SPEAKING

“Karen is magnetic, engaging, and effortlessly thoughtful, with a talent for making everyone in the room feel included.”
— Lindsay Cronk, Dean of Libraries, Tulane University

This book could have saved me decades of trial by fire on stages around the world!

— Linda Rottenberg, Cofounder & CEO, Endeavor

Signature Talks

Karen Essex speaks on the women, ideas, and cultural forces that have shaped history, art, power, and modern life. Drawing on decades of research, bestselling historical fiction, screenwriting, and a career spent interpreting powerful women for contemporary audiences, she brings scholarship, storytelling, wit, and a strong point of view to every appearance. For a current list of talks and presentation topics, download the Speaking Topics PDF.

Programs can be tailored for universities, museums, festivals, libraries, cultural organizations, private groups, and book clubs.
To inquire about booking Karen Essex, please send an inquiry email.
info@karenessex.com

To inquire about booking Karen Essex, please email info@karenessex.com

Recent Appearances

New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University: Behind the Image: Women, Style & Substance
The Field Museum of Chicago, in conjunction with Cleopatra of Egypt: From History to Myth
Faulkner Festival: Perils & Pleasures of Mining History for Fiction, co-panelist with the Countess of Derby
Middle Tennessee State University Art, Technology & AI Summit: Keynote Speaker
CGTN Documentary, The Parthenon Marbles: A Great British Theft: Featured Cultural Commentator
Jewish Community Centers and Organizations Nationwide: The Gabors and Nazi-Occupied Europe
Private Women’s Club: Power Women of the Renaissance: The Heroines of Leonardo’s Swans
Ruth McEnery Stuart Club: Lady Mary Elgin & the Elgin Marbles Controversy
History Through Fiction Podcast: The Real Kleopatra and Her Relevance Today
Selected Library Programs: The Gabor Sisters and Nazi-Occupied Europe

Watch Karen Speak

Password available upon request: info@karenessex.com

Book Clubs & Private Groups

Karen Essex has appeared before book clubs, country club book groups, private literary societies, and cultural organizations for lively conversations about her novels, the history behind them, and the women who inspired them.
Programs can be tailored to the selected book, the interests of the group, and the occasion. To inquire about booking Karen for a book club or private group, please send an inquiry email.

Here I am with the fabulous Book Buddies in Los Angeles!

I was honored to discuss Stealing Athena with Kansas City’s Mother/Daughter/Daughter-in-Law Book Club.

Testimonials

“Karen Essex is both enlightening and entertaining, whether she puts pen to paper or takes the podium. Her audiences are never disappointed.”

Rosemary James

Co-founder, Faulkner Society

“Karen Essex’s presentation about her latest book, Run, Darling, was a great success! It was warmly received and engaged the audience throughout its entirety.”

Randall Feldman

Past President, Rotary Club

““Karen is an absolute delight as a speaker. She brings charm, wit, and warmth to the conversation in a way that immediately connects with the audience. She’s magnetic, engaging, and effortlessly thoughtful, with a talent for making everyone in the room feel included.”

Lindsay Cronk

Dean of Libraries, Tulane University

“I cannot express enough what a fabulous program you presented! Everyone raved about it! It was lovely having you join us for lunch and the opportunity to meet one on one with several of our members.”

Charlotte Thomas

Private Women’s Club Event Organizer

“Karen Essex’s insights, passion, and perspective added tremendous depth to the event, and we are truly grateful for the time and thought she dedicated to her session of the M.T.S.U. AI & the Future of Art Summit.”

Professor Sara Abdoh

Summit Organizer

“What a gem. Karen Essex has spoken at our library twice, and both events drew enthusiastic audiences who loved her talks. When Karen Essex’s name is on our marquee, we know we’re going to have a lively event.”

Chris Smith

Director of Adult Programming

Jefferson Parish Library

“Karen delivered a captivating presentation on her novel, Run, Darling, at our JCC, deeply engaging the audience. Her exhaustive research and unique insights into the lives of the Gabor sisters created a truly exceptional program.”  

Rachel Ruth

Director of Adult Programs

New Orleans JCC

“Karen Essex is a marvelous speaker who brings both her characters and the women of history vividly to life. Her passion and deep historical knowledge made our morning with her a delight. She is everything a book club hopes for in an author.”

Sue Jumonville

Organizer, Junior League Book Club