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Marty Chan

Author

 

Member profile details

First Name
Marty
Last Name
Chan
Province or Territory
Alberta
Craft
  • Author
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Twitter
@Marty_Chan
 

Professional information

Bio
Marty Chan has all of his teeth and most of his hair. When he's not busy looking for a cure for male-pattern baldness, he writes plays, television shows, radio commentaries and kids' books. For 18 years, he has managed to carve a healthy full-time career as a freelance writer. Adult theatre audiences know him best for his international hit plays "Mom, Dad, I'm Living with a White Girl" and "The Bone House." In Canada, he has written plays for young audiences including "The Forbidden Phoenix," "The Seventh Circle" and "A Hero for All."

He has worked in front of a television camera as a reluctant actor, but he prefers hiding behind the camera as an eager story editor and television writer. He was executive story editor on two series: The Incredible Story Studio and Mentors. He also wrote a half-hour pilot (The Orange Seed Myth) which was nominated for a Gemini for best writing in a youth program.

For kids, he's best known for his Marty Chan Mystery Series, which include The Mystery of the Frozen Brains, The Mystery of the Graffiti Ghoul, The Mystery of the Mad Science Teacher and The Mystery of the Cyber Bully. He also has a picture book (True Story), which was illustrated by Lorna Bennett. In 2011, his new novel, A Close Shave, will be launched.

As a presenter, Marty has spoken at schools, libraries, teacher conventions and library conferences across Canada. He can easily adapt to any age audience from kindergarten kids to high school students. His childhood stories about his family have delighted audiences of all ages and upset his mother to no end. He continues to work and live in Edmonton with his wife and two tuxedo cats.
Available For
Virtual author visits
Virtual writing workshops
School Visits
Magic of Literacy: Marty combines storytelling with stage magic, illustrations, and improv to bring Chinese folktales to life. A fun and interactive session for K - grade 3.

Fright Night: Marty shares the origins behind his hit stage play, The Bone House, as well as the ghost story behind his Keepers of the Vault series. This session teaches middle school students how to ramp up the tension. A creepy session that hooks grades 7 and up.

The Secret Origins of My Life's Stories: Marty shares the secret origins behind his funny semi-autobiographical novels. He shows kids that their own lives can be springboards to great stories. This dynamic session works well for grades 4 to 6.
Publications
Final Cut
Orca Books, 2022

Willpower
Orca Books, 2022

Kylie the Magnificent
Orca Books, 2021

Haunted Hospital
Orca Books, 2020

The Ehrich Weisz Chronicles: Metamorphosis
Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 2019

Kung Fu Master
Orca Books, 2019

The Ehrich Weisz Chronicles: Demon Gate
Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2013

Barnabas Bigfoot: The Bone Eater
Thistledown Press, 2013

Barnabas Bigfoot: A Hairy Tangle
Thistledown Press, 2012

Barnabas Bigfoot: A Close Shave
Thistledown Press, 2011

The Mystery of the Cyber Bully
Thistledown Press, 2010

The Mystery of the Mad Science Teacher
Thistledown Press, 2008

The Mystery of the Graffiti Ghoul
Thistledown Press, 2006

The Mystery of the Frozen Brains
Thistledown Press, 2004

True Story
Ink Jockey, 2009
Lorna Bennett (Illustrator)
Other Memberships
Writers Guild of Canada
Canscaip
CCBC
Young Alberta Book Society
Playwrights Guild of Canada