Author Visits
If you would like to hear some of the adventures from the story of Pig Boy combined with some face to face storytelling and creative writing and story makinig activities just drop me a line. I’ve told stories and taught all over the world and picked up a few awards along the way. I am an experienced workshop leader and facilitator for creativity and, if you have a group or programme who would benefit from my work I would be happy to have a chat with you about it. I work with all ages and ability levels from Key Stage One to education and creative professionals.
I have told stories and led workshops for those interested in the craft of storytelling, the power and relevance of myth, education and creativity all over the world. Get in touch if you would like to have a chat about how we could work together to promote literacy, writing and creativity in your school or college.
Storytelling Feedback
“If you ever get the chance to see the storyteller Michael Harvey, you should go. Just trust me. Book tickets and turn up.”
— The Coffee Lady Blog
“You’re guided through this world by a master storyteller. It’s he who makes the direct connection, who gets your trust and earns it and who pumps the lifeblood round.”
— Tony Jones, playwright
“… a master near the top of his game… Michael Harvey has an impressive stage presence, that rare mixture of ego and modesty, both sides deployed expertly and with sincerity.”
— Gary Raymond, Wales Arts Review Source
“It takes a good storyteller to make all of that worth listening to – and Michael Harvey played a blinder, with an absolutely hilarious performance.”
— Caroline Lynch, London Rocks!
Education Workshop Feedback
Publication Date October 20th 2023
Currently available from the publishers Cinnamon Press, as well as Waterstones, Amazon & Coles Books
“The children hung on Michael’s every word. They responded to his enthusiasm and creative ideas to produce fantastic work of their own. Thank you once again. The children really did enjoy the day and spent yesterday morning completing their stories.”
— English Subject Leader, St. James Primary School, Caerphilly
“Michael Harvey sparked the children’s imagination and took them on a magical journey through the Mabinogion. He held them spellbound as active listeners. Then he offered numerous different ways for them to explore the story creatively, and always encouraged them to develop focus, support each other and to reflect on their experience. He is a great asset to any school he works in!”
— Rhian Hutchings, Creative Director, Operasonic
— Literacy Co-ordinator, High Cross Primary School
“He held the children in a trance from the start with his traditional tales. A fantastic experience that had children and staff asking for more! Thoroughly recommended.”
— Alane Starko Creativity in the Clasroom (3rd Ed. Pub. Laurence Erlbaum New Jersey)
“An extraordinary example of collaborative creativity.”
“Michael Harvey’s visit to our school was a resounding success and an incredible investment in our students’ learning. The day began with an hour of Harvey telling stories to an audience of 100 students in year 6 and 7; the children were riveted from beginning to end and eager to listen. His performance was the perfect start to our academic year as it reinforced the value of the spoken word and the imagination. The feedback from the students and parents is all positive. We have had numerous reports of children telling their family and friends about the tale of Taliesin. The older students were particularly captivated by the Welsh songs and poems.
After his performance, Harvey conducted multiple small group (20-22 children; year 7s) workshops to help the students craft their own stories. He is a gifted teacher who had the attention of the students for an entire hour and empowered them to use their imagination to complete a first draft of a complete story. What particularly impressed me is even when he was providing feedback that a student’s input was going in the wrong direction. he did this in a way as to keep the student positive and motivated. In a short one-hour, I feel the students’ knowledge of character, location, plot and language has made a giant leap forward. This will pay huge dividends for our students when they take their English GCSE Language and Literature examinations. ”
Practical Creativity – Facilitation and Workshop Feedback
“Michael was brilliant, fun, motivating and got the best out of everyone.
Great workshop! Inspiring, warm, fun. Michael’s enthusiasm was wonderful and a great cohesive group. Going away feeling confident and happy.”
— workshop participant feedback
“An excellent, useful, practical and fun workshop! Very well taught. Great People. Feel invigorated.
Great. Michael kept pushing us to go further. ”
— workshop participant feedback
“A wonderful weekend. I have learnt so much about structure and creativity in storytelling. Lots to think about. I found many new and exciting ideas.
Really enjoyed it and learned a great deal.
A great workshop. Michael led the group excellently and helped me immensely.
— workshop participant feedback
“Fantastic experience – learned so much and met some fab people. Got lots of hints and tips on preparation and practice. A great confidence boost.”
— workshop participant feedback