Creative Writing
Posted on October 26, 2021 by Catherine Austen
It’s almost Halloween. To build the spooky atmosphere — and also to encourage creative writing — I’m offering these nine read-alouds, spooky stories written by students aged 11-17, all featured on my Cabin Tales podcast last October. They range from silly fun to gory… Continue Reading “Halloween Student Stories”
Posted on March 8, 2021 by Catherine Austen
April 2021 Update: The readings listed below have passed, but I have one more National Public Reading coming up on June 9th, hosted by the Muskoka Authors Association, about writing for children and adults. Many thanks to the Canada Council for the Arts and… Continue Reading “national public readings”
Category: author talks, public speaking, school visitsTags: 26 tips for surviving grade 6, 28 tricks for a fearless grade 6, author events, author presentations, author visits, books, cabin tales, canada council for the arts, children's writers, children's books, children's novels, children's stories, national public readings, NPR program, quebec schools, reading, school visits, spooky stories, twuc, writers union of canada, writing
Posted on November 27, 2020 by Catherine Austen
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.… Continue Reading “Just Get it Over With (Episode 7: Endings)”
Category: podcast, writingTags: ambrose bierce, ann m martin, author interviews, charlotte's web, dog's life, e b white, endings, fiction, frieda wishinsky, great gatsby, jeff szpirglas, last lines, marty chan, occurrence at owl creek bridge, out stealing horses, plot twists, spooky stories, writing advice, writing exercise, writing prompt, writing tips, wuthering heights
Posted on November 13, 2020 by Catherine Austen
An episode about how to begin a story, with guest authors Karen Bass, Kate Inglis, and Chris Jones. Featuring an original story, great first lines from classic fiction, and suggested writing exercises. PG. Check out the Episode 6 webpage for audio, show notes, and… Continue Reading “Begin in the Darkness (Episode 6)”
Posted on November 6, 2020 by Catherine Austen
The Post-Halloween Special Episode, featuring four student stories about: a monster that demands sacrifice; a historic Halloween; teens in the deep woods; and a supernatural Air B&B. From young writers Aleina Wang, Olivia Beauchamp, Lexi-Jade McCowan, and Olivia Li. PG. Check out the Special… Continue Reading “More Spooky Student Stories (Post-Halloween Special Episode)”
Category: podcast, writingTags: children's stories, halloween stories, short fiction, spooky stories, student stories, teen writers, ya fiction, young writers