Check out this quirky and insightful interview of me at author Sarah Raymond‘s blog. Sarah’s first young-adult novel Signs of Martha will be published with Great Plains Publications in Spring 2011. What is Sarah’s novel about, you ask? Here’s a teaser: When Martha apprentices under an off-beat signpainter, she paints herself into an uncomfortable corner. Good luck with the novel, Sarah!
News
Writing from Personal Experience
There are many ways to begin a story: one is writing from personal experience. Here’s how you can use this technique.
Ask yourself what moments from your childhood stand out for you? Which ones can you recall in vivid detail, which stories did your parents repeat to you over and over, which ones were the most terrifying or the most exhilarating? When you find a moment with energy, write it down. It may not become a story right away. It may begin as an anecdote. But collect these anecdotes until you begin to find the links and connections that will pull them into a story.
You may want to fictionalize personal experience, combining real events with imagination to make a story. I used this technique in Take the Stairs, which is based on personal experiences I had as a teen as well as those of people around me. Or, you may want to retain the flavour of actual events, using real names and places, like in a memoir. Either way, you’re looking to arrange reality into a story.
Here’s a quote from Alice Munro that I like: “Anecdotes don’t make good stories. Generally I dig down underneath them so far that the story that finally comes out is not what people thought their anecdotes were about.”
In later posts, I’ll explore how to write by observing people and by asking “what-if” questions.
42 is the Answer
A new study conducted by Antanas Sileika, Director of the Humber School for Writers, complied information about the ages of Canadian fiction and nonfiction authors who publish for the first time. It turns out that people do not publish quite as young as Sileika first thought. The average age of the first-time Canadian author is 42, which also happens to be the “Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything” in Douglas Adams’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series of science fiction novels. Is this a coincidence? Perhaps not.
Plot Revisions
I’m in the middle of plot revisions for my new novel, so I’m thinking hard. It’s a novel for teens titled The Yo-Yo Prophet, and it’ll be out in Fall 2011 with Orca Books – an fine publisher of quality books for kids and teens. So right now, I’m trying to think like a slightly geeky 15-year-old guy named Calvin Layne who is obsessed with complex yoyo tricks. I’ve been tossing my yoyo to get into character, although Calvin’s much better at it than I am. Here’s what Calvin is thinking about right now: “The world is spinning at the end of my string, and I’m not about to let go.”
Young Voices 2010
Tonight I’m going to the launch of the Toronto Public Library’s 2010 Young Voices magazine. It’s a magazine of art and writing by 12 to 19 year-olds. I’ve been a guest editor of the magazine for four years, and I love encouraging young writers.
If you know any teen writers or illustrators in Toronto, please let them know about the magazine. The deadline for submissions is every April. Here’s a link.
Video for The Castle Key
Check out my brand new video for my novel The Castle Key. I made this video myself, so I’m quite proud. Here’s what Canadian Children’s Literature had to say about the novel: “A complex and fascinating story. This is one fantasy novel for young teens that is not to be missed.”
You can check out my YouTube channel here.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RdYqyv6tK0&feature=player_embedded
Creativity World
A nine-year-old girl who loves to write. A birthday party. What better way to celebrate her birthday than with writing games?
This Saturday, I conducted a series of writing games for nine-year-old Saskia and 19 of her friends. As the guests entered Saskia’s home, they were greeted by the words “Creativity World” written in 12 different languages. Together, we played games with words – creating evil villains, writing using masks, and using “story dice” to tell stories as a group. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the creative worlds of these girls. Saskia and her friends are fine writers.
It was an intriguing idea for a birthday party – one that I would have enjoyed when I was a kid. Heck, I’d even enjoy it now!
A little peace and quiet …
I just returned from a three-day writer’s retreat. Do I look relaxed in this photo?
It’s amazing how fast the time goes when writing. Three days are over in a blink. Writing a novel is such a time-intensive pursuit, while an eager reader can devour that effort in mere hours.
What’s great about a retreat is simply having the quiet, empty space to ponder characters and to delve deeper into who they are, what drives them, what irks them, what moments will change their lives. And these characters do live. There’s no mistaking it. They come to life in quiet writerly moments, and they continue to thrive in the minds of readers.
Packaging Your Imagination 2010
If you’re interested in writing or illustrating for kids or teens, check out CANSCAIP’s Packaging Your Imagination conference, an annual day of workshops by experts in the field. This year, the conference will be held at Victoria College in Toronto on Saturday, November 6th. As Vice-President of CANSCAIP, I’m spearheading the committee to organize the day, and it promises to be inspirational. With workshops on non-fiction illustration, cartooning, how to write graphic novels, mystery writing, and much more, you’ll get excited about creating for kids. So book Saturday, November 6th in your calendar and register soon. See you there!
WordPlay Games and Ideas
I’ve posted a new section on my website of writing activities based on my WordPlayer writing program. I first developed the program as a lunch-time drop-in writing club at Presteign Heights Public School in Toronto during 2005 to 2006. Since then, I’ve conducted WordPlayer workshops throughout Ontario and Quebec with kids, teens, and adults, further developing the program. Click here to explore new ways to start writing, how to share your writing, and how to revise.
Volunteering at the Red Door Family Shelter
I’m excited by a new volunteer job that I’m about to start. Next week, I’ll begin volunteering at the Red Door Family Shelter in Toronto. Red Door offers help for families who are experiencing a housing crisis, families who are refugee claimants, and women and children who are escaping domestic violence. I’ll start by helping to provide childcare at one of their shelters for the summer. Once I get to know the place and the people better, I plan to run evening writing workshops for kids and parents. In the meantime, I’ll be reading plenty of great Canadian children’s books to the kids.
Why write for kids and teens?
I often get asked why I write for kids and teens. Usually, it’s an adult asking, and the implied message is, “Why don’t you write for us?”
I prefer to write for ages 8 to 18 because it’s a rich time of life that is full of so many ups and downs, trials and victories. The teenage years in particular are ripe with possibilities for conflict, which is central to any story.
I do want to point out that writing for kids and teens is not easier than writing for adults. And it’s not about teaching them a lesson.
People who write for kids and teens typically adore stories, respect children of all ages, and have child-like voices inside them that cannot be silenced.
Book Trailer for Pure
Here’s my new video trailer for Pure, a futuristic novel about genetic engineering, the healing power of art, family secrets and lies.
I got the idea for Pure when I heard an interview with Maureen McTeer on CBC radio. She had published a book about the ethical and legal implications of genetic technologies. The interviewer asked something like, “How would a teen feel to have been genetically ‘arranged’ by his or her parents?” With that one question, an idea for a novel for teens began to grow.
I began to ask “what if” questions: What if parents could genetically choose a child—ensure she grew up unusually smart, healthy, or attractive? How would a teenager react to the news that her parents had genetically enhanced her? What if that genetic enhancement came with unexpected physical and social consequences?
Today’s teens will have to face some sticky ethical questions in their lifetimes. Who has a right to determine a person’s genetic make-up? And how will we treat our genetic underclass?
Pure explores these questions, and more.
Thanks to Air Productions for creating the trailer, and to Kevin MacLeod for the music. Enjoy!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDhR4RCg29I&feature=player_embedded
Book Talk at Barbara Frum Library
On May 5, I did a book talk for 98 grade eight students at the Barbara Frum Library in Toronto. The students were attentive and responsive, and they were particularly involved with an oral writing exercise. Youth Services Specialist Claire Argyropoulos had this to say about the presentation: “Karen really inspired the students, and it was a pleasure having her here. She did a great job, and I would highly recommend her.” Thanks to Claire and the Toronto Public Library for arranging the event.
How to Solve a Problem in a Work-in-progress
Don’t know what happens next in that story you’re writing? Or maybe you don’t know how to fix a glaring problem in a chapter you’re rewriting? Here’s a method that I use to solve a problem in a work-in-progress:
- Ask yourself what is the problem? State it clearly. Write it down.
- Ask yourself what information, if any, you need to solve the problem. Do the necessary research.
- Wait for the answer, and trust that it will come. Try not to think about it. Go on to other tasks (menial tasks work well).
This technique may sound too simple, but the hardest part is trusting that it will work. Our subconscious minds are powerful tools. How often I forget to use it.
Blue Pencil Mentorship Program
As Vice-President of CANSCAIP, I’ve been organizing the Blue Pencil Mentorship Program. It’s a terrific new program designed to connect emerging writers and illustrators for children with professional authors and illustrators. Through Blue Pencil, you can connect with an expert in your field, receive a personal critique of your work, and submit up to five follow-up questions. So if you have a manuscript or series of illustrations that needs a professional polish, you might want to check out the Blue Pencil. Here’s the link for more information.
Writing in the Reading Room
On March 2, I conducted writing workshops at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. The Reading Room there is a vibrant place with volunteers and staff dedicated to putting books into the hands of children and teens. The teens I wrote with were enthusiastic writers and positive critics of each others’ work. Librarian Patrick Gracey had this to say about the workshops: “Karen’s writing program was well received, and both teachers also gave me positive feedback. She really got the kids writing well. I was amazed to see the quiet fury and the amount of writing they got done in a comparatively short time. They also really liked the exercises.” Thanks to Patrick and the Toronto Public Library for arranging the event.
Hot YA Dystopia Novels
YA Dystopia novels are uber-popular ever since the release of Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. So if you like dystopia novels and are looking for more to read, check out this list of Half a Century of English-Language Young Adult Dystopias, compiled by Amy H. Sturgis. My novel Pure is on the list, as well as many other fine reads.
Upcoming Appearances
I’m looking forward to conducting a writing workshop at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto on March 2. It’s exclusively for patients of the hospital, but if you’re looking for an event that is open to the public, please join me for a reading at the Barbara Frum Branch of the Toronto Public Library at 1 p.m. on May 5.
Cleavage Makes Social Responsibility List
Video Trailer for Take the Stairs
Check out this new trailer for my novel Take the Stairs, which was nominated for the Ontario Library Association White Pine Award. Resource Links says, “Through reading Take the Stairs, one develops a greater appreciation for the commonality that runs through people’s lives: suffering, struggle, and hope.” Thanks to Air Productions for creating the trailer, and to Kevin MacLeod for the music.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBdX7kfrnc0&feature=player_embedded
Ask the Pros
If you’re an aspiring author, you may want to check out this conference on November 7, 2009. Packaging Your Imagination, organized by CANSCAIP, offers a day of inspirational workshops with professional authors, illustrators and performers. This year, I’ll be there as a moderator for an “Ask the Pros” panel, where experts Marie Campbell (agent, editor), Peter Carver (editor, writing teacher) and Sharon Jennings (author, writing teacher) will answer FAQs on writing and publishing.
Young Voices 2009
The 2009 Young Voices Magazine is here!
This is my fourth year as an editor of this magazine of teen writing and art, published by the Toronto Public Library, and I’ve loved every minute of it. It excites me to think that the influential authors and illustrators of tomorrow may be first published within the pages of this magazine. Even more exciting is simply enjoying what teens are thinking, feeling and creating.
You can pick up your copy of the magazine at any branch of the Toronto Public Library. Check out next year’s submission guidelines at RAMP for Youth.
Granted!
My novel-in-progress received a second writing grant, this time from the Toronto Arts Council. The novel is tentatively called The Yo-Yo Prophet. It’s about fifteen-year-old Calvin Layne, who becomes an overnight sensation as a yoyoing street performer. With almost three-quarters of the book written, it’s great to have the support and encouragement to finish it! I think I can … I think I can …
Book Trailer for Cleavage
I’m thrilled to announce that Cleavage, an anthology about teens and body image that includes my story “Profanity,” now has a book trailer. Thanks to Air Productions for putting it together and Jamye Dawicki for the awesome music.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJnw0hVYy7s&feature=player_embedded
WordPlayer Summer Camp
I just finished a week of WordPlayer writing workshops at Pegasus Studios summer arts camp. It was my third year teaching 9 to 13 year-olds at the camp. This year, I used an otherworldly theme, and we wrote stories based on the photography of Gregory Crewdson, created our own fantastic characters (everything from our version of vampires to animals with a human spirit residing within), and wrote using masks to springboard into our characters. I’m always amazed at the wonderful spontaneous writing that these creative kids can produce. One teen greeted me with the news that a story she started in last year’s camp is now 30 chapters long (about 30,000 words)! I felt privileged to read her story, which is well-written and engaging. Thanks to all for sharing your writing with me.
Cleavage Named Best Book for Teens
Cleavage was named a Best Book for Teens by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Canadian children’s books. Here’s what they had to say about the book: “An edgy new collection of 15 stories about girls who challenge convention and those who wish they could. Hilarious, comforting and intense, these stories make us think more about taking pride in wearing our bodies just the way they are.”
A Pleasant Mailbox Experience
The life of a writer can be ruled by the mailbox. Sometimes I get pleasant surprises in the mail, like a letter from a reader or an acceptance from a publisher. Other times, the news is not so great. On June 23, I went to my mailbox to find I had been awarded an Ontario Arts Council Work-in-Progress grant for my next project, a teen novel tentatively titled The Yo-Yo Prophet. I shrieked loud enough to disturb the neighbours. Now, I’m back to writing, with a little more enthusiasm and a big smile on my face.
Online Author Interview
Check out this new online interview of me at Cheryl Rainfield’s informative site. Cheryl is a avid reader, reviewer and author of fiction for teens. Her first novel Dragon Speaker: The Last Dragon will be published by HIP Books in September 2009.
Writing From the Inside Out
When a good story idea hits, it settles in my body and takes over completely. The character occupies my mind, inhabits me, makes unreasonable demands. I find the engine of a story inside myself, where experience and imagination connect. I believe that a story must inhabit a writer to ring true, and that writers must give themselves over to the story completely until it emerges, transfigured by that unique and magical place that is the writer’s imagination.
Teacher’s Guide for Take the Stairs
At long last, I have created a teacher’s guide for Take the Stairs. These teaching ideas were prepared with contributions from Kathleen Moro of St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School in Oakville, Ontario, and Diane Tursman of Vaughan Secondary School in Thornhill, Ontario. Thanks to you both for sharing your ideas. To read the guide, go to Take the Stairs and click on the link for the Teacher’s Guide.
Why I Write
I write to understand the world. It’s that simple. I love how a gorgeous string of words can alter my perceptions, widen my view of the world. Words have incredible power. They can inspire us to do great things. They can make us laugh or cry. I’m continually fascinated by the power of words to move me.
Vice-President of CANSCAIP
Earlier this year, I decided I had enough free time to increase my volunteer activities. Just as I was making this decision, I got an offer I couldn’t refuse from one of my favourite organizations. I’m pleased to announce that starting November 2009, I’ll be vice-president of CANSCAIP – the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Performers. What I like about CANSCAIP is its commitment to mentoring both new and emerging creative people. If you’re interested in writing, illustrating, or performing for children or teens, check out one of CANSCAIP’s monthly meetings or its annual conference Packaging Your Imagination.
Visit to Vaughan Secondary School
Last week, I visited a grade 12 English class at Vaughan Secondary School in Thornhill, near where I grew up and went to high school. Every school visit is unique, but what makes this one stand out for me is the interesting activities the class had done with my novel Take the Stairs. It’s the second time this year that a high school teacher has contacted me with innovative teaching ideas for this book. I’m thrilled to observe how people use the book, and how they react to it. I hope to post these activities on my website soon, including ideas about exploring the etymology of characters’ names, linking song lyrics to stories in the book, and illustrating the setting. (Below you can see the Vaughan students’ illustrations of The Building from Take the Stairs.) In the meantime, thanks to Diane Tursman and her students for sharing their insights.
Cleavage News
Cleavage: Breakaway Fiction for Real Girls has been selected by Resource Links as Best of the Year 2008. It was also nominated for a Cybils Book Award, the children’s and young adult bloggers’ literary awards. A review in the School Library Journal called Cleavage edgy, charming, funny, and sweet. It’s “an aptly named collection of stories about body image and mothers and daughters coming together and growing apart. A fresh, honest, and entertaining anthology.”