iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Here's a writing prompt to get your students' brains cooking on a brisk Tuesday morning. #PromptMyStory #edusky "Tell me the origin of the shadowy shapes on the surface of the moon."

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

It's Tuesday! Time for another #PromptMyStory to help teachers inspire their students to be creative. Here's this week's story starter: "My dog growled at the wall every night at 11:13 for exactly 24 seconds. Why?" #edusky

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Checking my calendar. Sept. 21???!!!! Where did the time go?

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Danielle Smith claims the referendum will settle the issue for Albertans once and for all. Separatists say they won't stop even after the results. So what does Smith do after the referendum? Throw the separatists a party? Oh wait, they already have her party.

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Tuesday is my favourite day of the week, because of #PromptMyStory. Teachers and parents, here's a story starter to inspire your kids to be more creative. "I thought the Twizzler I ate was stuck between my teeth but when I tried to pick it out, the thing began to crawl across my gums." #edusky

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The school year is kicking off at a brisk pace. My Read In Week bookings are full, and I'm looking at mid-March for writing workshops. If you're an educator looking to inspire your students, give me a shout. #edusky

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

If you're a teacher trying to get your students excited about reading, check out the free virtual launch for Mahtab Narsimhan's new book. You can register for Sept. 24 event here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/not-myself... #edusky #schoolvisit

eventbrite.ca

NOT MYSELF TODAY Book Launch with Mahtab Narsimhan

Join Mahtab Narsimhan for a fun, insightful event on identity, empathy, and story.

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

It's Tuesday! Time for #PromptMyStory. Every week, I post a writing prompt to help teachers/parents spur their kids' creativity. Here's this week's story starter: "Every apple I picked from grandma's tree had holes, but when I looked into one of the holes, I saw an eye blink back at me." #edusky

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Elections Alberta has bumped up the deadline to apply for the mail-in ballot for the referendum to Sept. 25. Wonder what other changes are coming. "Your ballot is only valid if you write Danielle Smith rocks. Voters with social media accounts that are critical of the UCP will be disqualified."

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Reposted by Marty Chan

Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 03/09/2026

To those wondering why some authors seem to do a lot of self-promo, worth reading @parentclub.bsky.social's thread below 🧵👇🏽

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Any Ontario teachers looking for author visits this school year? The Writers' Union of Canada is funding the writers in schools program. They have limited funding, so the sooner you apply, the better chance you have. #edusky

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

It's Tuesday! Time for #PromptMyStory. Every week, I post a writing prompt to inspire kids to be more creative. "Weird. The leaves are supposed to turn yellow and fall off in autumn. Why are they purple and dancing?"

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Off to great start to the school year. Just did a PD session for teacher-librarians in Texas. I shared insights into how to present book talks. Thrilled to see a few notetakers in the room. #edusky If you want to see me in action, here are my CILC sessions: www.cilc.org/search?searc...

cilc.org

Center for Interactive Learning - Search CILC Content Provider Programs

Search CILC's 175 plus Content Providers from around the world that offer over 2,000 programs on various education subjects that are standards-based, interactive and meet the needs of early learners, ...

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Just put the finishing touches on my PD session for teacher-librarians in Texas. I'll be talking about how to level up book talks to get kids excited about reading and learning. #edusky

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

"I don't like you, so I'm going to change the name of your dog from Buster to Farty McFarterson." How old do you think the kid who said this was? Now change 'dog' to 'lake.'

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Reposted by Marty Chan

Caroline Fernandez @parentclub.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Ontario school teachers and librarians! Get a fully funded author visit from eligible TWUC members (I'm one😉). Teachers who wish to host an author presentation must contact the author and request they apply for funding through this program. Deadline: September 20, 2026.

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Reposted by Marty Chan

Troy Wilson @troystory.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

My two back-to-school picture book recommendations can be summed up in two words: SARAH HOWDEN. One was edited by Sarah Howden and one was written by Sarah Howden. Both are wise.

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Angela J Reynolds @angelajrey.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Pickle is very wise, dispensing life advice from a soft pillow. As Pickle begins to shrivel, their final wish is to be eaten by a dog. There’s a surprise, which I’m not telling you, because it is a good one. I love this book ever so much. Get this on your library shelves right now. #kidlit 📚👍🏼

A watercolour pickle with eyes on the cover of “The Wise Pickle” by Sarah Howden, illustrated by Sabina Hahn

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Reposted by Marty Chan

Mrs. L @iteachfirsties1.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

School starts soon! ✏️I am a First Grade Teacher! 🚌18th year teaching ❤️Calming corner and other supplies needed 📚So appreciative of any help to #clearthelist of any supply to help my firsties. If you 👀 this, please repost! Thanks! www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/... @jen.sheshed.rocks

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Spider-Man was able to solely focus on crime fighting for four years in Brand New Day. How did he pay for rent without a roommate or buy all his equipment without a job? The answer is simple: 1-800-Victim2. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti7c...

youtube.com

1-800 Victim2, The 3rd Commercial, this time with a dancing squirrel!

YouTube video by seventieslord

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Woohoo! Just received the Pinnacle Award for my virtual sessions. I'm adding new tech tricks to this year's writing workshops for schools. Give me a shout if you're curious what the fuss is about. #schoolvisits

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

As we roll toward summer, I'm going to take a break from #PromptMyStory. Thanks to all the teachers who have used my prompts. I'll be back in the fall. Here's one last starter: "What really happens in a school during the summer when all the staff and students are gone?"

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

It's Tuesday! Time for another #PromptMyStory to inspire kids to be creative. Here's the story starter for this week. "I thought a cat's slow blinks were signs that they loved me, but they're trying to hypnotize humans. What do they want?"

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

My next middle-grade novel is a codebreaking book. The staff at the publishing house is having so much fun, even the book designer turned my dedication into a code to be solved. Love it when the team plays along.

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Some people ask why I keep doing virtual presentations. This is one reason.

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

It's Tuesday! Time for another #PromptMyStory to motivate kids to write. "Today, the colour red disappeared from the world. I shuddered to think what colour would go away tomorrow."

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Reposted by Marty Chan

Caroline Fernandez @parentclub.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Check out my feature article on: BEYOND THE BOOK - Building Author Income Through Speaking Engagments. Thanks to authors @martychan.bsky.social Sade Smith Mireille Messier for their advice to those looking to build extra income. For some - writing books isn't enough to pay the bills. Thoughts?...

Check out the latest issue of WRITE magazine - put out by @thewritersunionofcanada for my feature article on: BEYOND THE BOOK - Building Author Income Through Speaking Engagments.

I have a bit of experience in this field because of @authorsbooking but I also called on three great Canadian #kidlit speaking-engagement-experts @martychanwriter @sadesmith_author @mireille.messier for their advice to those looking to diversify their writer income.

TWUC members who have opted in to receive a print copy of the magazine will get the Spring 2026 issue by mail. Members can also access the magazine online by logging in to the TWUC Member Portal.

For some - writing books isn't enough to pay the bills. Thoughts?...

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

For fans of middle-grade mysteries, I'm adding one more to the mix. This Thursday, I'm launching Izzy Wong's Drama Disaster. Join the virtual launch for fun and prizes. Here's the link to register: cilc.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Woohoo! In a little over a week, I'll be launching my latest Izzy Wong book. If you want to be a part of the fun, register now for the virtual launch on June 4. #middlegradefiction cilc.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

It's Tuesday! Time for another #PromptMyStory in help teachers and parents motivate their kids to write. "I tried grandpa's hearing aids, and they didn't help him hear. They were a communicator so that someone could give him instructions on how to spy on humans."

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

For teachers looking to celebrate Asian Heritage Month, I'm doing a free virtual session on Chinese folktales. It happens tomorrow (May 26) at 11:00 am MT / 1:00 pm ET. It's an interactive session best suited for K - grade 3s. Register here: arapahoelibraries.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/69...

arapahoelibraries.bibliocommons.com

Chinese Folktales — Arapahoe Libraries

Step into the world of Chinese folktales with children’s author and playwright Marty Chan! Get ready for laughter, storytelling magic, and a touch of tech wizardry in this fun, interactive virtual pro...

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

"I'm going to make them an offer they can't understand." #ReferendumMovieLines

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

"Life's like Danielle's referendum question... you never know what you're going to get." #ReferendumMovieLines

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

"I'm just a premier standing in front of a separatist base, asking them to love her." #ReferendumMovieLines

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

You’ve reached the Alberta referendum hotline. If you want to separate, press 1. If you want to have a referendum on a referendum to separate, press 2. If you want to stay in Canada, press €¥+%\_><{!,<£^.

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Wow! I'm humbled that the Red Maple Readers kids committee selected Curse of Heartwood Academy as a recommended book for teens to check out. Also, the Silver Birch committee recommended Izzy Wong's Nose for News for younger students (grades 3 - 6). forestofreading.com/wp-content/u...

forestofreading.com

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Danielle Smith and the Separatists is the '80s new wave band no one needed to hear.

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Almost forgot the #PromptMyStory for this week. Here's a story starter to motivate your kids to be creative: "I thought I was looking at myself in the mirror, but then my reflection winked at me."

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

I'm launching my latest middle-grade mystery novel June 4. I'm hosting a free virtual launch on June 4 for anyone who loves mysteries. You can register for the launch here: cilc.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Thanks for the all the birthday wishes! I had a wonderful day of cakes and treats. In honour of another year survived, here's this week's #PromptMyStory. "You get one birthday wish. What is it?"

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

It sometimes gets tiring when I hear people say virtual visits don't work for students. They do, but you have to put a lot of work into it. It's a metaphor for life. You get out what you put in.

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Note to self: If I ever write a book on how to write, do not disparage the very community that might want to buy my book. In other words, avoid the Mac Attack.

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

It's time for another #PromptMyStory Tuesday to inspire kids to write. Here's this week's story starter. "The cop showed me a picture of the missing kid. I didn't recognize the name, but the photo was of me."

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

“The Alberta Elections leak is a nothing burger. Who cares if voter info was released,” posted the anonymous account based in Uruguay.

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

In honour of CCBC Book Week, here is this week's #PromptMyStory. If you could make a request of a kids author (alive or dead), what would be the story you'd want them to write about you?

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

The start of CCBC Book Week is always a blast. Canadian authors tour schools across the country. I'm doing the virtual tour and already visited students in Ajax and all across BC this morning. My favourite moment was watching one girl's eyes pop wide open everytime I did a tech trick.

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Marty Chan @martychan.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Brad Fraser wrote some iconic stage plays and has given much to the theatre community. Now he needs some help. If you can donate, great. If you can't, please share this. gofund.me/06f2657e9

gofund.me

Donate to Help Brad Get Surgery, organized by Spencer Schunk

Hi, I'm Spencer. My fiancee and I are fundraising to cover medical expenses for our friend and me… Spencer Schunk needs your support for Help Brad Get Surgery

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Reposted by Marty Chan

London Public Library @lpl.ca · 24/04/2026

Have your kids been reading Forest of Reading books? 📚 Kids can vote for their favourites at any neighbourhood library until April 30. Stop by your local branch and take part! Learn more: buff.ly/diSI6RX

1. Hand placing a ballot into a Forest of Reading voting display decorated with paper trees.”

2. Library visitor dropping a ballot into a Forest of Reading voting box at a service desk.

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