Bio:

I live in the Wisconsin woods of my childhood after years in Michigan, northern California, and Minneapolis. I have worked as a fitness consultant, legal secretary, stable hand, and forklift driver, while continuing a lifelong quest for story in all forms.

I love to visit middle and high school classrooms and talk about a range of subjects, including creativity in general, favorite books, sensory detail in writing, revision, and the fun and power of writing from the heart. I come armed with questions and exercises and topics for discussion.

I am happy to travel within and outside of the state. I prefer to work with smaller groups (30 maximum), for 45-60 minutes per group.

Books:
Mrs. Estronsky and the UFO (Windstorm Creative, 2001) ages 9-12
Circle the Truth (Carolrhoda Books, 2007) ages 10-14
Mousetraps (Carolrhoda Books, 2008) age 12+.
Bluefish (Candlewick, 2011) ages 10-14

Awards and Honors

Circle the Truth:
Minnesota State Arts Board fellowship grant, 2003
Wisc Library Association Outstanding Book for Children by a Wisc Author, 2008
Bank Street College of Education selection, 2008

Mousetraps:
Lambda Literary Award finalist, 2008
Tofte/Wright Children's Literature Award, 2008

Bluefish:
PEN/Phyllis Naylor Working Writer Fellowship, 2010
Josette Frank Award, 2011
Crystal Kite Midwest Award, 2011
Wisc Library Association Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award, 2011
ALA Notable, 2011.


Contact Information:
Email: schmatz5@gmail.com
Website: www.patschmatz.com


Writer
PAL
Member since 2000
Region: Wisconsin

Contact Information

Current Location:   Amherst Jct
Website:  http://www.patschmatz.com

Published In Children's Market: Yes
Available for Speaking Engagements? Yes