Presentations
With three decades of teaching experience, Jason Lee Willis can play the part of Dr. Jones as well as Indiana Jones. Book him today for your audience and let him sit down and tell stories.
Speaking Fee: $200 + travel TBD.
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Recent Engagements
2026 Seniors Learning Together @ Apple Valley-Nicollet
2026 Blooming Prairie Library--Minnesota Mythology
2025 Lakes Area Writers Alliance--Panel Presentation on Marketing
2025 French American Historical Foundation-Joseph Nicollet
2025 LeSueur County Historical Society-Pierre-Charles LeSueur
2025 New Ulm Public Library-Pierre Charles LeSueur
2025 Arlington Public Libray-Nicollet
2025 Cannon Falls Public Library
2025 North Mankato Public Library--Minnesota Mythology
2024 Lykke Books Guest Author
2024 Books on Central October Guest Author
2024 Fort Sisseton Historical Festival The Tall Tale of LeSueur
2024 SE Retired Educators of Minnesota Careers after Retirement
2024 Blue Earth County Historical Society The Tall Tale of LeSueur
2024 Wells Public Library Meet the Books
2024 Arlington Public Library The Tall Tale of LeSueur
2024 New Ulm Public Library It Ain’t Easy being a Genius (JNN)
2024 North Mankato Public Library It’s Ain’t Easy Being a Genius (JNN)
2024 SCSC Young Writer’s Workshop The Alchemy of Writing
I was fascinated with Jason’s melding of 4 diverse cultures into a common understanding of time, place and being. And the additional bonus in that each story had “their home” in the same space we now consider our home. Thanks,Paul
I appreciated Jason Willis' skill at integrating myths from four different cultural perspectives into his books. He did a good job of explaining how various cultural groups have similar myths that he could draw on. He was well prepared with a PPT slideshow plus charts that illustrated this cultural integration. He is knowledgeable about his topic and eager to share what he has learned and how he has used that knowledge to produce a series of books. Linda G.
Loved his idea of “mashing”. Excellent presentation. Kept us awake after dinner and at night.
KT
Joseph Nicollet's 1830s Expeditions
Having spent several years researching Joseph Nicollet, Willis can share his love of the fickle Frenchman with your audience.
The Craft of Writing
Since the 90s, Jason Lee WIllis has been "Mr. Willis," a creative writing teacher. During that time he's worked on numerous genres and forms. He can share the pros and cons of being a writer.
LeSueur-The Man, the Myth, the Legend
The Jolly Green Giant? A Cunning Businessman? The Origin of Paul Bunyan, or a Tomb Raider? Perhaps Pierre-Charles LeSueur is ALL OF THE ABOVE. Let Willis share the legend with you.
Tales of the Blue Earth
While working on his first two series (the Alchemist Chornicles and the Dream Catcher Chronicles), Willis encountered all sorts of fun tales about the current Blue Earth County as well as the original Blue Earth County, Mahkata County (now central MN). Having researched local legends involving Good Thunder, Amboy, and the fallout from the Dakota War of 1862, Willis can share these tales and other historical events of this pioneer era.
Previous Presentations
2023-Guest Speaker @ Fort Sisseton Historical Festival
2023-A Novel Idea @ Mankato Makerspace
2023-The Alchemy of Writing @ BEC Library
2022-Vine Faith in Action @ Mankato
2022-Politics, Sex, and Religion on the Prairie @ SF
2022-Austin Artworks Festival Author Stage
2022-Minnesota Myths and Monsters @ Austin
2022-Rosemount Spring Author Series
2021-Deep Valley Book Festival @ Mankato
2021-Mankato Lifelong Learners
2021-Blue Earth County Historical Society
2021-Vine Faith in Action
Minnesota Legends and Folklore
After years of teaching Greek, Norse, and Egyptian mythology, Willis took a deep dive into Oceti Sakowin and Anishinaabe myths and legends. Let Willis introduce you to some uniquely Minnesota legends.
Jason was an engaging, enthusiastic and well-prepared presenter. His creative energy overflowed and provided inspiration to his audience. I am excited to dive into his novels.
- Melissa B.
Program Director
Vine
Jason's presentation was fascinating!!! He described his creative thought processes excellently!!! – VINE member
I have enjoyed Jason Lee Willis every time I have attended his programs. He makes me think and imagine. I have liked his books and look forward to the next ones that come out. They challenge me. - Mary M