West Texas A&M Speaker series
West Texas A&M University, located in Canyon, Texas, is known for fostering literary growth through a range of academic and creative events. As part of their ongoing speaker series for writers, the university brings together authors, scholars, and readers to explore the evolving role of storytelling in today’s world.
AUDIENCE: 300 writers, readers, and community members
LOCATION: Canyon, Texas
CHALLENGE: Support writers in improving their craft, building meaningful audience connections, and navigating rising concerns around free speech, institutional censorship, and creative isolation.
CARA BROOKINS’ SOLUTION:
60-minute keynote presentation
30-minute audience Q&A
Workshop on building a social media following
Lunch with attendees for community engagement and follow-up
In the wake of growing concerns over free speech and academic censorship, West Texas A&M University sought a speaker who could inspire writers to speak boldly, connect deeply, and find resilience in the face of creative and institutional challenges. Cara Brookins delivered exactly that.
Her 60-minute keynote encouraged attendees to tap into personal narrative as a source of strength and to use their voices courageously, even when the landscape feels uncertain. With candor and humor, she shared how writing her story helped her overcome trauma and build a global audience, reminding listeners that their stories, too, have the power to shift conversations and spark change.
The keynote was followed by a dynamic Q&A session, where writers engaged in open discussion about censorship, publishing, and platform building. Later that day, Cara led a focused workshop on how to grow a meaningful social media presence, giving attendees tangible strategies to extend their reach without compromising their voice.
The event wrapped with an informal lunch, where participants connected with Cara one-on-one and with each other, transforming a lecture-style event into a springboard for community building and collaboration.
