Speaking Engagements -

Speaking

Author, adjunct professor, and non-profit leader Rayne Lacko specializes in helping people of all ages harness their natural creativity to transform difficult emotions and change their perspective on the world. With audiences ranging from students to adults, Rayne delivers engaging keynote speeches, writing bootcamps, and arts-based workshops that guide participants from darkness into light.

As an in-demand facilitator, Rayne combines her Master’s degree in Humanities with a specialization in Creative Writing and Social-emotional Learning alongside her 15+ years of experience as a magazine editor. She mentors aspiring professional writers to elevate their craft while serving as a passionate advocate for self-expression.

Rayne’s unique approach blends creative arts with emotional wellness, making her presentations both transformative and accessible to diverse audiences.

An Evening of Resilient Women — Author Event

July 12, 2025 at 6pm

Liberty Bay Books, Poulsbo, WA – in partnership with Details Wine Bar

Who loves wine, cheese, and good conversation with three local authors at a charming indie bookstore?

Meet up in historic Poulsbo, WA, known as “Little Norway,” located in the picturesque Puget Sound.

Authors Rayne Lacko, Deb Miller, And Leslie Johansen Nack

SPEAKING AT ROTARY: West Seattle

June 15, 2025 at noon

The Secret Song of Shelby Rey: How Music and Stories Build Stronger Communities

Discover how a rock-and-roll novel became an unexpected healing tool in a Los Angeles hospital and sparked a movement toward community-based solutions for youth mental health crisis. Author and educator Rayne Lacko will share her journey from storytelling to social impact, revealing how music therapy and social-emotional learning are transforming lives right here in our region—including King County’s historic $782 million arts investment and local programs serving 700+ students annually. As anxiety affects nearly 32% of our teenagers, Lacko will demonstrate how creative expression isn’t just entertainment—it’s essential infrastructure for building resilient communities. Join us for an inspiring exploration of how individual passion projects can serve larger community needs, with practical strategies for leveraging the arts to strengthen families, schools, and workplaces. Perfect for business leaders seeking innovative approaches to employee wellness, community engagement, and youth development

Teen Writing Camp: Story Sprint Challenge

Newbies and seasoned scribes are welcome to join our summer teen writing camp! Over the span of three days you will write a short story or a chapter of your novel and leave with an outline for the complete story. This fun, laidback workshop…

Registration full Join waitlist

BOOK LAUNCH!

The Secret Song of Shelby Rey

June 3, 2025 – Bainbridge Public Library, in partnership with Eagle Harbor Books

Join Rayne Lacko as she introduces Shelby Rey to her local community. Rayne will be interviewed by her all-time favorite teen librarian, Gem Seddon. The library is hosting a giveaway of 10 copies of The Secret Song of Shelby Rey, and Rayne will be giving away bookmarks and a chance to win Beats headphones!

Every segment you addressed was crystal clear and well-organized. You packed so much storytelling wisdom into a short space! I especially liked the fact that you included seemingly “obvious” things that we’d expect most writers to know, but then you hung other critical considerations on those branches. So for me, the whys of all the things you mentioned were answered–just by the way you presented them.

Once you started, your own passion for story took over. What I noticed was the strong, lively energy pouring out of you, and how you directed that energy to each person around the table. Your teaching presence reminded me of the velocity in your writing in Radio Head–nothing superfluous or unfocused, everything needed and carrying its message. You are a good teacher!

Speaking Opportunities

In-person or online. Customized to your group’s needs. Synchronous.