Author Visits

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Presentation | Virtual Visits | Pricing | Teacher Prep | Ordering Books

Book me for your next event or author visit! I am fully vaccinated, insured across the US and available most days throughout the year. Presentation info is listed below. Contact mail@operationspacecat.com for bookings and queries.


About the Author

Mike Maihack is a graduate of the Columbus College of Art & Design and is the creator of the Cleopatra in Space graphic novels published by Scholastic/Graphix. The series has earned him a Florida Book Award, a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers selection, a starred review from School Library Journal, and a wealth of sharable knowledge about sequential storytelling. Mike lives in Land O Lakes, Florida, and his work can be found here on his website.


Presentation

STORYTELLING IN SPACE!
(For ages 7 and up)

An approximately 45-60 minute visual presentation focusing on the origin and creation of the Cleopatra in Space series, the advantages of using historical figures in fiction, and how to create your own strong characters whose traits can be used effectively (and humorously!) in a story. Mike will delve into the basic structure of sequential storytelling, background on the real Cleopatra, do some live drawing, and possibly provide a sneak peek at his upcoming graphic novels. There will be time for Q&A afterward.

Most of the presentation will focus on the Cleopatra in Space series, so the more familiar kids are with the books in advance, the richer the overall experience will be. If your school or library has copies of his graphic novels, please display them before the author visit. If you’d like to have students purchase the books from your school, that info is below.

Mike will happily sign and sketch in all copies of his books for the group. If this is something you feel students will want, please allow time for that as well.


Optional Workshop

WORLD BUILDING HULLABALOO
(For ages 7 and up)

What are the keys to creating believable new worlds and the characters who inhabit them? Bring your notebooks, pens, crayons, and thinking caps for this fun and collaborative workshop with Cleopatra in Space creator Mike Maihack to create an all-new, one-of-a-kind masterpiece of fiction.


Virtual Visit

Mike is happy to drop in for a 30- to 40-minute virtual visit (using Zoom or platform of choice) with classrooms, book groups, and library groups that have read at least one of his books. The visit will include a short visual presentation, a live drawing demonstration, and time for Q&A afterward. It is always helpful when kids prepare questions in advance!


Mike is also available to speak to adult groups about creativity, art, and storytelling at conferences and libraries. In addition to panels and Q&As, Mike offers a presentation similar to the one he does for classrooms, but with more emphasis placed on the engagement, efficiency, and effectiveness of sequential storytelling and geared toward an older audience with an interest in learning more about creating or reaching out to kids with graphic novels.


Pricing

  • Tampa, FL area: $700/day (includes up to three sessions and can be split between two locations)
  • Outside of Tampa area (3 hours away or more): $1200/day + travel expenses (price can be split between multiple locations!)
  • Virtual Visit (condensed presentation and Q&A): $100


Required AV Tech

  • Television, screen, and/or projector for images (compatible with a tablet or flash drive)
    • A laptop/projection setup is all that’s necessary for the visual presentation
    • HDMI access is needed for a more advanced digital drawing demonstration
  • Large drawing pad and fresh markers
  • A microphone for groups larger than 75 people
  • Wi-Fi access (if available)


Teacher Preparation

There will be time for a Q&A after the presentation. Teachers are responsible for deciding the best way for students to ask questions. Examples in the past have included preselected questions students read from note cards, a teacher selecting hand-raisers, and students simply lining up one-by-one. I will do my best to answer every question based on the school’s schedule.


Resources


Ordering Books

I ask that any school having me visit allow students to order my books. Scholastic or myself can provide order forms and we will fulfill the orders at the time of the visit. Often following a visit, kids will request the ability to purchase books again, having met me. I encourage orders to be allowed after my visits and will coordinate for delivery of those books.

For your convenience, hosts are eligible for a 40% discount on books when ordering through Scholastic: retailauthororders@scholastic.com

When ordering books, have each ISBN and corresponding full book title, along with the date and the name, telephone number, and address (including zip code) of the person placing the order. Make sure to mention that you are ordering books for an author visit. Please place order AT LEAST 30 DAYS prior to the visit to guarantee delivery.

Cleopatra in Space #1: Target Practice
ISBN: 978-0-545-52843-6

Cleopatra in Space #2: The Thief and the Sword
ISBN: 978-0-545-52845-0

Cleopatra in Space #3: Secret of the Time Tablets
ISBN: 978-0-545-83867-2

Cleopatra in Space #4: The Golden Lion
ISBN: 978-0-545-83872-6

Cleopatra in Space #5: Fallen Empires
ISBN: 978-1-338-20412-4

Cleopatra in Space #6: Queen of the Nile
ISBN: 978-1-338-20415-5

For bookings and other queries, contact Mike Maihack at mail@operationspacecat.com.