national public readings

April 2021 Update: The readings listed below have passed, but I have one more National Public Reading coming up on June 9th, hosted by the Muskoka Authors Association, about writing for children and adults. Many thanks to the Canada Council for the Arts and the Writers Union of Canada for the NPR Program.

While I’m thanking arts funders… In addition these National Public Readings, I’ve given more than 50 virtual author presentations and writing workshops at Quebec schools so far in 2021, with another 24 coming up in May. These school visits are funded by the Government of Quebec through its “Culture in the Schools” Program, which brings artists from all disciplines into classrooms. Thanks! It has been a real treat to talk with so many students this year while we are all isolated.

[older post] Like most children’s authors, I do a lot of school presentations and writing workshops each year. I tend to concentrate my visits in the spring, from March to May. (Hence they were all cancelled last year due to COVID-19.)

This year, my visits are virtual. And three of them are National Public Readings that are open to everyone. So if you are a teacher or homeschooling parent, feel free to listen in. Here’s the info you need:

March 10 at 8:30 a.m.:

A reading from 28 Tricks for a Fearless Grade 6 followed by a presentation about what you need to succeed as a writer.

March 24 at 8:30 a.m.:

A reading from 26 Tips for Surviving Grade 6 followed by a writing workshop on different ways to start a story.

Both hosted by Onslow Elementary School in Quyon, Quebec, with their grades 4 and 5 students.

To register for these Zoom readings, contact ksavard@wqsb.qc.ca.

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March 16 at 9:00 a.m.:

A reading of spooky and not-so-spooky stories followed by a presentation on historical beliefs about the dangers of reading fiction.

Self-hosted with grade 7 students at Symmes Jr. High School in Gatineau, Quebec.

To register for the Zoom reading, contact cabin@catherineausten.com.

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I have many days of school visits scheduled this season, but it’s a special treat to offer a few that are open to the public. Every year across Canada, public audiences get to hear Canadian authors read their work thanks to the National Public Readings program, which is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and administered by the Writers’ Union of Canada. Just one of the many ways these organizations support writers and their work.