The Goodreads folk are awfully good at keeping in touch. They send me monthly updates, alert me when a favourite author publishes a new book, advise me on how to generate reader interest in my own books, and notify me whenever someone likes one of my reviews. Alas, I cannot reciprocate in good time! Even their notices reminding me,… Continue reading Oh my Goodreads!
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Satan Makes Lemonade
For the eighth time in my life, I’m trying to finish Milton’s Paradise Lost. (So far, I’ve reread Book I, the bit about the fallen angels landing in hell. It’s fun to read aloud when you get to lines like, “Awake, arise, or be for ever fallen!”—which does not work on sleeping teenagers, BTW). I… Continue reading Satan Makes Lemonade
The Willow Awards
It is an honour to have my latest middle-grade comedy, 28 Tricks for a Fearless Grade 6, selected as a 2016 Diamond Willow Nominee! For those who may not know, Willows are not just gorgeous trees. They are also Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards (SYRCA). Every year, the Willow Awards offer Saskatchewan students an opportunity to vote… Continue reading The Willow Awards
SCBWI Spring Conference in Ottawa
There are still a few spaces left for Ottawa's SCBWI Art of Story Conference scheduled for the end of the month. For two days, guest speakers will offer workshops and presentations to everyone interested in writing or illustrating children's books, from aspiring picture book illustrators to established YA novelists. There's something for every level of experience. The conference will offer presentations, workshops, one-on-one critique… Continue reading SCBWI Spring Conference in Ottawa
Friday Fable: The Old Writer and Oblivion
You may have heard the old story about The Old Man and Death: An old man was out gathering a bundle of sticks for his fire. He cut a dozen thick pieces in the forest and began to carry them home. He had a long way to go, and he was tired before he was halfway there. Throwing his bundle… Continue reading Friday Fable: The Old Writer and Oblivion
Catherine Austen 