Maika E. Branch

Background

Maika-Evelyn Branch, now 16, resides in Moncton, NB, where she attends high school. Having a Dutch mother and a French-speaking father, she learned to speak three languages at a young age and soon discovered a passion for reading and writing.

Maika’s first book, Calagarmii Cliffs, started out as a personal summer project she wrote at age ten. Calagarmii Cliffs was published by Redemption House Publishing in April 2014 and to date has sold nearly 1,000 copies. Sisters of Serenah, also written by Maika, is a self-published young adult novel. Due to the success of her books, as well as to her on-stage presence, Maika is often called upon as a motivational speaker for small and large audiences. Maika also offers creative writing coaching for children and pre-teens, and is currently in the process of illustrating a second edition of Calagarmii Cliffs.

Publications

Calagarmii Cliffs, a fiction fantasy (Redemption House Publishing, April 2014)

Sisters of Serenah, a self-published Young Adult fantasy

What I Offer

Having been an author at such a young age, I can offer a unique, interactive presentation on being what it’s like being a writer, the process of publishing a novel versus self-publishing, and what it was like entering the writing world so young. I can speak to students about why writing and reading are so important for everyone, and the use of literacy as an outlet for stress management. During a normal presentation I also involve students in a world and character building session as a group. We improvise, brainstorm, and create a story together. I usually offer readings of both books. With extra time I often ask students about their own story ideas, and offer my advice.