Speaking & Interviews

I’ve spent more than two decades speaking to audiences ranging from intimate workshops to crowds of over 3,000. I also teach public speaking and communication, helping others show up with clarity, confidence, and presence.

I love talking about writing. The process, the craft, the psychology, and the constant swings between confidence and doubt that come with trying to build a creative life.

That’s a big part of why I started my podcast, Making It Up. I wanted real conversations with other writers about what this actually looks like. The ugly sides included.

That same approach carries into everything I do on stage. Whether I’m delivering a keynote, moderating a panel, interviewing an author, or emceeing an event, my goal is simple. Create something that feels different. A conversation that’s honest, engaging, and worth the audience’s time. Because people can tell when something is scripted. And they can tell when it’s real.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Speaking and teaching: from intimate workshops to crowds of over 3,000.

PODCAST

Real conversations with other writers about what this actually looks like.

IN CONVERSATION

Unscripted conversations with some of the biggest names in the thriller and suspense world.

Book Carter Now

Photo: Jefferson County Library

Signing books
(photo credit: Jefferson County Library)

With Lisa Gardner
(photo credit: Jefferson County Library)

With Joe Finder and Alex Finlay
(photo credit: Hamptons Whodunit)

Signing event
(photo credit: Hamptons Whodunit)

With Barbara Nickless
(photo credit: Douglas County Library)

With Karin Slaughter
(photo credit: Douglas County Library)

Panel discussion on crime writing
(photo credit: Hamptons Whodunit)

With CJ Box
(photo credit: Jefferson County Library)

Getting social-media advice from Bookstagrammers
(photo credit: Hamptons Whodunit)

Speaking to a large room of thriller readers
(photo credit: Jefferson County Library)

Praise for Carter’s Speaking

“Carter Wilson is my first choice when it comes to emceeing library events involving 500+ attendees. Besides being easy to work with and comfortable with last minute changes, he’s personable and creates an immediate rapport with the audience. Survey comments consistently note how much our patrons enjoy his presence on the stage.”

—SEAN EADS,
JESSERSON COUNTY Public Library

“Carter is an incredibly engaging interviewer and my go-to choice especially for author events. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a compelling interviewer—not only because of his thorough research and ability to connect with other authors, but also because of how easy he is to work with behind the scenes.”

—Johanna DaDisMAn,
Broomfield COUNTY Public Library

“Carter Wilson has been in conversations with several authors for Douglas County Libraries Presents events. Whether the event was with an emerging author or a NYT #1 bestselling author like Karin Slaughter, Carter engages completely to make sure the conversation is meaningful for the author and the audience. As a USA Today bestselling author himself, he isn’t just asking questions from a script. He understands the craft, the industry, and from the inside out. Working with Carter is a complete joy, and we look forward to the next time we can work together.”

—Lisa Casper,
Douglas County Libraries

“Carter Wilson is always on the top of my list when it comes to thoughtful, fun conversations with authors at Tattered Cover Book Store! He brings engaging questions that keeps his conversations comfortable and entertaining. If you are looking for someone who will keep the audience’s attention, especially if it’s with nervous public speakers, Carter Wilson is a fantastic choice!”

—KAT LONG, EVENTS MANAGER
TATTERED COVER BOOK STORE

Speaking

I speak on writing, creativity, communication, and the realities of building a career in the crowded, over-supplied world of publishing.

Available for keynotes, workshops, panels, moderation, and emceeing.

My talks are grounded in real experience and designed to be engaging, practical, and immediately useful. Whether it’s a keynote or a smaller, interactive session, I tailor every talk to the audience and the moment.

Common topics include:
• My journey as a writer who never wanted to write
• Crafting suspenseful, emotionally grounded fiction
• The psychology of writing and long-term creative resilience
• Building a sustainable writing career
• Visibility and why your voice matters
• Public speaking and authentic communication
• How to connect with an audience and hold their attention

In Conversation

I’ve had the opportunity to interview and share the stage with some of the biggest names in thriller and suspense, including Lisa Gardner, C. J. Box, Karin Slaughter, Tess Gerritsen, Joseph Finder, A. J. Finn, S. A. Cosby, and Lisa Unger.

These conversations aren’t scripted. I don’t rely on a fixed list of questions. I listen, respond, and follow what’s interesting in the moment.

That’s where the best conversations come from.

Invite Carter to speak

If you’re planning an event and looking for a keynote speaker, moderator, in-conversation partner, panelist, or emcee, I’d love to hear more about what you’re putting together.

Every event is different, and I’m happy to tailor my involvement to fit your goals, your audience, and the experience you want to create.

Inquire now

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