LINDA BACK MCKAY

Linda Back McKay, the “Poetry Diva,” is a writer, poet, teaching artist and author of the nonfiction book for young people, Choppers: Drive. Ride. Fly. Ride That Full Tilt Boogie and The Cockeyed Precision of Time are her current poetry collections. Her nonfiction book, Shadow Mothers: Stories of Adoption and Reunion inspired the 2005 WCCO television program aired in Minneapolis and the play “Watermelon Hill,” produced by the History Theatre in St. Paul. Her creative work has been widely published. As an independent commercial writer, she has worked with companies and organizations including Pillsbury Publications, FedEX, Science Museum of Minnesota and University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine. Her residencies can be tailored to fit current curriculum and to achieve the goals of educators, students and staff. Back McKay designs each session to help students discover the joy of being creative and the many positive results of arts experiences such as increased confidence and independent thinking. She also introduces and reinforces the basic Poetic Tools essential to all effective writing. Master Poems from famous and almost-famous poets are part of her residencies. Activities include jumpstart writing projects, wordplay and mixed media experiences. She has had experience with Latino/Latina populations and students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.

Grade levels: 1-12
Linda Back McKay
4300 W. River Pkwy. #501
Minneapolis, MN  55406
phone: 612-685-7768
e-mail: lbmckay@visi.com
website: www.visi.com/~lbmckay

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