Yesterday I visited Warren Park School, a smaller school with a lot of spirit… even on the day after Hallowe’en!
Even after a late night the students showed no signs of being tired, in fact they were abuzz with their love of stories. And after we talked a little about characters and the basic elements of plot, I heard that they went right off to their classes and busily started on their own stories!
Thanks for your enthusiasm and terrific questions, Warren Park!
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I hit the ground running on this trip – on our first full day here I did 3 talks at our old school, Runnymede P.S.
I spoke to three massive groups in the school’s wonderful library, first the Grade 7/8s…
Then the 5/6s…
And finally the 3/4s…
Holy Mackinaw! Coming straight from small-town life to this was quite a shock. On Salt Spring when you get ten people in one place it’s considered an unruly mob…
It was a whole lot of fun to talk to them about being a writer, making up stories, and the importance of reading, though it turns out the last topic was entirely unnecessary because they already seem to be rabid readers. It’s fantastic to meet kids who are so excited about books!
And at the end of the day I was so exhausted I could have slept for a week. But, as they say, it was a good kind of tired…
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All systems are go for our big trip to Toronto!
We haven’t been back since moving away over a year ago, so it will be fantastic to see as many of our old friends as possible. But also, of course, I’ll be busy with Eldritch Manor -related events:
Wed, Oct 30 – visiting Runnymede Jr & Sr Public School
Fri, Nov 1 – visiting Warren Park Junior Public School
Sat, Nov 2 – Book Signing at Chapters Runnymede – 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Mon, Nov 4 (morning) – visiting Allenby Junior Public School
Mon, Nov 4 (afternoon) – reading for school group at Bloor/Gladstone Public Library
With all of that, plus Hallowe’en fun, we’ll be pretty busy! Keep checking in for updates and photos of events.
Writing Club friends: I will do my best to put up a prompt or two to keep you going while I’m away!
HAPPY HALLOWE’EN!
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During my upcoming trip to Toronto I’m doing a book signing at the magnificent Chapters store in the neighbourhood we used to live in, Bloor West Village. Come one come all! Looking forward to hanging out in the old ‘hood and seeing lots of friends!
2225 Bloor St. W, Toronto
Saturday, Nov. 2 – 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
(here’s the facebook event link)
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Very excited to get the news that Eldritch Manor has been nominated for a Silver Birch Award in the Ontario Library Association’s Forest of Reading program!
Ten books are nominated for the Silver Birch Fiction award, which is aimed at readers aged 8 to 12 (grades 3-6). Readers from all across the country are encouraged to read at least 5 of the 10 books and vote on which should win.
I will post more news on the OLA Forest of Reading events as they come up, but for the moment, I’m just totally chuffed!
Will you read the 10 nominees? See the list here.
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Just prepping for this afternoon – my first afterschool Writing Club meeting. Seems to be a fair amount of interest out there, I’m hoping for a good turnout.
If you’re in the neighbourhood, and you are in the 10-14 age range, join us: Salt Spring Public Library at 3:45, in the Teen Room
If you’re not in the neighbourhood, I’ll be sharing some of our exercises and topics on this blog as we go.
And for those of you asking, yes, I’m starting to think about a workshop of some kind for adults too!
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Finally, a trip to the big smoke is in the works! Along with my entourage (one excited seven-year-old) I will be flying to Toronto at the end of October. The main big deal will be a reading at the Lillian H. Smith/Boys and Girls Branch of the Toronto Public Library on Nov. 4, but I hope to do a few school talks as well.
That’s pretty much all I know so far, but I will keep you updated…
p.s. My entourage is pretty excited about trick or treating in the big city. Way higher loot yield than a rural outing, apparently.
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Wow, where did the summer fly away to? September is here, it’s time to get back to writing and I’ve got the perfect incentive:
Writing Club
ages 10-14
3:45 – 5:00 pm
Mondays, starting Sept. 23
Teen Room, Salt Spring Public Library
$10/meeting
First meeting is Free – drop by and see what we’re all about.
(NB. We will not be meeting on holiday Mondays, or on Nov. 4.)
On the agenda – writing exercises and games, book and movie analysis, and discussions on all aspects of the writer’s craft, from sentence and paragraph structure to scriptwriting, genre, character development, dialogue and plot structure.
Writers are encouraged to bring in whatever projects they are working on for feedback. Whether you’re bursting with ideas or have no idea where to begin, it’s time to get your writing in gear!
Email me if you’re interested, or just drop by on September 23rd!
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Okay, so I’m finally committing to dates and details for my Summer Writing Camp. The full scoop can be found here.
I think it will be quite fun! I’d like to allow for all kinds of writing: if participants want more info on fantasy writing, or scriptwriting, or whatever, I’ll do my best to provide specific help in those areas. All while polishing basic writing skills and sharing our work with each other in a friendly and supportive manner.
If you’re on the island this summer and want to get your writing in gear, sign up today!
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My lonely deck awaits an influx of brilliant minds…
I’m still working on the details, but here’s what I can tell you so far… this summer I will be offering a Writing Camp for kids aged 10 – 14 at my home on Salt Spring Island. There will be two one-week sessions (sign up for one or both):
July 8 – 12
July 15 – 19
Topics will include: Where Ideas Come From, Character Development, Plot Structure, Genre, Setting, Dialogue, etc. I can help you with whatever kind of writing you’re interested in – short or long fiction, fantasy, mysteries, plays, screenplays, graphic novels, school book reports, brutally long epic poetry, blog posts, ghost stories, fairy tales, puppet shows… The sky’s the limit!
Stay tuned – more information to come…
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