Mary Woodbury

Readings

A typical reading combines reading from one of my books, story telling about how the book came to be, and a question and answer period where kids can quiz me about the writing process and hints for new writers.

Readings are geared for Grades 4-7 and Grades 7-9.

Special Equipment:

n/a

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed.

Workshops

I usually do a “How to write a mystery” workshop with handouts and a practice sheet.

Special Equipment:

Flip chart.

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed.

Biography

Mary Woodbury was born before the Second World War in Toronto and grew up in Orillia and London, Ontario. Her name was Mary Ann Harker when she was young. She was active in art, drama and music all the way through school.

She taught elementary school in London and Kingston. She married her high school sweetheart, Clair. He went to graduate school and she stayed home with four young boys and wrote poetry and articles. Mary went to night school and summer school to learn more about writing. She wrote for the government for years. She discovered she loved reading and writing stories and poems more.

The Woodburys have lived in lots of exciting places like Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Rome, Italy. Their sons were surprised when the family settled down in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1979. They love it, though. The family has 80 acres of woods with a lodge and a cabin, close to the Athabasca river, where they all go to swim, play and visit.

Now Mary Woodbury writes, visits schools and libraries, and spends as much time as possible with her family, especially her grandchildren and her dog Misty who loves long walks.

OTHER PRESENTATIONS:
Mary can also give talks to groups about mystery, writing career and writing process. Anecdotes about the writer’s life.