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."
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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 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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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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Bay Area Book Festival with Yangsze Choo and Angie Kim
Rising Above Adversity
Lecturing on The World Residences at Sea about my journey as a writer.
Culinary History and Cooking
Ying at a food market in Wuhan.
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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. |
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Eating for Wellness: A Culinary Journey from East to West
Ying will share stories about her life growing up during Mao’s China, her journey from East to West and her love of food. While addressing the three most important Asian principles — food that is satisfying to the senses, food with yin-yang balance, and food as medicine. She will reveal her new approach to delicious and healthy cuisine, which combines Eastern wisdom and Western science; Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory and Dr. David Servan-Schreiber’s anti-cancer diets with a yin and yang balanced diet. |
Hosting a luncheon at Book Passage.
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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. |
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.
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Asian Anti-Aging Secrets: How to Stay Young and Beautiful
The latest trend in top-line cosmetics has its roots in venerable Chinese ingredients. Are there other ways to take advantage of thousands of years of beauty wisdom? Yes, by understanding the Chinese belief that body and mind are one unit. Physical beauty is renewed with a happy and peaceful mind. These following soothing secrets will nurture your body-mind without emptying your wallet. |
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.
Writing Lectures
Nourish a Creative Mind & Combat Writer’s Block
Have you ever wondered why some writers are prolific while others struggle with writers’ block? This course will reveal the secrets of how Ying nourishes her creative mind and will provide you with practical strategies to generate ideas, outline your story, and combat writer’s block. Students of all levels are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Other topics include:
Have you ever wondered why some writers are prolific while others struggle with writers’ block? This course will reveal the secrets of how Ying nourishes her creative mind and will provide you with practical strategies to generate ideas, outline your story, and combat writer’s block. Students of all levels are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Other topics include:
- How to nurture a productive mind
- How to build self-confidence
- How to find activities that will foster your creativity
- An understanding of why writers get writer’s block
- Tips on how to combat writer’s block
- Tips on how to curate a productive mind
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!
Session 1: How to grab your reader with a strong hook & developing a dramatic storyline
This first section focuses on the importance of maintaining high literary standards and how to edit your work into an award-winning book. Ying will share with you her process of writing highly praised books. You will learn the different aspects of fiction writing: grabbing your reader with a strong hook, developing a dramatic storyline, and creating unforgettable characters that are beset by powerful inner and outer conflicts.
Session 2: Understanding the Submissions Process, finding the right agent, and working with the editors
Drawing upon her personal experience, Ying will share her process of selling her books to various big publishers with and without an agent, her journey towards finding the right agent, and how she maintains long and happy working relationships with editors. There will be time reserved for questions and comments.
Other topics include:
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!
Session 1: How to grab your reader with a strong hook & developing a dramatic storyline
This first section focuses on the importance of maintaining high literary standards and how to edit your work into an award-winning book. Ying will share with you her process of writing highly praised books. You will learn the different aspects of fiction writing: grabbing your reader with a strong hook, developing a dramatic storyline, and creating unforgettable characters that are beset by powerful inner and outer conflicts.
Session 2: Understanding the Submissions Process, finding the right agent, and working with the editors
Drawing upon her personal experience, Ying will share her process of selling her books to various big publishers with and without an agent, her journey towards finding the right agent, and how she maintains long and happy working relationships with editors. There will be time reserved for questions and comments.
Other topics include:
- Secrets of being a successful writer
- The importance of setting high standards for yourself
- A meaningful discussion on the importance of revision
- How to grab your readers with a strong hook
- How to create unforgettable characters beset by inner and outer conflicts
- How to sell your idea before completing your project
- Whether to hire an agent and how to work with an agent
- How to sell your manuscript to a reputable publisher by yourself
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.
Session 1: Secrets successful writers use to manage their career
You will learn the techniques that successful writers use to treat their work as a business and improve their income while maintaining high literary standards: setting clear objectives, revising your work, strategic negotiation, effective marketing, exploring new opportunities, and finding ways to create lucrative income by leveraging their efforts.
Session 2: Sell your work and maximize profit from your work
If you have a fantastic idea for a book or are currently working on your story, this informative workshop will also show you what you need to know to get published: whether you should hire an agent, how to sell your idea before completing your project, and how to sell your manuscript to a reputable publisher by yourself. Drawing upon her personal experience, Ying will share her journey so that you can have an insider look into the process of writing and selling high-quality books and maximizing profit from your work. There will be time reserved for questions and comments.
Other topics include:
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.
Session 1: Secrets successful writers use to manage their career
You will learn the techniques that successful writers use to treat their work as a business and improve their income while maintaining high literary standards: setting clear objectives, revising your work, strategic negotiation, effective marketing, exploring new opportunities, and finding ways to create lucrative income by leveraging their efforts.
Session 2: Sell your work and maximize profit from your work
If you have a fantastic idea for a book or are currently working on your story, this informative workshop will also show you what you need to know to get published: whether you should hire an agent, how to sell your idea before completing your project, and how to sell your manuscript to a reputable publisher by yourself. Drawing upon her personal experience, Ying will share her journey so that you can have an insider look into the process of writing and selling high-quality books and maximizing profit from your work. There will be time reserved for questions and comments.
Other topics include:
- Secrets of a being a successful writer
- Insider knowledge into the world of publishing and writing
- How to produce high-quality works
- How to treat your writing as a business
- How to sell your writing
- How to create multiple revenue streams through your writing
- How to find the right agent and how to work with an agent
- How to manage your own creative career
How to Make a Living as a Writer
Who says writers have to starve? When writing for passion, you should also get paid. Let this successful author of children’s books, cookbooks, magazine articles and on-line media share her secrets on how to be a productive writer and how to build a financially rewarding career. Also explore the nontraditional financial opportunities that writing can bring. Start building a profitable writing career!
Other topics include:
Who says writers have to starve? When writing for passion, you should also get paid. Let this successful author of children’s books, cookbooks, magazine articles and on-line media share her secrets on how to be a productive writer and how to build a financially rewarding career. Also explore the nontraditional financial opportunities that writing can bring. Start building a profitable writing career!
Other topics include:
- Writing what you know
- How to Write and Sell Your Memoir
- How to get started: research, critique groups, rewrites
- How to find and work with an agent and editor
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.
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.
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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. |
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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 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. |
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How to Edit Your Work Into a Bestselling Book
Ying will share with you her processes of editing her own bestselling books. You will learn how to build a story arc, create memorable characters and vivid settings, and make every word count. She will also take you through the process of how to get your book published, finding a good agent and a publisher.
Ying will share with you her processes of editing her own bestselling books. You will learn how to build a story arc, create memorable characters and vivid settings, and make every word count. She will also take you through the process of how to get your book published, finding a good agent and a publisher.
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:
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:
- Choosing a theme and selecting a story line
- Writing, editing, and testing your recipes
- Finding the right publisher, or self-publishing
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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. 
Writing Books for Children
Explore the creative and exciting world of writing children’s books in this insightful seminar. Ying will cover the different genres of children’s books: picture books, chapter books, middle grade to YA; how to sell your work with or without an agent; how to find a good agent; how to build a story arc and make every word count; and the rewarding aspects of writing for children. Ying will also explore the financial opportunities that writing books for children can bring to you. Drawing upon her personal experiences, she will share her journey so that you too can maximize rewards for your effort. This class offers you all the ingredients you need to bring greater focus to your work and launch your career as a children’s book writer! COURSE TAKEAWAYS:
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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. 
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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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