Simon Rose's Blog, page 13

Writing Fiction for Children and Youth – University of Calgary

My online course Writing Fiction for Children and Youth will be running online in May and June at the University of Calgary.

Writing for children and youth is a rich and vibrant global market. The focus is on writing fiction for readers aged 8 to 12 years. Students examine the writing process from initial concept to finished work including turning ideas into stories, story structure, developing characters, creating outlines, and the importance of editing and revision.

Registration is available here at the University of Calgary.

The post Writing Fiction for Children and Youth – University of Calgary appeared first on Simon Rose.

Writing Historical Fiction – Alexandra Writers’ Centre

6 Weeks | Wednesdays | Begins May 7, 2025 | 1pm-3pm MT

Historical fiction combines the events of the past with characters and stories from the writer’s imagination. This course examines the art of writing historical fiction and the need to fully immerse yourself in a particular time period to make your storytelling more believable. Learn how to write effective, authentic and appealing historical fiction and how to turn your ideas into compelling stories. Understand what defines historical fiction and different historical time periods, create believable settings and plausible characters and learn how research plays a crucial role in the creation of your novel.

The course involves assignments, discussions, and writing exercises, and also deals with aspects of the writing process.

This class takes place in person at the Alexandra Writers’ Centre in Calgary. Register at https://www.alexandrawriters.org/stor...

The post Writing Historical Fiction – Alexandra Writers’ Centre appeared first on Simon Rose.

Shadowzone – “a great read … Highly recommend this series!”

“Time travel, alternate worlds, and societal sub-cultures are blended into a great plot, and a gripping and relevant read. The environmental stewardship aspect of this story echoes our current day challenges, as do the almost prescient references to a dangerous virus. Characters were well drawn and the reader is cheering for their success. The three books in the series flow smoothly together. A great read for middle school ages and up, to both engage interest and build vocabulary. Highly recommend this series!”

While watching intense flashes of lightning during a violent storm, Ben experiences mysterious and disturbing visions of another world, one very different from his own. In the chain of events that follow, Ben encounters Charlie, a girl from a dark version of Earth, a planet doomed by the effects of environmental catastrophe, where the leaders will stop at nothing to complete their deadly mission.

Shadowzone, along with the other novels in the series, Into The Web and Black Dawn, is available as a paperback and ebook. Learn more here on my website.

The post Shadowzone – “a great read … Highly recommend this series!” appeared first on Simon Rose.

Inspiration From Daily Life

I’m honoured to now be a Contributing Editor at Write By The Sea, where you’ll find all sorts of helpful resources for writers with new materials added to the library regularly.

The latest post is all about getting inspiration from daily life. This is also an excerpt from my book The Children’s Writer’s Guide, and you can learn more about the post at https://www.writebythesea.com/inspira...

The post Inspiration From Daily Life appeared first on Simon Rose.

I’m honoured to now be a Contributing Editor at Write By ...

I’m honoured to now be a Contributing Editor at Write By The Sea, where you’ll find all sorts of helpful resources for writers with new materials added to the library regularly.

The latest post is all about getting inspiration from daily life. This is also an excerpt from my book The Children’s Writer’s Guide, and you can learn more about the post at https://www.writebythesea.com/inspira...

The post appeared first on Simon Rose.

The Stone of the Seer – Where Magic and Historical Fiction Collide

The Stone of the Seer is an exciting historical fantasy series of adventure novels for young adults, primarily set in the turbulent era of the English Civil War.

“Magic and Historical Fiction Collide – This book combines historical fiction with a world of magic. It is set in the period of the English Civil War and incorporates magic, mystery and witch hunting. This book engages the reader with action and interesting characters. It is the first in a series and will leave the reader looking for book 2.”

“Royal Blood: Book two in the Stone of the Seer is even more exciting than the first story. This historical fantasy book has adventure, action and suspense. Lady Elizabeth Usborne, Kate and Tom are now in London during King Charles trial in 1649. They are still being hunted down by Daniel Tombes, the witch hunter. Their adventures continue with glimpses of the future to guide them. The reader will be left wanting more as each part of the action unfolds. I look forward to the third book, and more magical action.”

“The best finish – The final instalment in the trilogy is the best. New characters, or are they old characters? Time will tell. This story has all the elements of the previous historical fiction novels, but a new timeline. It is still loaded with mystery and intrigue. Action, adventure and mystery all rolled into one. Make sure you read these books in order and finish here with the ultimate revenge.”

The post The Stone of the Seer – Where Magic and Historical Fiction Collide appeared first on Simon Rose.

Writing Fiction for Children and Youth – University of Calgary

My online course Writing Fiction for Children and Youth will be running online in May and June at the University of Calgary.

Writing for children and youth is a rich and vibrant global market. The focus is on writing fiction for readers aged 8 to 12 years. Students examine the writing process from initial concept to finished work including turning ideas into stories, story structure, developing characters, creating outlines, and the importance of editing and revision.

Registration is available here at the University of Calgary.

The post Writing Fiction for Children and Youth – University of Calgary appeared first on Simon Rose.

Writing Historical Fiction – Alexandra Writers’ Centre

6 Weeks | Wednesdays | Begins May 7, 2025 | 1pm-3pm MT

Historical fiction combines the events of the past with characters and stories from the writer’s imagination. This course examines the art of writing historical fiction and the need to fully immerse yourself in a particular time period to make your storytelling more believable. Learn how to write effective, authentic and appealing historical fiction and how to turn your ideas into compelling stories. Understand what defines historical fiction and different historical time periods, create believable settings and plausible characters and learn how research plays a crucial role in the creation of your novel.

The course involves assignments, discussions, and writing exercises, and also deals with aspects of the writing process.

This class takes place in person at the Alexandra Writers’ Centre in Calgary. Register at https://www.alexandrawriters.org/stor...

The post Writing Historical Fiction – Alexandra Writers’ Centre appeared first on Simon Rose.

Canyon Meadows Spring Craft Market

This Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm I’ll be signing copies of all my books at the Canyon Meadows Spring Craft Market. The event is being held at Canyon Meadows Community Association, 844-848 Cantabrian Drive SW in Calgary.

Learn all about my many novels, as well as about my coaching and editing services for writers and authors.

Hope to see you there.

The post Canyon Meadows Spring Craft Market appeared first on Simon Rose.

An Exercise to Get a Story Moving

I’m honoured to now be a Contributing Editor at Write By The Sea, where you’ll find all sorts of helpful resources for writers with new materials added to the library regularly.

The latest post is all about an interesting exercise to get a story moving using a collection of random objects drawn from a bag. The idea is then to create a story, in which these objects must all be used as a significant part of the narrative. This is also an excerpt from my book The Children’s Writer’s Guide, and you can learn more about the post at https://www.writebythesea.com/get-a-s...

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