Michael Shoulders - Children's Author

08/10/2026

08/05/2026

Do you want a free Author visit from me for your students? Read the following from the Tennessee Arts Commission:

“We are excited to kick off the school year with the opening of our Student Ticket Subsidy grant application on August 12th at 8AM Central Time. We’ve already sent out the information to schools all across the state. You will find the email announcing the grant below. Feel free to share with any of your school contacts. If you contact them, please refer them directly to the guidelines on the website. https://tnartscommission.org/grants/student-ticket-subsidy-sts/ It may also be helpful to encourage them to register in our online grants system and check out the teaching artist roster.

New! We are happy to announce that we have raised the artist compensation limits with the STS grant. You are now eligible for up to these new amounts below. Please note, this is not a guarantee of funding.

Individual Artist: $18,000
Arts Organization: $42,000”

Grant Overview Schools must partner with an artist/organization from the Teaching Artist Roster. Projects must take place during the school day. Funding is allocated per county, and awarded first‑come, first‑served, and by demand. Eligible project dates: Sept 12, 2026 – May […]

08/04/2026

I was honored to speak at the Jefferson County TN Professional Development day for teachers yesterday. I presented three sessions featuring two topics. I was so pleased my self-proclaimed "Biggest Fan" was in attendance. Jason Vance is a super guy who has followed my career for years. He also contributed to my KickStarter campaign to get "The Legend of the Christmas Pickle" published. I've also been invited back to Jefferson City in September as a presenter for the Mossy Creek Literacy Conference.

Thanks, Kristi Waltke, for the yesterday's invite
Thanks, Susan Price, for the September invite

07/19/2026

Book lovers between Nashville and Bristol:
I'll be speaking at a conference and at schools in East Tennessee during the week of September 21. I have a day (or two) available if your school is interested in an "Author Visit." Email me at [email protected] if you are interested or have questions.

12/11/2025

If you are considering an Author Visit but don’t know where to begin or how to do it perfectly….let me know. I know somebody who does. My visit to Gillette, WY was hosted by a TOP DRAWER book lover.
She knows how to prepare students for meeting a real-live author.
She knows how to get kids excited.
She knows how to set things up and have them ready for a perfect presentation.
HEY…she even hosted a “Lunch with the Author” for selected students!!

12/11/2025

Ruta Sepetys … visited with a dear book friend in Gillette, Wyoming today. Don’t know who’s a bigger fan, her or me. I think it’s me, but the jury is still out:CarolinandDave Hardesty



12/01/2024

Such a warm reception at the WV Reading Conference! I’m invited back again for November 2025!!!
Plan ahead for an author visit to your school in West Virginia the week of November 17.

10/27/2024

It's NOT tooooo late to order your "The Legend of the Christmas Pickle" book for this year. Begin a fabulous family tradition for your youngsters. Order here:

10/11/2024

Looking forward to speaking at schools in Arkansas, Tennessee, and West Virginia next month, as well as TWO state conferences.