I’ve posted a new section on my website of writing activities based on my WordPlayer writing program. I first developed the program as a lunch-time drop-in writing club at Presteign Heights Public School in Toronto during 2005 to 2006. Since then, I’ve conducted WordPlayer workshops throughout Ontario and Quebec with kids, teens, and adults, further developing the program. Click here to explore new ways to start writing, how to share your writing, and how to revise.
On May 5, I did a book talk for 98 grade eight students at the Barbara Frum Library in Toronto. The students were attentive and responsive, and they were particularly involved with an oral writing exercise. Youth Services Specialist Claire Argyropoulos had this to say about the presentation: “Karen really inspired the students, and it was a pleasure having her here. She did a great job, and I would highly recommend her.” Thanks to Claire and the Toronto Public Library for arranging the event.
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.
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.
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.
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.
