Have you been wishing you could attend a conference or workshop to improve your craft? Network with others in the writing and publishing community? Learn a new technique? Keep up-to-date on trends and issues?
Professional development is important for all these reasons. But – let’s face it – conferences and workshops are not always affordable, particularly in far-off locations.
The Access Copyright Foundation was created to promote and support Canadian culture by providing grants to encourage the development of publishable works. They also offer research grants and events grants. The professional development grants are available in literary or visual arts for individuals or organizations, and they will fund up to $3000 of expenses related to a workshop, seminar, conference, mentorship, studio program, etc. The deadline for this grant is May 1 of each year. For more information about the Access Copyright Foundation (which is administered by the Saskatchewan Arts Board), click here.
This week, I was thrilled to learn that I received a grant from the Access Copyright Foundation professional development program. Next February, I’m going to the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators 2013 Winter Conference in New York City! I can’t wait to network and develop my craft further.
This grant program is an awesome opportunity. Mark May 1 on your calendar and don’t forget to apply.
Today I participated in the Pay It Forward Toronto Flash Mob. It was part of a global event where readers met in pre-arranged locations to read a book that inspired them, brought them to tears, or changed the way they looked at life. You can watch a video with global organizer Charley Johnson here:
In Toronto, about fifty book-lovers met at Union Station at 4 pm to silently read our books and then “pay it forward” by sharing that inspiring book with a friend or a complete stranger. Why? Just to remind them that the world is an amazing place. My book was The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – a fabulous book.
Thanks to Toronto organizers Nancy Runstedler, Linda Granfield and Christie Harkin!
PIF Toronto organizer Nancy Runstedler
Below are some of the participants of the Pay It Forward Toronto Flash Mob. Our hands are empty because we’ve just given away our books! Other participants included author Marthe Jocelyn, publisher Paul Kropp, author Rebecca Upjohn and many more.
Some PIF Toronto participants, including me, author Mahtab Narsimhan, illustrator Debbie Ohi, and author Cheryl Rainfield.
Just home from a WordPlay Writing Workshop with sixteen enthusiastic teen writers who chose to spend part of March Break writing at the Cedarbrae Library with me. A room full of keen writers – what a treat!
Zombies and other horror stories were popular with this group, as we wrote stories and poems based on the eerie photography of Gregory Crewdson. We also wrote from objects – my collection of old keys – and using my word box, as well as writing from a given sentence.
My word box
There is nothing better than an afternoon of writing games, unless it’s reading what these fine writers can produce in the Toronto Public Library’s annual magazine of teen writing and art – the Young Voices magazine.
Teens between the ages of 12 and 19 who live in Toronto are invited to submit poems, stories, rants, reviews, illustrations, and photography to this quality magazine. The submission deadline is March 31, 2012. For guidelines and how to submit, click here. To read the Young Voices 2011 Magazine, click here.
Last week, hundreds of librarians met up in Toronto for the Ontario Library Association’s Super Conference 2012.
I attended to sign copies of The Yo-Yo Prophet at the Orca Publishers booth. I also I joined 34 other authors to present the book at CANSCAIP’s annual OLA book launch for Canadian children’s books.
It was great fun to meet so many enthusiastic librarians. I can chat all day with people who share my love of quality books for kids and teens.
I also learned some exciting news at the conference. Each year, the OLA Best Bets Committee selects the top Canadian picture books, fiction and non-fiction for children, and fiction for teens. I’m pleased to announce that The Yo-Yo Prophet is a 2011 OLA Best Bets Honourable Mention. For the full list of titles, click here.
Re-discover the fun of writing at my hands-on WordPlay Writing Workshop for ages 12 to 19 on March 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Cedarbrae Library in Toronto. With fresh and inspiring story-starters, you’ll dive into new characters and create captivating scenes. Come spark your imagination and enjoy playing with words while learning creative writing techniques.
After the workshop, don’t forget to submit your writing to Young Voices – the Toronto Public Library’s annual magazine of teen writing and art. Poems, stories, rants, reviews, illustrations, and photography are all accepted. The submission deadline is March 31, 2012.
For guidelines and how to submit, click here. To read the Young Voices 2011 Magazine, click here.
As CANSCAIP vice-president, I’ve spend the last ten months planning CANSCAIP’s Packaging Your Imagination conference with a team of enthusiastic volunteers. From our fledgling first ideas, through the obstacles that popped up during the months of planning, to the crescendo of the final event, I’ve greatly enjoyed sharing the journey with the volunteers, speakers, and attendees.
Volunteer work like this can be draining at times, and I must admit to getting volunteer fatigue as the conference approached. But the joy at connecting with so many people who share a love of creating for children quickly reminds me why I volunteer.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this day. It was a pleasure to share it with you.
The Access Copyright Foundation was created to promote and support Canadian culture by providing grants to encourage the development of publishable works. They also offer research grants and events grants. The professional development grants are available in literary or visual arts for individuals or organizations, and they will fund up to $3000 of expenses related to a workshop, seminar, conference, mentorship, studio program, etc. The deadline for this grant is May 1 of each year. For more information about the Access Copyright Foundation (which is administered by the Saskatchewan Arts Board), click here.
