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, writing

More Spooky Student Stories (Post-Halloween Special Episode)

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 Episode webpage for audio, show notes, and author bios.

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, 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.    

podcast, writing

Nasty People Meet Nasty Ends (Episode 2: Characters)

Welcome to Cabin Tales: Spooky Stories for Young Writers. This is Episode Two: Nasty People meet Nasty Ends. It's a long one at 50 minutes. I’m Catherine Austen. And my guests today are great Canadian writers Karen Krossing, Monique Polak, and Tim Wynne-Jones. Today we’ll be talking all about characters. Check out the Episode 2… Continue reading Nasty People Meet Nasty Ends (Episode 2: Characters)