author talks, contests, What's New, writing workshops, young writers

Awesome Authors is on!

MAY 2021 Update: The Library has just announced the winners of the this year's Awesome Authors contest! Check out the announcements on YouTube. You can watch right here (below) or visit the OPL's YouTube channel and view the Ages 9-12 results or the Ages 13-18 results. https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Y8kY544X14 This year's winners in the 9-12 age category… Continue reading Awesome Authors is on!

podcast, short stories, writing, young writers

Spooky Student Stories (Halloween Special Episode)

A special Halloween episode featuring 5 spooky stories written by students aged 11-17, including a terrifying musical awakening, a horrifying futuristic drug, a demonic yoga class, a pizza you don’t want to order, and a phone call you don’t want to answer. PG. Let the kids listen in. Check out the Special Episode webpage for… Continue reading Spooky Student Stories (Halloween Special Episode)

authors, books, children's books, picture books, podcast, writing, writing proces, young writers

Author Interviews about Tension (Episode 5.5)

Interviews with Canadian children’s and YA authors on the subject of tension and how to make a reader turn the page. With guest authors Kate Inglis, Lisa Dalrymple, David McArthur, Jeff Szpirglas, and Marty Chan. Hosted by Catherine Austen. 40 minutes. All ages. Check out the Episode 5.5 webpage for audio, show notes, and author… Continue reading Author Interviews about Tension (Episode 5.5)

authors, books, children's books, picture books, podcast, short stories, writing, writing proces, young writers

Squirm (Episode 5: Tension)

A "telling tales" episode about how to build tension in fiction, with stories, excerpts, and prompts. Featuring guest authors Lena Coakley, Sarah Raughley, and Don Cummer. 45 minutes. PG. Check out the Episode 5 webpage for audio, show notes, and author bios.    

authors, children's books, podcast, writing, writing proces, young writers

Author Interviews about Plotting (Episode 4.5)

Featuring guest authors Cary Fagan, Philippa Dowding, Raquel Rivera, Ishta Mercurio, and Kari-Lynn Winters, talking about plotting—how and when they plot, how they feel about tormenting characters with obstacles, and what they recommend to those who want to improve their own plotting. Check out the Episode 4.5 webpage for audio, show notes, and author bios.… Continue reading Author Interviews about Plotting (Episode 4.5)