Author Archives: admin

It is like a baby, just a bit. An opportunity to re-write. Reminds me of sniffing the crowns of my infant sons’ heads and breathing deeply. Somewhere in my core, I carry that smell-memory. Such memories carry and motivate. The … Continue reading →

in medias res, in the middle of things, is trotted out in writing classes as THE place to begin telling a story. I was taught it. I have taught it. I read it in the “successful” books now being published. … Continue reading →

about where I’m going for the Canadian Children’s Book Centre Book Week next spring! I’m Ontario bound, and happy to be. Now hoping I can see the Kids in Cambridge… I spent time last week, thinking through my presentations, and … Continue reading →

Here is an excerpt from a recent review of Molly’s Cue: The plot is linear and uncomplicated, the style undemanding, and the chapters very short, typically subdivided and averaging only about eight pages. Molly’s Cue may appeal to readers for … Continue reading →

Just before my friend Katy moved to the UK eight years ago, she came over one evening with boxes of plants she’d dug up from her garden. Some of these plants were from her grandfather’s wonderful garden in Victoria. One … Continue reading →

Questions around learning and teaching are always close to me. It’s true that if I had to choose between being a full-time writer and a full-time teacher, I would choose writing without a lot of thought. Without any thought; but … Continue reading →

This is it: the final of twelve issues to complete the first year of putting this together. I do so enjoy doing this…though notice how it’s affected my blog output…hmm… I also edit the newsletter for SCBWI Western Canada (Society … Continue reading →

This one features writers’ spaces…and the alternative of renting a studio…and an update on Literary Living, as the first cohort comes to a close. http://www.writerswebworkshop.com/admin/files/writerswebworkshop newsletter May 2011.pdf

Thank you, Nancy Halder!   I spotted this in Canada’s wonderful What If? Magazine. Check it out at at www.whatifmagazine.com. It’s “Canada’s Creative Teen Magazine.” If you would like a sample copy of What If?, U.S. and Canadian customers send … Continue reading →

Last night. At Ardea Books, West 4th Ave. For Michael Christie’s first published: The Beggar’s Garden. First line, first story: They sent the wrong paramedic, one I’d never met before. Most fun: getting those emails from folks I’ve worked with…the … Continue reading →