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During a recent stint in my beloved city of Hong Kong, I was able to share my flash fiction writing tips with enthusiastic Year 5 students at the French International School (FIS) and two storytelling workshops inspired by my award-winning picture book manuscript, The Magic in Ming’s Hands, with the equally enthusiastic K3 and K4 students at the German Swiss International School (GSIS).
I loved the creative and thoughtful responses during my highly interactive sessions, in particular the excited squeals of recognition when I showed pictures of Hong Kong’s favourite baked treats: the pineapple bun (por lor bao), egg tarts (daan tat) and the cocktail bun (kai mei bao). I was also glad to share the first book I ever wrote when I was six years old, thanks to my mum for keeping it safely for me for over half a century (yes, I am THAT old!).
November 26, 2025
School talks @ FIS and GSIS
If I can create a mirror for even one child in the world, I will have accomplished something meaningful
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"Maureen was agile, warm, brilliantly organized - a joy to speak with"
"I was stunned at how much time and thought she had put into preparing ...and then how spontaneous, fun and thoughtful she was as our conversations unfolded. Helping to organise the Hong Kong Literary Festival in 2023, Maureen was as professional, kind and engaging as any such host i've ever known, and as a writer herself - as well as so many other things - she brought more to our interactions than I had any reason to expect. "
Pico Iyer, Author
© Derek Shapton
"What Maureen did on our days was the first of its kind"
"She showed our senior elementary girls how refreshing it is to read stories where the contexts are relatable, and the characters look like them and carry some of the same emotions as they do. To be seen and heard in a diverse world is comforting.
Maureen’s hands-on techniques were engaging and facilitated meaningful interaction during the workshop. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the sessions.
English Dept. Head
"Thank you for telling us that we should put down our phones and not be imprisoned by our phones.
"Nowadays actually many people use their phones all the time and never put it down, also I am one. After listening to you, I think I would like to try a day without my phone, and I can already foresee many new experiences in my ‘daily’ life
Secondary School Student
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