As an inspirational speaker, Michael has presented to audiences of all ages about staying creative, following their dreams, and the writing and publishing process. He has been the featured author for Read Across America and Literacy Night, a self-publishing panelist at Fall for the Book, and a special guest at a variety of conventions, book fairs, and festivals.
"Michael Thompson's presentation was fantastic! The students were engaged and eager to hear more. He visited our school during Read Across America Week to talk about being a writer and share his books . . . The students loved hearing about the writing process, and they are constantly asking to check out his books in our library. It was really neat to see the students get so excited to meet the author of some of their favorite books. I highly recommend having Michael visit your school. Your students will thank you!" - Sheri D'Amato, Librarian, Cedar Point Elementary
Talks generally last around 45 minutes. These can include the main topic, along with a reading and/or Q&A period. For younger audiences How to Draw Chicken Boy tutorials and raffles for original artwork can be added.
Please email admin@michaelthompsonbooks.com for rates and availability. Gas/airfare and lodging fees may be required and can depend on distance. To keep costs low, additional schools and libraries are welcome to coordinate events to split travel/lodging costs, and Michael can stay in your area for extra days to meet everyone.
Distributing book order forms is appreciated (see Press Kit). Students can order Michael's books in advance and on the day of the event, Michael will arrive with autographed books (great for classroom talks). Alternatively, a signing can be set up as a part of the event (this works especially well at book fairs!) and students, parents, and teachers can meet Michael and see their books signed in person.
Promotional image and book order forms for school visits, shows, & events:
How to draw Chicken Boy. Clip from Read Across America.
Populating Your Fantasy World. Clip from YABBA Fest World Building Panel.
Going "Beyond the Page" with Indie Book Marketing. Clip from Fall for the Book Self-Publishing Panel.
Writing cinematic sea stories based on urban legends, folklore, and mythology. Clip from News Radio WINA.
"Michael Thompson's presentation was fantastic! The students were engaged and eager to hear more. He visited our school during Read Across America Week to talk about being a writer and share his books . . . The students loved hearing about the writing process, and they are constantly asking to check out his books in our library. It was really neat to see the students get so excited to meet the author of some of their favorite books. I highly recommend having Michael visit your school. Your students will thank you!" - Sheri D'Amato, Librarian, Cedar Point Elementary
"Michael has put together a great presentation! He incorporates the writing process and explains how he started writing at the elementary level. He is very engaging and energetic. Students really enjoy it. He has been speaking to my students for years and has really inspired them!" - Chuck Aracich, Teacher, T. Clay Wood Elementary
"Michael has a gift for connecting with students and sharing his passion for writing in an entertaining and engaging manner. Through telling his own story, reading excerpts from his books and teaching his art of illustration, my students were completely captivated!" - Kim Ainsworth, Teacher, Weems Elementary
"Mr. Michael Thompson spoke at our recent Literacy Night and shared his writing process and the evolution from idea to finished product. He also read from his books. Our students loved his presentation and were very interested to read his books which we now have in our library. I recommend Mr. Thompson for school literacy or reading events." - Andrew Buchheit, Principal, T. Clay Wood Elementary