Workshops & Presentations

I love to share my knowledge and inspire curiosity through presenting lectures and workshops at libraries and for hobbyist groups, as well as book talks and
​signings for my published books. 
As of August 2022, I am currently booking the following presentations:

Duncan Hines: More than Cake Mix

Since the 1950s, the name Duncan Hines has been synonymous with boxed cake mixes still sold on today’s grocery shelves. But who was Duncan Hines? And how did he influence American Food History? Join writer, foodie and history enthusiast Amy Gail Hansen for an in-depth look at this traveling salesman’s life and legacy, from his sought-after restaurant recommendations once self-published as part of a Christmas mailing to the ubiquitous products bearing his name. 

Audience: Adult 
Length: 60 minutes (including Q & A)
Format: Power Point, Lecture, Q & A

Source Information:
​Pendarvis State Historic Site (Mineral Point, WI)
Kentucky State Museum (Bowling Green, KY)
Adventures in Eating by Duncan Hines
​Duncan Hines: How a traveling salesman became the most trusted name in food
By Louis Hatchett

I have presented lectures or facilitated workshops at the following venues:

  • Algonquin Area Library
  • Barrington Writers' Workshop
  • Curious Kids Museum Benefit 
  • ​Des Plaines Public Library
  • Ela Public Library
  • Fremont Library
  • Glenside Public Library
  • Illinois Library Association
  • ​Love is Murder Conference
  • Palatine High School
  • Off-Campus Writer's Workshop
  • ​Palatine Library
  • Printer's Row Literary Fest
  • Schaumburg Library
  • Wooddale Public Library
  • ​Woodstock Public Library

Bookstore Signings 
I have presented book talks/signings at the following locations:

  • Anderson Books (Naperville, IL)
  • Barnes & Noble (Deer Park, IL)
  • Barnes & Noble (Arlington Heights, IL)
  • Barnes & Noble Carthage College (Kenosha, WI)
  • Barnes & Noble (Oakbrook, IL)
  • Barnes & Noble (Vernon Hills, IL)
  • Barnes & Noble (West Dundee, IL) 
  • The Book Stall (Winnetka, IL)
  • Boswell Books (Milwaukee, WI)
  • Lake Forest Bookstore (Lake Forest, IL)
  • A Room of One's Own (Madison, WI)
  • Read Between the Lynes (Woodstock, IL)
  • Redbery Books (Cable, WI)
  • Women & Children First (Chicago, IL)