Meggan A. MacKenzie

Readings

Author readings are a fantastic way to inspire children to read and write. In approximately one hour I will describe the process of writing and illustrating the book, read the story, lead a question and answer period, autograph any purchased copies, and if time permits play a few interactive author/illustrator games. It is sure to motivate students to read, write, and create!

Special Equipment:

No

Book Sales:

Yes

Workshops

Writing Workshops:
Each writing workshop focuses on a different aspect of writing (point of view, character, ideas etc). Students will explore the topic through interactive whole group and/or small group activities. Students will gain a personal connection to these significant aspects of writing which will in turn improve their own writing. Each writing workshop is modified appropriately for different age groups and lasts approximately 90 minutes. When the workshop is complete I will autograph any purchased copies of my book and if time permits play a few writing games.
The writing workshops that are available to choose from are: Plot, Character, Setting, Point of View, Theme, Tone and Mood, Ideas, Word Choice, or Voice

Illustrating Workshops:
With a variety of themed illustrating workshops to choose from, students will learn how to create a clay illustration and explore the importance of colour, texture, shape etc. A unique approach to your visual arts unit! Each illustrating workshop is modified appropriately for different age groups and lasts approximately 2 ½ hours. When the workshop is complete I will autograph any purchased copies of the book and if time permits play a few illustrating games. **Important - Each illustrating workshop will require you to provide the students with some art materials**
The illustrating workshops that are available to choose from are: Creating characters and settings, finding inspiration, or recreating from one of my illustrations.

Writing and Illustrating Workshop:
The best of both worlds, this workshop involves students writing and illustrating their own children’s book as a whole group. As a group we will go through the entire writing process and agree on key illustrating aspects for the book. Each student will learn how to make a clay illustration and will create one illustration for the book. I will take pictures of each illustration and mail them, along with a copy of the story, on a CD/R for you to print off and enjoy. When the workshop is complete I will autograph any purchased copies of my book. The length of this workshop is approximately 4 ½ hours. The perfect bonding activity for any age group. **Important – this workshop will require you to provide the students with some art materials*

Special Equipment:

No, however there are some art materials needed for the illustrating workshops.

Book Sales:

Yes

Biography

I grew up in Tecumseh Ontario where I studied music, dance, drama and visual art. I loved how the arts helped to express my thoughts and feelings. I was able to expand my love for the arts when I was accepted into the W.C.C.A (Windsor Centre for the Creative Arts) program in high school. My creative experiences continued at the University of Windsor where I studied Drama in Education and Community. This led me to attain a degree in education at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay.

I started writing stories in elementary school and found that I really enjoyed using my imagination to create fictional worlds. In grade eight I won a language arts award for a humorous speech I had written about teachers and students, and in high school I won a young artists award for a series of paintings I had composed. Looking back I can see that all of my experiences, both big and small, led me to a career in writing and illustrating. I love the arts, education, children and creating stories. Being a children’s author and illustrator allows me to share that love with others every day.