I'm Maureen, a Malaysian Chinese writer and visual storyteller, forever chasing the whispers of tales untold.
In my talks and workshops, I often share my own storymaking journey, inspired by my life and experiences in Asia, and invite audiences to create stories of their own.
As a host and interviewer at literary events, I delve into the truths behind the narratives on a mission to unlock the magic that lies within each story.
Unlock the Magic of Story
Author Talks and speaking events
Passionate organiser for your next book-focused event.
Bookish Events
An engaging interviewer for your author talks and panels.
Panels & Hosting
Motivate students and give
your writing program a boost.
Author Talks
What do you need?
During my school visits, we'll embark on a journey together - one where your students will discover the power of their own voices, the joy of curiosity, and the magic that happens when pen meets paper (or fingers tap screen)
Opening windows to Asian landscapes, building bridges between cultures, and reflecting truths that bind us all
Author Talks in Schools
In this workshop I introduce students to my own creative process, drawing from recollection and early experiences.
From there, students are led through some creative exercises, before we dive into some story shaping by creating some flash fiction—those bite-sized literary morsels that pack a punch.
Student find the process surprisingly revealing - and love having a bright shiny new piece of writing at the sessions end.
Dreaming through lenses, painting with pixels—welcome to my world of pocket-sized artistry.
Art With A Smartphone shows students how to capture the whispers of their hearts and the colours of their imaginations through their smartphones.
This one-hour workshop is an invitation to see extraordinary in the ordinary and also makes for a rousing graduation talk.
If you have your own ideas for a workshop, I am happy to accommodate to meet your teaching goals and needs.
Here's a few of the speciality subjects I'm well-versed in:
- Weaving cultural threads into modern tales
- Snapshots to storylines: transforming visual moments into literary magic
- Stories across divides: fostering empathy and understanding in a diverse world
Writing from Memory (and Making It Flash!)
Make Good Art With A Smartphone
Write your own story...
My Signature Author Talks
I strive to be engaging, supportive, interesting, fun and most of all, honest because, as any children’s writer will tell you, you can’t pull the wool over their extremely sharp eyes
Answers to your questions
My usual talks in schools are usually one hour long and interactive, with lots of lively discussion and hands-on experiences. However, I'm happy to run Q&A sessions, presentations or assemblies, and I'm flexible and open to your needs, so do reach out if you'd like something different.
How long are your talks?
Question 1
Absolutely! I can bring the vibrancy of Asia all over the world through your Zoom screen, whether you'd like an interactive session with Q&A or an author reading. All you need is a virtual room to hold your talk!
Do you do virtual talks?
Question 2
I can tailor talks for younger readers, but my sweet spot is ages 10+. I particularly enjoy the mid-grades and teens, and these groups get a lot out of the themes we cover like stereotypes, race, culture and more.
Do you work with all grades?
Question 3
Great question! My talks last for one hour and are available from HK$1500. Workshops start at HK$2,000.
What does it cost?
Question 4
Whether I'm sharing my writing process or hosting book talks and moderating literary events that connect diverse voices, I love to unlock the tapestry of truths, words and wonder that makes story so compelling.
intimate invites to explore a storyteller's creative processes
Panels and hosting
Book me to speak
I find great joy connecting kids and adults to reading, story and books, either as a solo speaker or in collaboration with others. I've guided parents on how to spark a love of reading with their children and hosted various author talks and read-aloud workshops.
From reading with kids to hosting authors & Illustrators
Community talks and workshops
Arrange
A Bookish event
"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. Running and organizing the Hong Kong International 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
"Maureen has such a calming and positive personality that shines through and makes watching her in action such a joy."
"She has great questions and creates such harmony with the authors she interviews. A true professional that I have zero hesitation recommending.
Ms. Arti Mirchandani,
Owner, Bookazine Hong Kong Ltd
"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.
Ms. Sandy, English Dept. Head
St Clare's Primary School, Hong Kong
"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
Kind words from cool people
Contact me to book an author talk for your school or event
