A Pleasant Mailbox Experience

by | Jun 25, 2009 | Book News

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.

Writing From the Inside Out

by | May 2, 2009 | On Writing

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

by | Apr 10, 2009 | Book News

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

by | Mar 12, 2009 | On Writing

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.