“Margi’s presentation was engaging and thoroughly enjoyable.”—Jane Zins, Media Specialist
MARGI PREUS’s writing career began when her audition for the kindergarten musical went horribly wrong. Since then, she has written a bazillion plays, a couple of comic operas, and a bunch of books, including the Newbery Honor book Heart of a Samurai, and West of the Moon, a Kirkus Best Book of the Century (So Far). Her books have been honored as ALA/ALSC Notables, featured on NPR, and landed on many “best-of” lists, including the New York Times bestseller list. New titles include the picture book Snowshoe Kate and the Hospital Built for Pennies, and the first in the middle grade mystery series The Shrew Detective; The Case of the Pilfered Pearls, as well as paperback editions of Village of Scoundrels and Windswept. She lives in Duluth, MN where she likes to ski, hike, paddle a canoe, or sit quietly with a book in her lap.
Bookshelf
About the Visit
Margi’s background in children’s theater is apparent in her dynamic and interactive presentations. With picture books, a chapter book, and middle grade novels from historical fiction to fantasy, Margi is comfortable conversing with grades K – 8 (and even grown-ups!) Her presentations may include visuals, a group storytelling activity, plenty of writing tips, Q&A, and reinforce that we are all storytellers, and we all have a story to tell.
Presentations may answer these and other questions:
- How did a kindergarten disappointment steer Margi down the writing path and what happened next?
- Where do ideas come from?
- How does a book come to be? Who draws the pictures? How do you get from vague idea to finished book?
- What are the real stories behind the stories?
- What are some weird and unlikely ways to go about research?
- Why is revision the most fun part of writing? (Yes, it is!!)
- What are your dog’s top ten writing tips?
- Are we really all storytellers? (Yes, we are!)
Margi is happy to customize her program for groups that have been or are reading one or more of her books. Learn about the real people (like the real “scoundrels” who inspired the characters in Village of Scoundrels) and the story behind the story. All about the research, writing, and the all-important role of revision, revision, revision. Plenty of time for Q&A.
Margi is also available to conduct writing workshops and residencies.
Testimonials
“We are still savoring Margi Preus’s visit with us here at Deerwood Elementary! We use her writing tips and insights on a regular basis!”— Lynn McGrane, Deerwood Elementary
“Margi Preus was a joy to work with. She was professional, prepared for anything, and she had great rapport with students of all ages.”— Steven Ketcham, W. Bloomfield, MI schools