Kristin Butcher
Biography:Kristin Butcher has had a life-long love affair with books. For as long as she can remember, she has either been reading them or writing them. By age nine she had devoured everything the local book mobile had to offer, and in desperation she moved on to her parents' library, where she discovered the works of Thomas Costain, Frank Yerby, John Le Carre, and Mary Stewart. That was when her passion for historical fiction was born. Though Kristin hasn't written any historical fiction – yet – it won't be long. In fact, she already has a title for a book set in an English village in 1791 – The Sentinel of Mabry Moor. The story has been brewing in the back of her brain for about a year now. All she needs to do is find the time to write it. Kristin may not always have been a published writer, but for as long as she's known how to hold a pencil, she's written. If she'd never had a book published, she would still write. In the morning she awakens with ideas dancing in her head, and she can't get to her computer fast enough. When she falls into bed at night, the ideas are still dancing and she can't wait for morning to arrive, so she can start all over again. Mostly Kristin writes fiction – stories for readers from ages 8 – 18, but recently she was given the opportunity to write a non-fiction book about Ancient Egypt, and it was so much fun that she's hoping to do more non-fiction projects. Kristin's first novel, The Runaways, began as a story she was writing for a grade 6 class she was teaching. It was her daughter who suggested she try to get it published. So she sent it to Kids Can Press, and the rest is history. Kristin gave up her teaching job and took up writing full time. It hasn't been all roses though. Kristin has had many stories rejected. Most writers have. It's all part of being a writer. The key is not to give up. So Kristin keeps right on writing. Chances are she always will. Presentation Information:Kristin Butcher offers two presentations, each focusing on a different book and targeting a different age group. Pharaohs and Foot Soldiers In her presentation, Kristin Butcher dramatizes some of these jobs with the help of a mummy, an embalmer, death masks and coffins, brain extractors, and other interesting items from ancient Egypt. Kids will be enchanted, AND they'll learn lots of interesting stuff too. Return to Bone Tree Hill This is an opportunity for young people to see firsthand the inner workings of a story. Of course, they'll have to read the novel afterwards to check out how closely the mystery they imagined matches the one Kristin wrote. Book List / Discography:Pharaohs and Foot Soldiers: One Hundred Ancient Egyptian Jobs You Might Have Desired or Dreaded. Illustrated by Martha Newbidgging. (Annick Press, 2009) Return to Bone Tree Hill (Thistledown Press, 2009) Zach & Zoe: Bully and the Beagle (James Lorimer & Company, 2009) Zach & Zoe and the Bank Robber (James Lorimer & Company, 2008) Chat Room (Orca Book Publishers, 2006) Sylvia Stark: Freedom Seeker (Pearson Education, 2005) Marie Rollet-Hebert: Canadian Pioneer (Pearson Education, 2005) Zee's Way (Orca Book Publishers, 2004) The Trouble with Liberty (Orca Book Publishers, 2003) Cairo Kelly and the Mann (Orca Book Publishers, 2002) The Hemingway Tradition (Orca Book Publishers, 2002) Summer of Suspense (Whitecap Books, 2002) The Gramma War (Orca Book Publishers, 2001) The Tomorrow Tunnel (Thistledown Press, 1999) The Runaways (Kids Can Press, 1997) Awards:The Runaways The Gramma War Cairo Kelly and the Mann The Hemingway Tradition The Trouble with Liberty Zee's' Way Praise for Kristin Butcher:“I am delighted to recommended Kristin Butcher as a guest author/presenter. It has been our pleasure to have her as a guest five or six times over the years. She demonstrates an ability to make connections with her audience not only through the content of her presentation but also by her personality. I have often noted how attentive her audiences have been. Our students’ have been interested by Mrs. Butcher’s references to her experiences as a teacher and a writer. Her descriptions of the process of getting a book published are also quite illuminating. Our students always enjoy the story of how she wrote her first book. Even more importantly, Kristin’s joy of writing comes through in her presentations. I believe budding writers are able to relate to her descriptions of why she loves to write and how that motivation has been with her since she was a youngster… I have no hesitation in saying that, when choosing a guest author to make a presentation to your group, Kristin Butcher is a wise choice, a strong presenter, and a speaker with a powerful message to share.” Brian Russell “On behalf of the staff and students, please accept our thanks and appreciation for your terrific presentations. Already I have over 7 holds on each title of your books!... The students have expressed their enthusiasm for you, your work and the diversity of the writings. The 'visuals' made quite an impact as well, and clarified some confusion as to the writing process translating ideas into words. Overall, you made them realize that writers are real people with real concerns that everyone can identify with.” Lynn Salter |
 Craft:author Genre:junior fiction, YA fiction, teen fiction, non-fiction, hi-lo books Ideal Audience Size:30 – 40 Maximum Audience Size:90 Grades:4 – 10 Special Equipment:- table 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 |