books, contests, public libraries, short stories, What's New, writing, young writers

Good Reading

I just received my copies of the latest Pot-Pourri -- that's the annual volume of youth writing published by the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association (FOPLA). This lovely book contains all the winning poems and stories from last year's Awesome Authors Contest, a youth writing competition held every winter by the Ottawa Public Library.… Continue reading Good Reading

authors, short stories, What's New, writing

My Latest Story (Not for Children)

My latest short story, "Mr. Boots," has just come out in the Summer 2017 issue of The Fiddlehead. (Yes, that's me peeking inside the magazine at left, and yes, I could use some eye drops and a mascara wand. What can I say? I've been up late writing.) The Fiddlehead is one of Canada's most… Continue reading My Latest Story (Not for Children)

books, teen novels, What's New, writing, young adult fiction

All Good Children go to Heaven (or at least to paperback and Booktrack editions)

A couple of cool things have happened this fall with my 2011 teen novel, All Good Children. First, All Good Children is now available in paperback! Orca Book Publishers has produced a gorgeous paperback version of the book. It's blue, it's ominous, it's a keeper. Check it out in their Fall 2016 catalogue:   So now… Continue reading All Good Children go to Heaven (or at least to paperback and Booktrack editions)

authors, children's books, What's New, writing conference

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

author talks, authors, contests, public libraries, What's New, writing, young writers

Ottawa’s Awesome Authors Contest

'Tis the season for the Ottawa Public Library's Awesome Author Contest! Local writers aged 9-17 have a couple of months to shine up their best poems and stories for the 2016 competition. If your work is already shiny, you can enter it right now. If you want some professional help in polishing your words -- or digging up words… Continue reading Ottawa’s Awesome Authors Contest