Upcoming Events!

Want to kick-start your students’ reading habits? Need to motivate a reluctant writer? Looking for a keynote or professional development session for your colleagues? Marty offers a variety of engaging sessions that will have you laughing and learning. Currently, Marty is only doing virtual presentations. For his speaking rates, please send a query through his contact page. Book your event with Marty Chan!

Are you located outside of Alberta? Check out Marty’s Virtual Field Trips through the Center for Interactive Learning!

Subscribe to Marty’s YouTube Channel for more writing tips! Also, search #PromptMyStory on Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, and Instagram for Marty’s weekly writing prompts. He puts out a new one every Tuesday.

Marty’s Visits

Sept. 13: Alberta Culture Days, storytelling (in-person)
Sept. 23 and 24: A Blair McPherson, author visits
Sept. 29: Workshop on virtual presentations, CCBC (virtual)

Oct. 6 – 10: Virtual writing residency, Athlone School, Edmonton
Oct. 9: Virtual writing workshop, Golden Horn Elementary, Whitehorse
Oct. 10: Writing residency, Victoria School for the Arts, Edmonton (in-person)
Oct. 20: Virtual writing workshop, Golden Horn Elementary, Whitehorse
Oct. 22: Author visit, Rocky Mountain Elementary, Rocky Mountain House (in-person)
Oct. 27: Virtual prompt writing workshop, Lois Hole Elementary
Oct. 27 – 29: Virtual sci-fi writing workshop, Sturgeon Heights, St. Albert
Oct. 29: Virtual writing workshop, Golden Horn Elementary, Whitehorse

Nov. 3: Virtual author visit, St. Cecilia, Oakville
Nov. 14: Virtual Career Day Chat, CILC
Nov. 24 – 28: Writing residency, Divine Mercy Elementary, Edmonton (in-person)

Jan. 6: Virtual writing workshops, Queen Alexandra School

Feb. 16: Virtual PD, Connected North
Feb. 17: Virtual PD, Connected North
Feb. 25: Virtual writing workshop, Lois Hole

April 13: Virtual author visit, Inglewood PS

Book Marty Chan

Marty shares the personal stories behind his novels to show students how their own lives can be springboards into great stories. He disguises writing concepts as interactive games that teach kids while they’re having fun. With over a quarter of a century of experience as a full-time writer, Marty breaks down the mystique of creative writing into practical ideas you can adopt and apply immediately.

Marty reveals the real-life inspirations behind his works, demonstrating to students that their own lives can be springboards into great stories. With humorous anecdotes, he ramps up the students’ excitement for reading his books.

Marty inspires kids to write with his fun-filled workshops. His writing games illustrate key concepts in a way that will engage even reluctant students. Using personal anecdotes and interactive demonstrations, he shows how to structure a story, flesh out a character or bring a setting to life. Please get in touch with Marty for a list of the solo workshops he is offering this school year (he offers new ones every season).

Marty works with Division 2 and 3 students to write suspense stories to scare their friends. Throughout five 45-minute virtual workshops, Marty reveals the core elements of thrillers. Students will learn to write short suspense stories based on their experiences. Multiple classrooms can participate (up to 3 at a time). Marty has also developed residencies for mystery writing and a residency on tackling story prompts.

*** Note: Marty can also offer a residency for Division 1 students. In four 40-minute sessions, Marty will walk the students through the basics of putting a story together. Using their toys as the main characters, students will build a story from beginning to end.

Marty offers a peek at the creative process and how to translate writing concepts for beginning writers. He reveals how he connects with kids and gets reluctant writers to move past the blank page. His cheat code session illustrates a simple technique to help kids outline a story without getting bogged down in the planning. His suspense-writing workshop breaks down the elements of a thriller. His theatre workshops reveal how stage plays and dialogue can help shape students’ understanding of voice.