Hello! I am happy to do author readings at schools, museums, libraries and for book clubs. As a trained journalist, I am also delighted to conduct media training to help enhance the visibility of your organizations and program leaders in the media.
About the Artist
Maryland resident Markette Sheppard is an Emmy Award -winning journalist, author and storyteller whose work blends literature, history and food culture to celebrate the power of family storytelling. Through dynamic author readings, interactive storytelling and engaging discussions about family history and food traditions, Sheppard invites audiences of all ages to reflect on the stories that shape their families and communities. Sheppard has presented her work at institutions including the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture in Baltimore, Historic African-American Grand Army of the Republic museum at Sumner Hall in Chestertown, Maryland, the inaugural Books in Bloom Book Festival in Columbia, and community venues throughout the state. Her touring performances are particularly well suited for libraries, museums, literary festivals, schools, and cultural organizations seeking programs that celebrate storytelling, cultural heritage and intergenerational learning. Previous published works of Sheppard include, What Is Light? (Amazon No. 1 best-seller in the children’s Sense & Sensation category), My Rainy Day Rocket Ship (Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Yearand Colorado Libraries Early Literacy Bell Picture Book Award-winner) and Ninja Nate (OWL Award-winner). Her fourth children’s book, Grandma Dee’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is the world’s first luxury children’s book featuring Black voices.Markette "Sugar" Sheppard website MarketteSheppard.com Markette "Sugar" Sheppard website Book Trailer for "Grandma Dee's Pineapple Upside-Down Cake" Markette "Sugar" Sheppard website Speaker's Sizzle Reel
Artist's Statement
As a journalist and media professional, Sheppard has spent her career telling meaningful stories for broad audiences. Her work in broadcast journalism has earned an Emmy Award and reflects her commitment to thoughtful storytelling, research, and public engagement. These skills directly inform her work as a literary artist and touring presenter. Her touring programs expand the impact of her writing by transforming readings into interactive storytelling experiences. Programs often include discussions about family storytelling traditions, the history of recipes as cultural archives, and the importance of documenting the lives of elders. Through these engagements, audiences are encouraged to reflect on their own family histories and creative expression. Touring is a natural extension of Sheppard’s artistic goals. Her work centers on community engagement and intergenerational storytelling—both of which are best experienced through in-person gatherings where audiences can share stories and reflections. Libraries, museums, and schools provide ideal spaces for this exchange. As a Maryland-based artist, Sheppard is committed to serving communities across the state, particularly through partnerships with libraries, museums, and cultural organizations that prioritize literacy, heritage education, and community storytelling. Her touring programming offers a unique blend of literary arts, cultural history, and audience participation. By bringing her storytelling programs to communities across Maryland, Sheppard seeks to inspire audiences to preserve their own family stories, celebrate cultural traditions, and recognize the power of everyday histories.Featured Work
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Featured Work: Photos
Headshot
Booking
Booking Price: $2,001-$5,000
Markette is available for both virtual and in-person speaking engagements throughout the year on the topics of women’s empowerment, following your dreams, how to launch your writing career and break into publishing, and many more.
Please visit the booking page at MarketteSheppard.com for booking details and further contact info:
Performance Area
An ideal performance space includes a stage or presentation area approximately 10 feet by 10 feet,
though smaller spaces can also accommodate the program. The artist performs comfortably either on a
stage or on the floor level in front of an audience seating area.
Seating
Audience seating may be arranged classroom-style, theater-style, or in an informal gathering format
depending on venue preferences and audience size.
Audio/Video
The program may include a short video. A power outlet, projector screen and HDMI cable is needed to
play the video. An .mp4 video file can also be delivered to the event venue via a thumb drive or link to
download.
For audiences larger than approximately 40 people, a handheld or clip-on microphone and speaker is
recommended to ensure clear sound throughout the space.
Smaller venues typically do not require amplification.
Visual Display
The program may include a short video or a small cake-themed artistic display on a table placed near the
reading area. This display may include visual elements inspired by a family kitchen or baking tradition,
helping create a warm storytelling atmosphere connected to the book’s themes.
The display typically requires one small table (approximately 4–6 feet) placed on stage or near the
Describe the basic space requirements for a performance, such as: flooring, stage dimensions,
backstage needs, amplification, lighting, front of house support, backstage support, and any other
technical requirements.
I am available to travel throughout the state to be a guest speaker or presenter weekdays or
weekend.
Markette's Previous Speaking Engagements Include:
- American Marketing Association (Chicago)
- U.S. Department of Justice (DC)
- White House Historical Association: Presidential Sites Summit (DC)
- Executive Leadership Council (DC)
- USO of Metropolitan Washington’s Project Cinderella (Virginia)
- Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (Maryland)
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund (DC)
- ColorComm Conference with WeberShandwick (Miami)
For contact info of client engagement references, please contact: Margaret Smith, Glow Stream TV, [email protected]