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

The Art of Story: SCBWI Canada East Conference

I always look forward to my regional SCBWI conference. This year it's especially exciting because I'll be giving a workshop myself. My topic: revision. I used to dread revisions. I loved drafting; I loved polishing; but I loathed the grunt work in between the two. I spent the past year revising a middle-grade animal adventure… Continue reading The Art of Story: SCBWI Canada East Conference

author talks, authors, public speaking, reading, writing

A Celebration of Reading

My home town, Gatineau, is one of this year's hosts of Canada's largest festival of reading. We're an official "Reading Town" this month, with events and presentations that come to a close tomorrow. It's all part of the National Reading Campaign's mission to make reading a national priority. I'm doing my bit to celebrate. Tomorrow afternoon, I'll… Continue reading A Celebration of Reading

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

writing

Make a WISH

For the second week in a row, I met some friends on Friday morning for an hour of silent writing in a local tea house. I call it a Write in Silence Hour, aka a WISH. Okay, yeah, people have been doing this for centuries by other names. You might head to a cafe for a… Continue reading Make a WISH

authors, children's books, writing, writing conference, young writers

MASC Young Authors and Illustrators Conference

Next week I'll be a guest author at the annual MASC Young Authors and Illustrators Conference, which runs from April 21-23 in Ottawa, Ontario. Students in grades 4-8 from eastern Ontario and western Quebec will be bussed and driven to the Canadian Aviation Museum to attend the Conference for one day each, taking a day away from school for some… Continue reading MASC Young Authors and Illustrators Conference