The Presentation
The Presentation: Failure Wasn't the End of the Story
A True Story About Failure, Bullying, Creativity, and Not Giving Up
Mark's presentation is not a lecture about success. It is an honest, funny, age-appropriate story about what happened before success: rejection, discouragement, false starts, and the choice to keep trying anyway.
The Presentation
253 Rejections. One More Try.
Mark Cheverton's author visit is a funny, honest, and deeply personal growth mindset presentation about failure, persistence, and the power of stories.
Mark begins with the truth students rarely hear from successful authors: before his books reached readers around the world, he spent seven years writing four books that no one wanted to publish. His first book alone received 253 rejections.
Then, ten years ago, Mark's son was bullied while playing Minecraft and believed it was his fault. Mark tried to explain that it wasn't, but the words didn't reach him. So Mark did what he knew how to do. He wrote one more story.
That Minecraft-inspired story helped his son understand the truth: being bullied was not his fault. It also became the breakthrough that launched Mark's bestselling author career.
Students leave the presentation with a message they can carry into writing, school, friendships, and life:
If you give up, you guarantee the outcome.
The Message
Students Hear a Story About
Failure
253 rejections and seven years of trying before success.
Courage
Writing one more story when quitting would have been easier.
Growth
Learning that failure is not the end. It is information.
Empathy
Understanding that being bullied is never the victim's fault.
Persistence
The simple message students remember: If you quit, you guarantee the outcome.
Q&A
Plenty of Time for Student Questions
Students ask about publishing, writing, Minecraft, favorite books, how stories are made, and what it feels like to become an author after years of failure. Mark prefers smaller groups whenever possible because more students get to participate.
Want students to hear this message?
Request availability and Mark will follow up with pricing, scheduling, and the details for your school.