mail	3287 Upper McLeod Road, Armstrong, BC V0E1B8
ph	250-546-8590
e	chrismcmahen@gmail.com
web	www.chrismcmahen.blogspot.com

Biography

When not wandering about, hopelessly lost, I live in British Columbia’s Spallumcheen Valley, only a short bike ride away from the small city of Armstrong. I am proud to be the self-proclaimed holder of the title, “Worst Ex-recreational Hockey Player in Canada.” I used my many years of on-ice futility as primary research for my novel Klutzhood (Orca Books, 2007). I have also spun a lifelong fascination with tabloid newspapers into a new novel for young readers–Tabloidology (Orca Books, 2009).

My first novel, published in 1996, was the cult classic Buddy Concrackle’s Amazing Adventure (Coteau Books), although I’m not exactly sure which cult thinks it’s a classic.

When I’m not huddled over a keyboard or pad of paper writing, I can often be found in one of many places. I may be cycling the back roads of the Spallumcheen Valley, lost somewhere on a ski trail, or in an elementary school in Armstrong where I work as a teacher-librarian and grade four teacher.

Book types: juvenile fiction

Guest speaker/presentation information

Presentation Information

I’m a full-time teacher-librarian and elementary classroom teacher, so I can bring this background to school presentations. My presentations can take many forms (although I’m cutting back on the chainsaw juggling and fire breathing presentations). They can include any of the following:

Standard Author Talk (45-60 min.)
The preferred audience is grades 3-7. In addition to reading from and talking about my novels, I like to include as much audience participation as possible. I also like to engage the young readers in creative activities relating to the writing process. I’m a huge fan of promoting the fine art of revision, so I’ve got a couple of very fun games which illustrate this vital stage in the writing process.

Writing Workshops for Young Writers
I’ve taught creative writing to young writers for many years, including programs for gifted and talented students, as well as regular classroom groups. These workshops can range from one shot sessions where we explore one aspect of writing, to a series of lessons and the development of a piece of writing.

Something Strangely Unique
I’m pretty flexible when it comes to catering presentations to a school’s needs. If you’re interested in a presentation that doesn’t quite fit the above descriptions, we can discuss the particular needs of your school.

The size of the group is not a problem, although football stadiums do tend to lack a certain sense of ambiance and phone booths lack legroom. Ideally, the presentation can include three classes, although we can discuss your school’s particular needs.

If you’d like to talk about a possible visit, don’t be afraid to contact me at:

chrismcmahen@gmail.com

Presentation geographic range: Vancouver, Coast, Lower Mainland, Gulf and Vancouver Islands, Thompson Okanagan, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies

Presentation audience age groups: grades K-3, grades 4-6

Published work

Buddy Concrackle's Amazing Adventure (Coteau Books, 1996)
Klutzhood (Orca Books, 2007)
Tabloidology (Orca Books, 2009)

Awards & recognition

CCBC Our Choice Award 1996
Shortlisted for the SYRC Willow Award 2009