Karen Krossing

Writing in the Reading Room

Karen — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:31:12 +0000

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

Karen — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:00:52 +0000

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

Karen — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:22:12 +0000

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

Karen — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:10:25 +0000

Cleavage: Breakaway Fiction for Real Girls, which features my short story “Profanity,” is on the 2010 Amelia Bloomer List, part of the American Library Association’s Social Responsibility Round Table. Here’s the link for more info.

Video Trailer for Take the Stairs

Karen — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:28:06 +0000

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.

Ask the Pros

Karen — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:04:26 +0000

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

Karen — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:00:43 +0000

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!

Karen — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:45:05 +0000

My novel-in-progress received a second writing grant, this time from the Toronto Arts Council. The novel is tentatively called The Yoyo 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

Karen — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:14:14 +0000

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.

WordPlayer Summer Camp

Karen — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:50:31 +0000

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.