by Karen Krossing | May 29, 2011 | Book News, Mentoring, On Writing, Presentation News
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.
by Karen Krossing | May 18, 2011 | Book News
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.
by Karen Krossing | Nov 21, 2010 | Book News
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.”
by Karen Krossing | Oct 14, 2010 | Book News
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
by Karen Krossing | May 24, 2010 | Book News
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
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.
