Ying is a sought-after public speaker. She delivers empowering lectures and speeches that inspire and catalyze action. These programs can range from a keynote address to multiple-day workshops!
Explore some of her most popular speaking topics below.
Explore some of her most popular speaking topics below.
"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."
Lecturing on The World Residences at Sea about her journey as a writer.
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Ying shares her journey from East to West, and how her life growing up in China during the Cultural Revolution inspires her work.
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Ying has spent years navigating the publishing industry as both a writer and advocate. Gain practical advice on negotiating, building your brand, and sustaining a successful writing career.
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Ying advocates a healthy lifestyle through her books and her writing for magazines like Body & Soul, her workshops, and her work as a spokesperson for Maggi Asia and Celestial Seasonings.
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At Bay Area Book Festival
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Memoir Workshop: Telling Your Story
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 |
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Susanville Speaking Tour
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The Art & Craft of Writing a Marketable Story
Have you ever wondered how some authors consistently create bestselling stories while others struggle to gain traction? The Art & Craft of Writing a Marketable Story 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. Click here to view course overview and takeaways. |
Working from Home
Nurturing Creativity and Self-Discovery Through the Power of Writing
"Writing clears the mind, just as healthy food strengthens the body. Nourish both, and you’ll thrive."
Writing isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s a powerful tool for self-expression, reflection, and creative growth. This session helps writers of all levels tap into their authentic voice, break through self-doubt, and explore new ways to tell their stories. Through simple exercises and guided prompts, attendees will gain confidence in their writing while discovering fresh inspiration.
Click here to view course takeaways and writing prompts
"Writing clears the mind, just as healthy food strengthens the body. Nourish both, and you’ll thrive."
Writing isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s a powerful tool for self-expression, reflection, and creative growth. This session helps writers of all levels tap into their authentic voice, break through self-doubt, and explore new ways to tell their stories. Through simple exercises and guided prompts, attendees will gain confidence in their writing while discovering fresh inspiration.
Click here to view course takeaways and writing prompts
Speaking at the San Francisco Writers Conference
Staying the Course: Navigating Each Stage of Your Publishing Journey with Focus and Persistence
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.
Click here to view course takeaways.
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.
Click here to view course takeaways.
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Publishing & Book Marketing:
Traditional vs. self-publishing, how to find and work with an agent, crafting book proposals, and effective marketing strategies Navigating the publishing world can feel overwhelming, whether pursuing a traditional book deal or exploring self-publishing. This session breaks down the key steps to publishing your work, from finding a publisher and working with a literary agent to crafting a strong book proposal and building a successful marketing strategy. Learn how to position your book for success, whether submitting it to publishers or launching it independently. Click here to view course takeaways |
2022 New York City Visit
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Turning Your Stories into Books: Picture Books, Memoirs, & Cookbooks
We all have stories worth sharing—whether they stem from personal experiences, family traditions, or cherished recipes. This workshop will guide attendees through transforming meaningful moments into engaging books, whether a heartfelt picture book, a compelling memoir, or a cookbook infused with personal narrative. Storytelling is at the heart of every great book, from capturing childhood memories in a picture book to weaving life experiences into a memoir or adding cultural depth to a cookbook. Food writing, in particular, has evolved beyond simply sharing recipes—it now embraces personal history, traditions, and storytelling to create a more immersive reading experience. Whether attendees want to craft a children’s book, document their life story, or turn their love of food into a compelling cookbook, this workshop will provide the tools and insights to bring their book to life! Click here to view course takeaways |
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How to Write and Publish Your Children’s Book
Dive into the vibrant and inspiring world of children’s book publishing with this enlightening workshop! You'll delve into different genres within children's literature, from picture books and chapter books to middle grade and YA. Gain essential skills for crafting compelling story arcs and learn how to authentically capture the voice of a child for your characters. The workshop will also spotlight the rewarding aspects of writing for children and provide insights into the various financial opportunities that children's books can offer. Ying, leveraging her extensive experience as a seasoned children’s book author, will share personal strategies and tips to help you refine your work and embark on a successful career in children’s book writing. Click here to view course takeaways. |
Children's Book Writer & Illustrators Conference
Book Signing at Linden Tree Children's Books
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2018 New York City Visit
Bringing a Business Focus to a Creative Career and Selling What You Write
Have you ever wondered why some talented authors find success while others struggle?
If your dream is to be a working writer, this lecture will teach you the important aspects of managing a creative business career. After all, publishing is where art meets commerce. All aspiring writers need to be aware and informed of the realities of both creating meaningful work and publishing with the goal of earning and sustaining a living.
Click here to view the course outline.
Have you ever wondered why some talented authors find success while others struggle?
If your dream is to be a working writer, this lecture will teach you the important aspects of managing a creative business career. After all, publishing is where art meets commerce. All aspiring writers need to be aware and informed of the realities of both creating meaningful work and publishing with the goal of earning and sustaining a living.
Click here to view the course outline.
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How to Make a Living as a Writer and Manage Your Creative Career
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. 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. Click here to view course takeaways |
Asian Festival of Children's Content
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Taiwan International School Visit
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How to Sell Your Book without an Agent and Find the Right Agent
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. Click here to view the course takeaways. |
Speaking at Book Passage
How to Sell What You Write
If you have a fantastic idea for a book or are currently working on your story, this informative workshop will introduce you to what you need to know about publishing, from selling your manuscript to a reputable publisher to marketing your book. You will also find out whether you should hire an agent, what editors are looking for, how to create a winning book proposal, sell your idea before you’ve completed your project, and negotiate a book contract yourself.
Click here to view course takeaways.
If you have a fantastic idea for a book or are currently working on your story, this informative workshop will introduce you to what you need to know about publishing, from selling your manuscript to a reputable publisher to marketing your book. You will also find out whether you should hire an agent, what editors are looking for, how to create a winning book proposal, sell your idea before you’ve completed your project, and negotiate a book contract yourself.
Click here to view course takeaways.
Hawaii Writing Workshop
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Crafting A Strong Pitch
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. 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. Click here to view course takeaways. |
2025 New York City Visit
The Power of Your Story: Using Writing for Self-Discovery, Healing, and Creative Growth
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." — Maya Angelou.
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.
Click here to view course takeaways
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." — Maya Angelou.
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.
Click here to view course takeaways
Paris Writing Workshop
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Overcoming Writer's Block
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. |
Childrenʼs Fairyland Book Festival
Writing for Your Passion
This workshop will help writers bring greater focus to their work. Each participant selects an event/topic to write about. Participants can choose to share their writing, and respond constructively to each other’s feedback.
Click here to view course takeaways.
This workshop will help writers bring greater focus to their work. Each participant selects an event/topic to write about. Participants can choose to share their writing, and respond constructively to each other’s feedback.
Click here to view course takeaways.
Berlin International Literature Festival
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How to Edit Your Work Into a Bestselling Book
Have a great book idea or a draft in progress? Whether you're just starting or deep into revisions, this workshop will help you shape your manuscript into a polished, publishable book. A strong structure is the backbone of any bestselling book. From building a compelling beginning to crafting satisfying endings, knowing how to organize your content is just as important as having a great idea. But writing is only half the journey—editing is where your story truly comes to life. Click here to view course takeaways. |
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How to Write an Award Winning Novel — Being a Writer in Two Worlds
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. 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. 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. Click here to view course takeaways |
Susanville Speaking Tour
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Book Signing at Bookshop West Portal
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Shaping Your Story – A Practical Guide to Structure
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. Click here to view course takeaways |
Culinary History and Cooking
A Culinary Journey from East to West
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.
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
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.
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.
Ying at a food market in Wuhan.
Eating for Wellness: Asian Secrets to Staying Youthful Naturally
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.
Click here to view course takeaways
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.
Click here to view course takeaways
The Miraculous Healing Power of Green Tea
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 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 the different type of tea, it’s health benefits and how to put this potent protector to work in your cooking.
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 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 the different type of tea, it’s health benefits and how to put this potent protector to work in your cooking.
Ying practicing Tai Chi with a master in Beijing.
Tai Chi
Did you know that over 180 million people worldwide practice Tai Chi every day? This body strengthening and mind-relaxing practice is known to be a great form of internal exercise that helps improve immunity and prevent diseases.
Other exercises dissipate your energy, while Tai Chi accumulates it, leaving you feeling refreshed when you finish. The slow, dance-like speed of Tai Chi creates balance, flexibility and calmness. With an emphasis on deep breathing and using mental imagery, Tai Chi relieves stress and integrates your mind with your body.
This series of lecture is intended to outline some of the reasons why, and to introduce you the basic principals of Tai Chi: balance; empty/full; weighted/non-weighted; flexibility of the waist; internal stillness; smooth movement, etc. The lectures will cover the following aspects of Tai Chi:
Did you know that over 180 million people worldwide practice Tai Chi every day? This body strengthening and mind-relaxing practice is known to be a great form of internal exercise that helps improve immunity and prevent diseases.
Other exercises dissipate your energy, while Tai Chi accumulates it, leaving you feeling refreshed when you finish. The slow, dance-like speed of Tai Chi creates balance, flexibility and calmness. With an emphasis on deep breathing and using mental imagery, Tai Chi relieves stress and integrates your mind with your body.
This series of lecture is intended to outline some of the reasons why, and to introduce you the basic principals of Tai Chi: balance; empty/full; weighted/non-weighted; flexibility of the waist; internal stillness; smooth movement, etc. The lectures will cover the following aspects of Tai Chi:
- The Styles of Tai Chi
- The History of Tai Chi.
- The Philosophy of Tai Chi.
- Tai Chi and balance.
- The Basic Tai Chi Exercise Forms.
Asian Anti-Aging Secrets: How to Stay Young and Beautiful
Unlock the timeless secrets of Asian beauty and wellness in this inspiring workshop. Rooted in the belief that the mind and body are one, these ancient practices offer a holistic approach to enhancing both inner vitality and outer beauty. Explore the philosophy of yin and yang, natural remedies, and soothing rituals that nurture harmony and radiance without breaking the bank. Discover how a peaceful mind and balanced lifestyle can empower you to glow from within, embracing the wisdom of thousands of years of beauty tradition for modern self-care.
Unlock the timeless secrets of Asian beauty and wellness in this inspiring workshop. Rooted in the belief that the mind and body are one, these ancient practices offer a holistic approach to enhancing both inner vitality and outer beauty. Explore the philosophy of yin and yang, natural remedies, and soothing rituals that nurture harmony and radiance without breaking the bank. Discover how a peaceful mind and balanced lifestyle can empower you to glow from within, embracing the wisdom of thousands of years of beauty tradition for modern self-care.
Sixteen Easy Ways to Achieve Your Dream Weight and Stay Trim
According to a recent study by the Atlanta-based research firm HealthFocus Group 54% of American women over 18 are overweight, a 2% increase from last year’s figures. In this workshop you will learn the sixteen easy ways to achieve your dream weight, plus things you can do to avoid overload of fat and sodium when dining out.
According to a recent study by the Atlanta-based research firm HealthFocus Group 54% of American women over 18 are overweight, a 2% increase from last year’s figures. In this workshop you will learn the sixteen easy ways to achieve your dream weight, plus things you can do to avoid overload of fat and sodium when dining out.
Use the form below to arrange your event today!
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Once you have submitted your Event Contact Form, you will receive more details about Ying's event needs, such as equipment needed, daily scheduling, and other logistics.
You will also receive details regarding whichever event type you have requested, such as what topics that presentation or lecture would cover, and Ying's suggestions for content regarding your specific event. This information can also be provided upon request. For all other questions and comments, please: |
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