Showcasing my Writing Group
April 23, 2012
My community of writing friends has always been important to me, particularly the members of my writing group. For over five years, we’ve been meeting once a month to critique one another’s works-in-progress. I’ve learned a tremendous amount from every member of my group – from their comments on my writing as well as from how they approach their own writing – and I’m fiercely proud of their talents. Over the last year, two of those writers have published their first novels, and I can’t resist showcasing their fine work.
Sarah Raymond‘s YA novel, Signs of Martha, is a fast-paced read with a quirky cast of unique characters. In it, 16-year-old Martha Becker is a daydreaming pickle-grower with an artistic bent. When a zealous sign painter lands in Martha’s agriculturally-inclined world, she finds a dream, a mentor, and a whole lot of trouble.
I guarantee that this book will have you laughing out loud as well as worrying for Martha as she gets herself in trouble by painting opinionated signs about her neighbours and friends in her rural community. Sarah has created a stellar cast of characters with dialogue that suits them perfectly.
What I learned from Sarah is how to revise. Sarah can wonderfully re-envision a scene over and over until she finds the ideal mix of ingredients to create a masterful story. I think of Sarah when I need to ditch a troublesome scene and find the insight to completely re-imagine it in a new and exciting way.
Pat Bourke‘s novel for children ages 9 to 14, Yesterday’s Dead, is a perfectly paced historical fiction with finely crafted, likable characters. It’s about 13-year-old Meredith Hollings, who travels from small-town Port Stuart to Toronto to work as kitchen help in a doctor’s home to help support her family. She hopes to train as a teacher one day, but when Spanish Influenza invades Toronto, Meredith may have to give up that dream forever.
This compelling novel brings history alive, with realistic dialogue, believable characters, and insightful historic details about the harsh realities of the Spanish Flu epidemic in1918 Toronto. A detailed teacher’s guide is also available for Yesterday’s Dead.
What I learned from Pat is how to meticulously craft every word. While I’m busy imagining the full breadth and scope of my work-in-progress, Pat is reminding me to pay attention to details. I think of Pat when I dive into the nitty-gritty of how each sentence is constructed.
When any member of my group achieves a success – from a well-written scene to a published book – we all celebrate. Yet I’m also grateful for the behind-the-scenes look I get into how they craft their words.
I can’t wait to see what my writing group will produce next.
News from the OLA Conference
February 7, 2012
Last week, hundreds of librarians met up in Toronto for the Ontario Library Association’s Super Conference 2012.
I attended to sign copies of The Yo-Yo Prophet at the Orca Publishers booth. I also I joined 34 other authors to present the book at CANSCAIP’s annual OLA book launch for Canadian children’s books.
It was great fun to meet so many enthusiastic librarians. I can chat all day with people who share my love of quality books for kids and teens.
I also learned some exciting news at the conference. Each year, the OLA Best Bets Committee selects the top Canadian picture books, fiction and non-fiction for children, and fiction for teens. I’m pleased to announce that The Yo-Yo Prophet is a 2011 OLA Best Bets Honourable Mention. For the full list of titles, click here.
Latest Reviews of The Yo-Yo Prophet
January 6, 2012
My new novel, The Yo-Yo Prophet, continues to get great reviews. Here are excerpts from the latest reviews:
“The urban characters are diverse and the relationships feel authentic. Krossing’s descriptions of bullying are powerful. Students 7th grade and up will connect with this story about finding our real family and owning our actions.”
Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Material Review Group
“Calvin is a strong young man whose resilience and growth through the book will endear him to caring readers. Recommended for middle and high school libraries.”
Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee
“Krossing’s light, straightforward style presents the “big” issues of bullying, self-discovery and loyalty in accessible and inspiring ways. Watching Calvin cope with each of these issues invokes empathy and instruction. Her description of yo-yo tricks is exceptionally strong.”
Resource Links
Getting Boys to Read
December 16, 2011
Too often, I hear boys talk about how they don’t like to read. According to the Ontario Ministry of Education guide, Me Read? No Way! A Practical Guide to Improving Boys’ Literacy Skills, “nearly 50 per cent describe themselves as non-readers by the time they enter secondary school.”
Because of this trend, one of my goals when I wrote my latest novel, The Yo-Yo Prophet, was to write a book that young male readers would want to read. When I received this message from a mother of a 12-year-old, I was thrilled:
“My son LOVED The Yo-Yo Prophet and read it in record time. He even started playing with his yo-yo again and then recently made one. He highly recommends this book to his friends. It has initiated him reading every night at bedtime again and I am truly grateful for that.”
Lynn E.
I’m so glad that The Yo-Yo Prophet inspired Lynn’s son to read again, and that it encouraged him to get his friends’ hooked, too. I hope that well-written books can repeat this pattern over and over again.
Finding literature to interest young male readers can be difficult, and some of us are guilty of picking books for boys that we think they ought to read, rather than books that reflect their interests.
James Moloney says in Boys and Books: “A good book for a boy is one he wants to read.”
If you’re looking for books for a young male reader, my suggestion is to take him to a bookstore and/or library regularly so he can pick books for himself. You can also encourage him to check out www.guysread.com, a website developed by author Jon Scieszka to connect boys with books.
Happy reading!
Local News Coverage for The Yo-Yo Prophet
December 12, 2011
I’m pleased that two local newspapers have recently published articles about my new novel The Yo-Yo Prophet:
- “East York Author Pens Fourth Book for Teens,” by Danielle Milley of the East York Mirror (November, 17, 2011)
- “Writer Has a Few Yo-Yo Tricks up Her Sleeve,” by Britney Brady-Maginley of the East York Observer (December 9, 2011)
It’s particularly meaningful to me to be recognized in the community where I live and write.
In an era where community newspapers are facing hard economic times, I’m grateful that these newspapers can showcase people, events and businesses in the local area. I particularly like how community papers make room for the “good news” stories of the day.
CM Review of The Yo-Yo Prophet
October 6, 2011
I’m delighted with this new review of The Yo-Yo Prophet in Canadian Materials:
“Karen Krossing has created a fresh and engaging story that was intricately crafted, yet easy to follow. Of particular note were the different terms and descriptions for yo-yo tricks and techniques. The explanations and descriptions of the different yo-yo skills that Calvin was adeptly practicing and mastering were done in such a way that I could easily envision what he was doing. This particular element would be especially useful for readers as evidence of effective descriptions of potentially foreign concepts. I also appreciated the realistic portrayal of high school life. As Calvin’s confidence increased and as he sought to fit within the high school hierarchy, aided in part by his successful yo-yo performances, he weaved his way in and out of difficult decisions, with some being more successfully resolved than others….
“A large component of the success of The Yo-Yo Prophet lies in its innovative plotline coupled with superior character development. The reader is privy to Calvin’s fascination and aptness with a yo-yo, adding an enhanced level of playfulness to this highly enjoyable read. Highly Recommended.”
To read the whole review, visit Canadian Materials.
Feature Author Interview
October 5, 2011
You can check out my Feature Author Interview with Orca Book Publishers on their site. Here’s a teaser:
Feature Author Interview by Orca Book Publishers
Why do you write, and why children’s books?
I write to understand the world. 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. Read More >>
For more of my online author interviews and a participant review of my writing workshops, click here.
And the winner is …
September 21, 2011
Thanks to everyone who participated in my online contest to win a signed copy of The Yo-Yo Prophet. And the winner is … (pause for drum roll) … school librarian Sarah W.
If you’re disappointing you didn’t win, you can read the first fifteen pages of the book below. I hope that helps.
Need a reason to run out and buy your own copy of the book? Here’s the latest review:
“Calvin is a likable character who is struggling to keep it together under the mounting stress, the relationship between Calvin and his grandmother is realistically portrayed, and the eventual resolution with Calvin’s dad feels authentic. Meanwhile, the yo-yoing scenes are surprisingly vivid and keep the action moving. Readers will root for Calvin to stand up to Rozelle and triumph in the end.”
Booklist (American Library Association)
Why Write about Street Performing?
September 15, 2011
On September 1st, I published my latest novel for teens, The Yo-Yo Prophet. Why did I write about street performing?
As an author, I have a love-hate relationship with performing. Once I get to a book reading or writing workshop, I’m eager to interact with my audience. But there’s often a moment beforehand where I’m dreading it – mostly because I’m worried about how an audience will react to what I have to offer.
Managing an audience is not unlike taming wild lions. Not that I’ve ever tamed lions, but the two are linked in my mind. A performer tries to work with the audience, to control its reactions – get people to laugh at the right part and fall respectfully silent when needed. In The Yoyo Prophet, 15-year-old Calvin faces his audiences head on. He feels the joy of successful performances as well as the horror and shame of public humiliation.
Today, the effect of public humiliation and success can be multiplied a thousand-fold through online exposure. With instant fame possible through viral videos, instant defeat can be just as swift and harsh. Calvin experiences both in the novel, and finally has to find his judgments about himself from within.
Street performers, like Calvin, are a different breed, since they need to capture the attention of a mobile and possibly indifferent audience and compel them to watch as well as pay for an unsolicited performance. The inspiration for writing about a street performer grew from my love of BuskerFest, held every August on the streets of Toronto. With a spectacular stunt, a joke or original music, buskers can transform an open street into a dynamic performance space.
To check out my video book trailer for The Yo-Yo Prophet, click here. To enter a draw for a signed copy of the book, simply comment on this post, or send me an email through my website before September 20th.
Why Write about Yo-Yos?
September 8, 2011
On September 1st, I published my latest novel for teens, The Yo-Yo Prophet. Why did I write about yo-yoing?
Pull out a yo-yo, toss a few tricks and most people want to give it a try. There’s something compelling about manipulating a yo-yo up and down a string, never mind mastering more complicated tricks. Is it the satisfaction of achieving desired results? All I know is that when I successfully throw an around-the-world or trapeze trick, I’m thrilled – and eager to try more advanced tricks.
Modern yo-yo design and construction has changed what we can do with a yo-yo – like the new ball-bearing system that allows for unprecedented spin times. Yo-yos can sleep for minutes, rather than seconds, allowing for infinitely more complicated tricks, like Buddha’s revenge. The yo-yo has catapulted from cheap toy to high-tech wonder.
So it’s no surprise that an underground yo-yoing movement exists. Websites such as yoyoexpert.com or yoyonation.com offer advice on which yo-yos to use for which type of tricks as well as video instruction on specific tricks. And if you thought yo-yo contests were a thing of the past, check out the World Yo-Yo Contest in Florida and the National Yo-Yo Contest in California, which includes qualifying regional contests.
Personally, I think the appeal of yo-yoing lies in the ability to coax that carefully crafted construction of plastic, aluminum and string into doing what I want it to do.
To check out my video book trailer for The Yo-Yo Prophet, click here. To enter a draw for a signed copy of the book, simply comment on this post, or send me an email through my website before September 20th.
Online Launch of The Yo-Yo Prophet
September 1, 2011
My new novel for teens, The Yo-Yo Prophet, is officially available today. To celebrate, I’m launching my video book trailer and hosting a draw on my site for a signed copy of the book. To enter the draw, simply comment on this post, or send me an email through my website before September 20th. Good luck!
The early reviews have been wonderful. Here’s a sample of what reviewers had to say:
“A captivating and believable portrait of a young boy coming of age.”
Kirkus Reviews
“Intimate and authentic … a clever and quiet coming-of-age story about developing confidence and doing what’s right.”
Publisher’s Weekly
“Karen Krossing really knows how to bring readers in.”
Portsmouth Teen Book Review
Persistence Pays Off
June 14, 2011
I just got an Ontario Arts Council Works-in-Progress grant for my current project! I’m happily screaming “yahoo” and seriously disturbing the neighbours. This particular novel has given me angst for a few years now, so it’s wonderful that the jurors liked it. Maybe I CAN finish this project.
I’ve tried for grants before with this novel but haven’t been successful. Rewriting and persistence are so important.
I remember once, when I was an unpublished writer, I sent an impulsive email to an author I admire – Karleen Bradford. I was looking at her website because she had useful information for emerging writers. I was feeling discouraged at the time, and I asked her for advice on how to get motivated to continue writing after a rejection letter from a publisher. I never really expected an answer, but I got one quickly. Karleen wrote something like, “A writer’s greatest talent is sheer pig-headed stubbornness.” Her words helped me pick up the pencil and return to my story once again. Thanks, Karleen. I’ve found those words to be true over and over again.
A Week in Review – Good Design, Teen Writing, and Compelling Memoirs
May 29, 2011
This past week, I received an advance reading copy of The Yo-Yo Prophet, my new novel from Orca Books. The interior design is on-theme, with a silhoutette of a yo-yo starting each chapter. It looks like the designer had a lot of fun with this one!
This week, I also completed the judging of submissions for the Toronto Public Library’s Young Voices Magazine of art, poetry, and prose. I met with a team of enthusiastic teen judges on Thursday night to argue passionately for our favourites in the category of prose written by teens aged 17 to 19. The winners will be announced soon, and the launch for the 2011 magazine will be held in October. I can’t wait to see the finished product.
I also ran a memoir-writing workshop this week for fellow writer and instructor Karen Rankin, who was unable to attend her class. I was so impressed with the fascinating stories I heard and the quality of the writing. These dedicated writers are faithfully developing their craft and sharing their sometimes hilarious and sometimes harrowing real-life tales. It made me remember two things: First, everyone has interesting stories to share, if only we take the time to listen. Second, real life is often stranger than fiction, but perhaps fiction can be equally strange, if it’s told well enough to make unusual events believable.
Preview of The Yo-Yo Prophet
May 18, 2011
I’m thrilled with the cover for my new teen novel – The Yo-Yo Prophet, to be published by Orca Books in September 2011. I love the colours, the somewhat geeky yo-yo guy, and the silhouettes of the people in the windows. Here’s a sneak peek into what the book is about:
Calvin is the smallest guy in his high school, and a perfect target for Rozelle and her girl gang. His mother is dead, his father is long gone and his only remaining relative, his grandmother, is getting too sick to run her dry cleaning business. The only time Calvin feels in control is when he’s working his yo-yo. When he takes up street performing, Rozelle demands a cut and insists on being his manager. To get media attention, she markets him as a yo-yo genius who can predict
the future, dubbing him the “Yo-Yo Prophet.” Calvin begins to believe his own hype, but as Gran’s condition deteriorates, he realizes that it will take more than fame and adulation to keep his family intact.
Plot Revisions
November 21, 2010
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.”
