by Karen Krossing | Apr 26, 2010 | On Writing
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.
by Karen Krossing | Apr 1, 2010 | Mentoring
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.
by Karen Krossing | Mar 4, 2010 | Presentation News
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.
by Karen Krossing | Feb 24, 2010 | Book News
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.
by Karen Krossing | Feb 10, 2010 | Mentoring, Presentation News
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.
by Karen Krossing | Feb 10, 2010 | Book News
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.
by Karen Krossing | Jan 19, 2010 | Book News
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
by Karen Krossing | Oct 15, 2009 | Mentoring, Presentation News
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.
by Karen Krossing | Oct 15, 2009 | Mentoring
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.
by Karen Krossing | Sep 17, 2009 | Book News
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 …
