Archive for February, 2010

Reading frenzy

Friday, February 26th, 2010

For the past two weeks I’ve been madly devouring middle-grade and YA novels. Normally, I’d be reveling in this time well spent. But frankly, it’s been a little stressful. The reason behind this mad devouring of novels is a course I start teaching tomorrow for Vancouver’s Creative Writing for Children Society. I’ll be leading a group of a dozen 12- to 14-year olds in weekly novel studies, art and drama activities, and writing exercises. I’m super excited, but admittedly a wee bit overwhelmed.

However, I have discovered some excellent novels. And I want to pay particular homage to Mal Peet’s Keeper, which my class will be exploring in a few weeks. This book contains three of my very favourite things: soccer, magic realism, and South American jungles. I was in heaven. Keeper is a fast-paced tale of a clumsy teenaged boy who, while exploring the jungle near his village, finds a soccer goal and a mysterious man in soccer garb. The man proceeds to coach the boy, shaping him into El Gato, the greatest keeper ever. It’s a mysterious and exciting read, with a great surprise at the end. Highly recommended.

Posted in Other People's Books, Teaching writing | No Comments »

Ten rules for writing fiction

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Writers of all stripes have been blogging about this article lately. If you write fiction, or would like to write fiction, I recommend brewing a cup of tea and settling down with this list of wise and amusing rules from some literary greats.

One of my favourites is Anne Enright’s #1: “The first 12 years are the worst.” I kinda needed that.

Enjoy!

Ten Rules for Writing Fiction – from The Guardian

Posted in General Musings | 3 Comments »

Flash mob!

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

I’ve been a bad blogger of late. I’m going to blame it on the small mountain of lesson plans I’m currently tackling. Well, that and the Olympics rolling into town. These days, if I let myself think of all the events, concerts, and amazing athletes outside my door, I just get too excited to work. I’ve always been an enormous fan of the Olympics, so to have them in town is just too cool. Even getting bowled over by speedy athletes on the seawall is cool.

But maybe, just maybe the coolest event of all isn’t going to take place on a hill or in an arena or on stage. The coolest event of all is going to take place in the street. Specifically, downtown on Robson between Bute and Thurlow. Specifically, this Saturday at 4pm.

If you were to show up there at the appointed time, you might not notice anything other than Olympic fans mingling and tourists window-shopping. But then, you’d hear the first strains of a familiar song. What’s that? you’d think. “Dancing in the Streets” by Martha & the Vandellas?

Oh yes.

And then suddenly, you’d catch sight of a dancer. Right there in the street. Then another. And another. Doing a CHOREOGRAPHED dance! Yes! A flash mob! Taking over Robson Street!

Wanna join? Learn the dance here. Or get inspired by watching a flash mob at the Liverpool Street Station in London.

Or just come down and watch. After all, it doesn’t matter what you wear, just as long as you are there…

This flash mob brought to you by Imagine 1 Day.

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Countdown to pub date!

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Okay, so it’s still six months away. I can start a countdown, can’t I? I think so. Especially cause I got the final copyedit delivered today (cue angel chorus). AND I got a peek at the cover for Book 2.

I’ll warn you, Book 2 looks nothing like Book 1. Not a thing. But it’s still fun and eye-catching. That’s all I can say. We’re talking top-secret stuff here, people.

Oh yeah, and there’s a treasure map inside. Eeee!

And so, without further ado, the countdown…begins…now.

Posted in About the Book, News | 2 Comments »