Writing as a career means spending long hours alone, building characters, brainstorming plot and revising over and over again. It’s no wonder that many authors have introvert qualities – a subject that I’ve recently enjoyed reading about in the book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain. (Authors: You may find yourself in the pages of this book.)
However, being an author also means public readings, writing workshops, book launches, and online and in-person promotional events. These require extrovert qualities and can be challenging for some authors. It also means getting regular author photos taken – a task I dread.
I’ve learned how to enjoy public authors events, but posing for author photos still makes me uptight. I want a photo that shows who I am, but doesn’t make me look hideous. A photo that uses the talents of a professional photographer, but appears natural. A photo that will appeal to my readers.
This summer, I met up with Owen of Owen Captures, an expert photographer who could make me feel comfortable and take an excellent photo. Never mind that I was nervous for days before the photo shoot. Owen knew how to get great shots in spite of my nerves. At least I think he got a great shot. You can decide for yourself below. Thanks, Owen!
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.
