Lecture Topics
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!
Below are some popular lecture topics.
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!
Below are some popular lecture topics.
"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."
Ying will share 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 is an accomplished, award-winning author who has negotiated and advocated for herself in the publishing world for years. Learn from her experience and find success with your writing!
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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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Rising Above Adversity
Lecturing on The World Residences at Sea about my journey as a writer.
Business and Career
![]() 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. How to Make a Living as a Writer and Manage Your Creative Career
Who says writers have to starve? Writing is not merely a passion—it's a profession that rightly deserves fair compensation. Publishing is where art meets commerce, a critical intersection every aspiring writer must navigate. In addition to creating meaningful work, it's vital to understand the basics of publishing contracts and strategies for earning a sustainable income. Join this accomplished author, celebrated for her children’s books, cookbooks, magazine articles, and online content, as she unveils her secrets for maintaining productivity and developing a financially rewarding writing career. This workshop will also delve into nontraditional financial opportunities that can supplement a writer's income. Start building your profitable writing career today! Click here to view course takeaways. 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. |
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. 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. Following your dreams – Building a Successful Creative Career with a Business Focus
Have you ever wondered why some talented authors find success while others struggle? If you are considering entering the creative world, this lecture will teach you the important aspects of managing a creative business career. You will also learn the techniques that successful creative professionals use to treat their work as a business and improve their income: setting clear objectives, effective marketing, considering new opportunities, strategic negotiation, and finding ways to create lucrative income by leveraging their efforts. |
Writing and Nurturing Creativity
Nurturing Creativity and Self-Discovery Through the Power of Writing
This workshop is designed to help participants use writing as a tool to uncover their authentic voice, explore personal growth, and nurture creativity. Through simple techniques and guided exercises, writers of all levels can develop confidence and self-expression. We’ll begin by exploring how writing connects to self-awareness and creativity, reflecting on internal blocks and biases through journaling. Participants will then learn simple methods like echo, repetition, and rhythm, as well as writing short pieces inspired by spiritual and creative texts. Next, we’ll practice letting go of fear and embracing curiosity through freewriting exercises on topics that spark the imagination. Writers will experiment with both traditional and freestyle forms, creating pieces that balance structure with personal creativity. As we listen to inspiring spiritual and creative writings, participants will respond through freewriting to deepen understanding and unlock new ideas. Finally, everyone will bring their work together in a final piece that reflects their journey, with the option to share and celebrate progress. By the end of the workshop, participants will have tools to overcome self-doubt, techniques for creating meaningful, authentic writing, and confidence in using writing as a path for self-expression and growth. |
How to Craft a Bestselling Novel and Sell What You Write
Have you ever wondered how some authors consistently create bestselling stories and excel in their careers, while others struggle for years to gain traction? This workshop will reveal the strategies successful authors use to foster their creativity, overcome writer's block, structure their stories, and polish their manuscripts into award-winning books. Ying will share her methods for crafting highly acclaimed novels, including how to captivate readers with a strong opening hook, build solid foundations for engaging storylines, and develop memorable characters who face significant challenges. She will also discuss her approach to selling books to major publishers and maintaining productive, long-term relationships with editors. Click here to view course takeaways. |
How to Edit Your Work Into a Bestselling Book
Do you have a book idea that you want to make into a reality? Are you currently working on a book and want to take it to the next level? If so, come to this informative workshop! Click here to view course outline. Unlocking Creativity and Navigating the Business of Writing
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. We’ll also dive into:
The Art & Craft of Writing Fiction that Sells
What makes a story not only captivating but also marketable? In The Art & Craft of Writing Fiction That Sells, we’ll dive into the essential techniques and strategies to create compelling, memorable stories that resonate with readers and stand out in today’s competitive market. From crafting dynamic characters and engaging plots to understanding audience expectations and industry trends, this workshop is designed to help writers transform their ideas into stories that captivate and sell. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, you'll gain practical tools to elevate your fiction and make it both creative and commercially viable. This 4-week program is designed to provide in-depth, intensive training that covers the basics of writing, developing ideas, structure, character development, editing, and critiquing. The objective is to inspire one another to grow as readers and writers. We’ll work together to learn how to elevate the quality of your narrative writing. The goal is for us to finish a story by the end of the program. Click here to view course overview and takeaways. |
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 Part 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. 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. 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. |
How to Write a Pitch Letter
This intensive workshop is designed to equip writers with the essential skills needed to craft compelling pitch letters that capture the attention of agents and publishers. Led by expert instructor Ying Compestine, this course will guide participants through the key elements of a successful pitch letter, offering practical tips and hands-on activities to ensure each participant leaves with a polished pitch ready for submission. Click here to view course objectives and outline. |
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 with you the journey of writing her highly appraised, award-winning novel “Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party” which has been optioned for a feature film. She will discuss her successful career as a writer, shifting between Chinese and American cultures, and the challenges of writing in her second language. She will also talk about the different aspects of fiction writing: grabbing your reader with a strong hook, developing a dramatic storyline, creating unforgettable characters that are beset by powerful inner conflicts, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining high literary standards. Food Writing: From Blogs to Cookbooks
Food writing has changed in recent years from simply sharing recipes, to the popular trend of storytelling in its own right, as authors include the history and personal connections behind each meal. Aspiring chef-storytellers can spread their stories and meals not just through cookbooks, but also by showcasing their recipes in food magazines, websites, personal blogs, and by acting as a spokesperson for food companies and other outlets. Drawing upon her personal experience, Ying will share with you tips on how to pitch your cookbook projects with a proposal, structure your article ideas, and maximize exposure by repurposing material for blogs and articles into a successful cookbook. This class offers you all the ingredients you need for successful food writing, including:
Ying has written five successful cookbooks, over 60 featured food articles for national magazines, worked as the food editor for Martha Stewart’s body+soul magazine, and as a spokesperson for two international companies. |
Culinary History and Cooking
Eating for Your Wellness
Explore the three key Asian principles of wellness: food that satisfies the senses, food with yin-yang balance, and food as medicine. This workshop delves into delicious, healthy cuisine that blends Eastern wisdom with Western science, including insights from Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet and Dr. David Servan-Schreiber’s anti-cancer diet, all within the framework of 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. |
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. |
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. |

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. |
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.
Please visit the Testimonials page for detailed reviews of Ying's visits! |
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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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