There are several upcoming events in the world of children's literature within a few hours' drive of home. (My home, that is.) Check these out: GET PUBLISHED! Creators share their experience, publishers tell all, and booksellers reveal the ins and outs of bookselling at this full-day seminar from the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC). Three panels of… Continue reading Upcoming Events for Children’s Writers
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Friday’s Fable: The Would-be Writer
You might know the old slave's tale, "The Milkmaid": A girl was on her way to market carrying a jug of milk on her head. As she walked, she began to daydream about the money the milk would bring her. “With the money I make from the milk, I’ll buy a basket of eggs," she thought.… Continue reading Friday’s Fable: The Would-be Writer
Back to School
Oh, that lovely schoolbus roar. Yes, it has begun - here in Quebec, school is in session. (As of yesterday.) Packed lunches, 6:30 alarms, goodbye waves, and - at last - peaceful offices. My entire family takes August off. When my children are not unplugged at the cabin, they are hogging the computer. I have half-forgotten how to write. (Lame excuse,… Continue reading Back to School
Evolution of a Novel
My new middle-grade novel, 26 Tips for Surviving Grade 6, comes out next month from James Lorimer & Company. Just in time for back to school. It's a comedy aimed at reluctant readers, and it's my first book with a female protagonist: Becky Lennox. I love that girl. Her story didn't take a long time to write, yet it was… Continue reading Evolution of a Novel
When the To-Read List becomes Too Long
There was a time when the known world was so small that a person could actually hope to read ALL of the books ever written (or at least that they knew of). Imagine that. I so badly want to be that person! But no such luck. There were about 1,000 new books published today and I only read… Continue reading When the To-Read List becomes Too Long
Catherine Austen 