That's the formula that Chicago author Lisa Mallen has applied to her writing since she began her journey twenty years ago. It's a formula that has worked, be it fiction or non-fiction.

Lisa has been published in several newspapers and magazines.

Lisa's children's book, Elton the Elf, (Lobster Press) was published in 2000 (Canadian version) and 2001 (US version). Since then, Lisa has toured Chicagoland and the country doing presentations at schools, libraries and bookstores. She incorporates her enthusiasm for children's books and passion for writing with how the idea for Elton came to be. Lisa encourages kids through her own story and talks with them about writing, editing, reading and holidays.

Switching gears, Lisa wears another hat - and it came about through her interest, passion, and research about "the Blues" music genre, more specificaly about Blues Brothers Buddy and Phil Guy.

She has been Phil Guy's manager for nearly four years. (Sadly, however, Phil passed away in August of 2008 from cancer.) The "Blues" is America's heritage. Rock and Roll and many other forms of music came from the blues. Together they are working on co-authoring a book. Lisa Mallen and Phil Guy have also teamed up to bring the blues to the schools, and Lisa will continue to pursue that direction, too.

Lisa's presentations are geared to the needs and requests of teachers and their students. They include the following:

• How an idea can become a great story, using the above formula (Lisa Mallen)
• Our nation's heritage - the blues - bringing the blues to the schools (Lisa Mallen and Phil Guy) note: Phil brings his guitar and performs - a real treat!

Contact Information:

Email: lrmallen@gmail.com
Website: http://www.lisamallenauthor.com