Media
Contact Erica
Services
- Author
- Key Note Speaker
- Writing Mentor
- Workshop Facilitator
- Editor
Speaking Topics
- Overcoming writer’s block
- Confronting imposter syndrome
- Cultivating the confidence to write
- Why your words matter
- The importance of sharing your story
- Self-publishing children’s books
- Memoir writing in a fable format
- The healing power of writing
Erica Richmond
author, mentor, speaker, founder
Erica Richmond is the author of three books including: Pixie and the Bees, a whimsical tale about learning to trust yourself while living with an invisible illness; Pixie and the Fox, a story about remembering that you get to decide who you are; and The Mail Art Stories Project: Mail Art in the Time of Covid-19, a collection of mail art from around the world that chronicles the Covid-19 pandemic.
Through her business Open Sky Stories, Erica leads a variety of workshops and speaking engagements which focus on creative unblocking, the importance of sharing our stories, and overcoming our inner critic.
Erica loves to mentor other writers as they journey through the writing process. Her specialty is helping writers who are feeling stuck, either at the beginning or part-way through a writing project. She has a gentle and encouraging manner that has helped bring many pieces of writing to life.
Erica lives in Peterborough, Ontario finding joy and beauty in her messy and imperfect life. She is currently writing her 4th book and first novel.
Published Works
PIXIE AND THE FOX
“This book is a beautiful and haunting reminder of the impact of unhealthy relationships. Perfect for children and adults.” N.M
Publication Date: April 4, 2024
ISBN-13: 978-1-7773505-3-6
Once upon a time, there lived a very happy Pixie. One day she met a Fox who took her on a big adventure. For a while, things were wonderful and Pixie had so much fun. But then the Fox left, taking away her laugh, her light, and her dust – all of the things that made Pixie who she is. Pixie must find her way back to herself, so she is once again a very happy Pixie. Pixie and the Fox is a whimsical tale about learning to stay true to yourself.
PIXIE AND THE BEES
“This book is excellent for helping kids (and adults) to recognize that anxiety can present itself in many ways, and it’s so painful & frustrating when no one else can see what’s happening in your body.” Bonnie
Publication Date: November 6, 2020
ISBN-13: 978-1777350505
Once upon a time, there lived a very happy Pixie. One day while picking wildflowers, something terrible happened that left her in constant pain and discomfort. Nobody else could see or hear or feel what was happening to her. They didn’t understand what was wrong with Pixie, and they didn’t know how to help her. Pixie was left alone in her pain, until one day… Pixie and the Bees is a whimsical tale about learning to trust yourself, while living with an invisible illness.
THE MAIL ART STORIES PROJECT
“This is a wonderful compilation of mail art that was inspired by the global pandemic that began in 2020. It's a great example of how to turn dark and scary times into messages of hope, love, and resilience. The art is both humorous at times and filled with heartfelt hope and connection.” S. Ladd
Publication Date: April 11, 2022
ISBN-13: 978-0578395333
This is the story of what happens when a global pandemic is captured through pieces of mail art from around the world. The Mail Art Stories Project, Mail Art in the Time of Covid-19 is a collection of decorated envelopes and postcards created between April 2020 – September 2021. There are 119 submissions from 55 individuals coming from 11 different countries. The Mail Art Stories Project is currently being held as an art exhibit across North America.
Speaking & Workshops
RADIO INTERVIEWS
Local author is hoping to use her book to raise funds for the Peterborough Youth Services (CBC Ontario Morning, May 2023)
Where do the Children Play (CFFF 92.7FM Trent radio (July 13, 2021)
PODCASTS
Why your words matter (TufFish Show, February 2024)
Anxiety and Children’s Books (Reading with your kids, February 2024)
Writing a life (Resilient and Resourced Podcast, June 2021)
Creativity and substance use: A conversation with Erica Richmond (Clear and Present Podcast, August 2022)
AUTHOR SUMMITS & HOSTED WORKSHOPS
Using Expressive Art to Improve Your Writing (Thriving Author Summit, 2023)
The Art of Letter Writing for Kids (Peterborough Public Library, 2023)
Expressive Writing: Words on Paper for Adults (Peterborough Public Library, 2022)
Expressive Writing for Teens (Peterborough Public Library, 2022)
Expressive Writing: Words on Paper for All Ages (Creating Space, 2022)
“I thoroughly enjoy the Open Sky Stories writing group with Erica. It is a wonderful way to make a commitment to writing a few times each week. Erica makes everyone feel welcome and is a great facilitator, keeping everyone focused on the purpose of the group. It is so nice to meet a diverse group of people who have a similar interest to one another.”
“Erica is so creative, thoughtful and gentle as a facilitator. Expressive writing could be scary and bring out the imposter in everybody but Erica has special ways to help everyone feel like they belong and their voice matters. After her workshops, I feel like I connect directly to my inner creative self and let her express freely.”
Web & Print Mentions
Preferred Author by DLC Anxiety
Peterborough author Erica Richmond raises $670 for Peterborough Youth Services (Kawartha NOW, June 2023)
Peterborough writer is again raising funds for a local charity during Mental Health Month (Kawartha NOW, May 2023)
Peterborough author Erica Richmond to donate proceeds of ‘Pixie and the Bees’ to help local youth (Peterborough This Week, May 2023)
Six inspiring local women will lead workshops at INSPIRE’s inaugural International Women’s Day event (Kawartha NOW, Feb 2023)
Peterborough writer Erica Richmond raises $530 for CMHA’s Trans Peer Outreach Program (Kawartha NOW, June 2022)
Former Dresden resident publishes second book (Sydenham Current, May 2022)
New book by Peterborough writer uses ‘mail art’ to capture personal stories about pandemic life (Kawartha NOW, April 2022)
Peterborough author finds connection through creativity (Peterborough This Week, November 2020)