David Poulsen
Biography:David A. Poulsen has been a rock singer, high school football coach, stage and film actor, rodeo commentator, documentary television writer and host, college English instructor, and… most of all—a writer. With 21 books to his credit, David’s writing career began in earnest in 1984 when his short story “The Welcomin’” won the Alberta Culture Short Story Writing Competition. His most recent books include the sixth book in The Salt and Pepper Chronicles (middle reader series) Shivers and Shakes. David’s young adult novel, Numbers arrived in bookstores in October 2008 and has been enjoying a tremendous reception with readers across Canada and beyond. Because most of his books target young readers, David spends between 60 and 80 days a year in classrooms across Canada, talking to kids about his books and his life as a writer and sharing his stories with students. In 2005, David was honoured to receive an Alberta Centennial Medal for “outstanding service to Alberta and Albertans”. He divides his time between his homes in southwestern Alberta and Maricopa, Arizona. Presentation Information:David’s one-hour presentations with students are high energy, informative, infused with his passion for reading and writing and, most of all, fun. He begins by sharing his journey to becoming a writer; it is sometimes hilarious (“The world’s worst rejection letter” and “The scariest moment of my life” are two examples), sometimes poignant (his first successful story was inspired by the tragedy of the Battle of Dieppe), sometimes inspiring (“if I can get my picture on the back cover of a book, so can you”) and always entertaining. Next, David’s reading will focus on a recent book written for the age group to whom he is presenting and as a former actor, he admits to ’performing’ his readings. And finally, there is David’s favourite part of the presentation—the Q and A as students pepper him with questions that "never fail to amaze and delight.” It is an hour that teachers, parents and students have called everything from “inspirational” to “totally a blast.” Book List / Discography:Shivers and Shakes (Key Porter Books, 2009) The Prisoners and the Paintings (Key Porter Books, 2008) Jeremy’s Song (Key Porter Books, 2008) Cowboy Cool (Key Porter Books, 2008) Numbers (Key Porter Books, 2008) No Time Like the Past (Key Porter Books, 2007) The Book of Vampire (Key Porter Books, 2007) Wild Thing (Key Porter Books, 2007) Blind Date (Key Porter Books, 2007) The Vampire’s Visit (Key Porter Books, 2006) The Hunk Machine (Key Porter Books, 2006) Last Sam's Cage (Key Porter Books, 2005) Tractor Trouble (Donahue House Books, 1997) Billy and the Bearman (Napoleon Publishing, 1996) Ride the High Country (Red Hawk Books, 1995) Ride for the Crown (Plains Publishing, 1989) The Cowboy Kid (Plains Publishing, 1987) Awards:No Time Like the Past The Vampire’s Visit Billy and the Bearman “The Welcomin'” Praise for David Poulsen:"Mr.. Poulsen gave a very animated talk to students revealing both the work and ultimate joy of being a writer. He kept students engaged from start to finish and shared with students a very important reality: that life is enriched by reading. He's welcome back anytime! Joanne Melo, Principal "David Poulsen is a natural born speaker when it comes to interacting with kids and getting them 'hooked' on reading and writing. He frames his life's journey with a down-to-earth, comedic presentation style that focuses on the writing process and what being an author entails. The students were inspired by his message, motivated to read more, and sad to see him leave. He leaves an indelible mark on his audiences." Joyce Lister |
 Craft:author Genre:picture books, junior fiction, YA fiction, teen fiction, non-fiction, hi-lo books Ideal Audience Size:50 Maximum Audience Size:100 Grades:4 – 9 Special Equipment:Table for materials and stool rather than a chair. Website:School Reading Fee:$157.50 per reading (includes GST) Public Reading Fee:$250.00 per reading (four readings covered by the Canada Council) Book Week Tour Contact:Carol-Ann Hoyte |