Book Ali for Your Next Event
Stories help us understand who we are, imagine who we might become, and find the courage to begin again.
Ali Cross is a USA Today bestselling author, speaker, and story coach who helps audiences recognize the stories shaping their lives—and make meaningful choices about what comes next.
Blending honest personal stories, practical insight, warmth, and humor, Ali creates experiences that leave people feeling seen, encouraged, and equipped to move forward.
Writing Organizations and Author Conferences
Ali has been teaching at writing conferences since 2011. She's well-regarded for her warm and engaging teaching style and deep knowledge of story structure, character creation, indie publishing, marketing, and more.
Creative Communities and Retreats
Ali creates space for meaningful reflection, renewed inspiration, and genuine connection. Through story, practical insight, and guided discovery, she helps participants reconnect with their creativity, honor the life they’re living, and return to their work with greater clarity and courage.
Church Groups
Ali understands the unique needs and aspirations of faith communities. Her messages are filled with hope, compassion, and spiritual wisdom that inspire individuals and strengthen group bonds.
Women’s Groups
Whether it’s empowering personal growth, balancing life’s demands, or building community, Ali speaks to the heart of today’s woman. She brings empathy and a deep understanding of the experiences, strengths, and dreams of women today.
Conferences
As a keynote speaker or presenter, Ali brings actionable strategies and a fresh perspective that captivate diverse audiences. Her engaging style, understanding of human nature, and practical advice ensure that every listener leaves motivated to make impactful changes.
Who Ali Speaks For
What Audiences Can Expect
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Honest stories that create immediate connection
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Practical ideas participants can use after the event
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Encouragement grounded in real life—not empty inspiration
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A warm, conversational presentation tailored to the audience
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Humor, hope, and meaningful moments of reflection
Signature Speaking Topics
Every Story Begins
with a Choice
How the stories we believe shape our identity, decisions, and ability to change—and how we can begin writing a more intentional next chapter.
Build a Life
That Loves You Back
How creators and purpose-driven people can pursue meaningful work without sacrificing their health, relationships, or joy.
Risk, Regret, and Resolve
When Ali’s mother declared on her deathbed that she was filled with regret—and asked for the poem Risk to be read at her funeral—her words became a lifelong call to courage. In this deeply personal talk, Ali explores what it means to reach for what matters, risk the possibility of failure, and choose a life shaped by joy rather than regret.
Write the Story
That Calls You
A craft-and-courage presentation about creative identity, resistance, and finishing meaningful work.
Chronically Disappointed? Watch a Hallmark Movie
Ali always had big dreams. Then chronic illness changed the plot—and forced her to reconsider what a happy ending could look like. Discover how a Hallmark movie inspired an unexpected mission and how you can honor the life you have, reimagine the dreams you thought you’d lost, and create your own happily ever after when life refuses to follow the script.
Begin Again from Here
A hopeful, practical conversation about resilience, disrupted plans, and moving forward without denying the reality of where we are.
I've been working on my story for many years now and have spent hundreds of dollars and hours on writing courses, books, and conferences.
BY FAR Ali Cross has helped me, my writing, and my story THE MOST.
She's the first person that I felt truly cares about my story as much as I do.
She helps me see my book for the amazing story it can be, while showing me the path to get it there.
Not only does she have a "black belt" in storytelling and writing, she also has a "black belt" in helping aspiring authors see and bring out the brilliance of their stories.
I've seen her do this with not only my story, but with others as well!
Whenever anyone I know asks me for where to get writing/story help, without hesitation I'll tell them to come to Ali.
BY FAR Ali Cross has helped me, my writing, and my story THE MOST.
BEN FETTERS
Ali is incredible as a
story development coach.
Ali is incredible as a story development coach. I had a handle on the basics of my plot when I first started working with her, but her introduction of Save the Cat and guidance on how to strengthen my story within its tested-and-true parameters made a world of difference. Ali gives incredible feedback and doesn't hold back when it comes to ideas and encouragement. I'm so thankful for all the help she's given me with my story!
NIKKI SIEGEL
This was exactly what I needed!
I am so glad I attended this Save the Cat class! It was worth every penny and every minute. Not only did we get in depth instruction on each beat our stories should have, but we went through several examples and work shopped our own work. The workshop alone was worth it. As a group we came up with some great log lines and really helped each other nail down the beats in our stories. Ali's expertise and help was amazing - this was exactly what I needed!
CHRISTINA WHITE LONDON
Testimonials
Let’s create the right experience for your audience.
Ali is available for keynotes, workshops, conference sessions, retreats, faith-centered gatherings, and virtual events.
Presentations can be tailored to your audience, theme, and desired outcomes.
Share a little about your event in the contact form, and Ali will be in touch to discuss availability and fit.
