author talks, authors, children's books, illustration, What's New, writing, writing conference, writing workshops, young writers

MASC Young Authors and Illustrators Festival 2019

I'm ready for the MASC Young Authors and Illustrators Festival taking place in Ottawa April 9-11. I'll be leading workshops with keen young writers coming to town from elementary schools across eastern Ontario and western Quebec. This annual event draws hosting authors and illustrators from across the country. This year's festival will feature authors Cary Fagan, Karen Krossing, David… Continue reading MASC Young Authors and Illustrators Festival 2019

writing, writing proces

NaNoWriMo on the Slow Track

I posted a motivational blurb on the SCBWI Canada East website today, about slogging it through the last days of November's novel-writing challenge. I have never actually made the NaNoWriMo journey, meaning I've never done a start-to-finish draft in the month of November. I've started books, and I've finished books, but never both in November.… Continue reading NaNoWriMo on the Slow Track

author talks, books, children's books, contests, public speaking, school visits, writing, young writers

Immersed in Student Writing

This Tuesday, I had the pleasure of calling the names of twelve young writers whose short fiction won places in the Ottawa Public Library's Awesome Authors Contest. What a pleasure to be one of this year's judges and to read excerpts from the fantastic mix of winning stories: humour, drama, sci-fi, horror, and sad, sad… Continue reading Immersed in Student Writing

book reviews, books, children's books, Friday faves, middle grade novels, picture books, teen novels

Friday Faves–Books I Read and Loved this Spring

I updated my Goodreads account this afternoon, adding a dozen or so titles that I read and loved this spring. If you're looking for a summer read, here are a few of my recent faves. Picture Books Once I Ate a Pie Written by Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest; illustrated by Katy Schneider (HarperCollins,… Continue reading Friday Faves–Books I Read and Loved this Spring

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)