The Ottawa Public Library's Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest was another great success this year, and I was thrilled to be part of it. The winners will be honoured this fall, with the publication of this year's Pot-pourri, but you can read the list of winning Awesome Author 2024 entries right now on the OPL… Continue reading Awesome Authors 2024 Winners
I'm pleased to have a couple of new stories published in print and online this year: "Welcome to the Margins" -- about an aging librarian obsessed with marginalia -- was published in The Humber Literary Review, my first time in its pages. (The full issue is available to read free online for a limited time… Continue reading New Short Stories
The final fall episode of Cabin Tales is about the final stage of creative writing: revision. You’ll hear 26 Canadian authors talk about their revision process, and their recommendations to young writers who want to improve their first draft. 45 minutes. All ages. Check out the Episode 8 webpage for audio, show notes, and author… Continue reading The Never-ending Story (Episode 8: Revision)
A “telling tales” format with guest authors Marty Chan, Jeff Szpirglas, and Frieda Wishinsky. Featuring an original story with an ambiguous ending; a famous twist from Ambrose Bierce; gorgeous last lines and satisfying summations; and a story prompt about a deus ex machina. PG. 50 minutes. Check out the Episode 7 webpage for audio, show… Continue reading Just Get it Over With (Episode 7: Endings)
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.
Catherine Austen 