Margaret Buffie

Readings

I do a presentation on Powerpoint, talking about the writing of my books and how they evolve from ideas to finished products. I use photos, drawings and text on Powerpoint to add interest to this as well. I also let the students ask a lot of questions.

Special Equipment:

Power-point set up

Book Sales:

If requested

Workshops

Same as above, but I put more emphasis on the different stages of writing - and use handouts that include some fun exercises in the workshop to help the writers understand that ideas can come from anywhere -- as well as giving them a list of ten steps to better writing.

Special Equipment:

Power-point set up

Book Sales:

If requested

Other Presentations

I sometimes try to follow the guidelines given to me by the conference organizers. I often prepare each talk specifically for the groups I am talking to and take into account what they would like to hear from me.

If not, I usually prepare, especially in a keynote speech, a tie-in with the conference "theme". But I also have a number of prepared "and evolving" talks on writing and understanding how supernatural, fantasy and now historical novels impact on young readers and readers in general --- which usually go down well with audiences.

Biography

I was born and grew up in the west end of Winnipeg, attended various schools - graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Manitoba. An artist for many years, I began writing in 1986. A year later, after finishing my first manuscript, Kids Can Press accepted Who is Frances Rain for publication. It quickly became a bestseller after appearing in bookstores in 1987. Since then I have published ten more books for young adults and I am working on my eleventh manuscript. I work at my home in Winnipeg during the winter and on the veranda of my cottage in North Western Ontario in the summer months. My books have been published in the United States, Norway, Italy, Sweden, Australia, Great Britain, Germany, China and other countries.

(Margaret is the recipient of the prestigious Vicky Metcalf Award for Body of Work (For writing inspirational to Canadian Youth); The Young Adult Canadian Book Award; The Silver Nautilus Award 2011 (USA)
is a two time winner of the McNally Robinson Book for Young People award and has been shortlisted for many other awards and honours.)