your book for publication.

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Overcoming Writer's Block
​A creativity and career workshop that helps writers overcome writer’s block, build confidence, protect creative space, and balance art with the business of writing.
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Have you ever wondered why some writers consistently produce meaningful work and succeed, while others grapple with writer’s block and struggle to break through? Writing is a delicate balance between art and commerce. To thrive, writers must not only hone their craft but also master the realities of publishing and the business of writing.
In this talk, you’ll discover how to nourish your creative mind, overcome writer’s block, and foster activities that ignite inspiration. Learn how to protect your personal space, boost productivity, and build the self-confidence necessary to thrive in the literary world.

​​Click here to view course takeaways.​
Shaping Your Story – A Practical Guide to Structure
​A practical craft workshop that helps writers turn ideas into structured stories with stronger momentum, emotional depth, and clear narrative direction.
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​​A good story needs a solid framework. In this workshop, we’ll explore the essential building blocks that give stories momentum and emotional depth. Whether you’re writing fiction, memoir, or picture books, this class will help you move from idea to outline with confidence. We’ll look at real examples, discuss common missteps, and walk through a simple structure you can apply to any genre. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to shape your story—and the tools to keep writing.

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​How to Write an Award-Winning Novel — Being a Writer in Two Worlds
​A fiction-writing workshop that helps writers elevate their book ideas through strong openings, emotional storylines, memorable characters, and high literary standards.
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If you have a fantastic idea for a book, or are currently working on a book and are interested in learning how to take it to the next level, you will want to attend this informative workshop.
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Ying will share the journey of writing her acclaimed, award-winning novel Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party, which has been optioned for a feature film. She’ll reflect on her experiences writing between two cultures—Chinese and American—and the challenges of telling deeply personal stories in a second language.
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She’ll also explore key elements of compelling fiction: how to hook readers from the start, shape emotionally rich storylines, and create unforgettable characters navigating powerful inner conflicts—while emphasizing the importance of maintaining high literary standards.​

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Testimonials from Ying’s visits​

Ying has presented for luxury cruise lines, resorts, writers’ conferences, schools, universities, and cultural organizations around the world, including Silversea, The World Residences at Sea, Crystal Cruises, TCS World Travel, Canyon Ranch, and major literary events.

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Ying presents keynote speeches, workshops, cultural programs, and destination-focused lectures for conferences, cruise lines, resorts, schools, libraries, and organizations worldwide.

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