Archive for November, 2009

Writing Workshops

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

This’ll have to be a quick post. It’s not raining right now, but rumour has it the torrent is to begin this afternoon. So it’s off to Minnekhada Park for some hiking this morning! Horray!

But first, I have to tell you about a fantastic new writing program, developed and led by one of the best creative writing teachers I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a LOT). Alison Acheson has recently launched writersworkshop.ca, an online workshop and manuscript critique program for writers of all stripes. Alison currently leads my own writers group, and I can’t tell you how much I look forward to those gatherings, and how much support and awesome feedback I’ve gotten out of them. So have a look at the new programs! And you can also check out my and other writers’ testaments on the In Others’ Words page.

Now! To the Park!

Hycroft!

Monday, November 9th, 2009

Yeah, it’s a bit of a last-minute invite. But that’s okay, right? I’m sure you’re spontaneous.

Tomorrow (November 10th) is a big day for BC writers! The event is called Hycroft, after the lovely mansion in which it takes place. All CWILL authors and illustrators with new releases have 90 seconds to pitch their books to a host of teachers and librarians. Followed by a presentation by Sarah Ellis! Then tea! And CAKE! YES! CAKE!

So if you’re a teacher, librarian, fabulous book lover, gorgeous mansion lover, or CAKE lover, do check us out.

And now…the details:

3924012499_b302c32dc9

Picture books galore!

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

So I’ve hit one of those periods in my life when everyone around me seems to be having babies. It’s kind of cool, mostly because it means I get to buy TONS of picture books for my new parent friends. I thought I’d make a list of a few of my current favourite shower gifts:

start1. Click Clack Moo – Cows that Type, written by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Dairy cows on strike type letters of protest to farmer. Fantastic.

2. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
The world needs more pictures books in which the princess tells the handsome prince to take a hike. In my humble opinion.

3. Harry the Dirty Dog, written by Gene Zion, illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham
The classic tale about the unrecognizably dirty dog is now 50 years old!

51-4bawoNUL._SL500_AA240_3. Pouch! written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein
A new release about a timid joey kangaroo, with lovely illustrations and lots of energy.

4. Little Chick, written by Amy Hest, illustrated by Anita Jeram
Again, lovely illustrations and thoughtful stories of Little Chick and her Old Auntie.

Skim

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

200px-Skim_bookcoverI just finished reading a really excellent YA graphic novel. Skim by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki is beautifully drawn, gorgeously written, raw, and honest. And Canadian to boot! Highly recommended.