Simon Rose's Blog, page 224

What's It All About? The Historical Background of The Doomsday Mask Part One

On my website you will find links to a wide variety of sites on the internet related to the times and places depicted in The Doomsday Mask.

Berlin 1945




Part of the story in The Doomsday Mask takes place in the chaos of the city of Berlin at the end of the Second World War. Large parts of the city were destroyed and the army recruited anyone strong enough to hold a weapon in the waning days of the war, including children.Art treasures and other valuables were looted by the Nazis from across Europe during the course of the war and as the Allies closed in, some of these were buried, but also hidden in mine shafts, tunnels and even at the bottom of lakes, both for safekeeping and to retrieve once the fighting was over. One treasure horde discovered by US troops in a mine contained thousands of bags of gold, silver, and valuable coins worth over $500 million, along with jewelry and priceless works of art.These sites examine the many sites where treasure, gold and valuables worth millions were hidden in the last days of the conflict.http://www.xs4all.nl/~odu/kaart.html
http://www.theoutlaws.com/gold4.htmSome of these were located in the alpine regions of southern Germany where the Allies feared the Nazis might make a final stand lasting for years. You can learn more about the so-called National Redoubt here.

Creative Writing Classes for Home Schoolers @ Cardel Place, Calgary - November 2010 to June 2011

Join me for classes in creative writing especially for home school children from the northern part of the city of Calgary and in the surrounding area at Cardel Place, located at 11950 Country Village Link NE, Calgary, AB T3K 6E3. Classes take place every Thursday, from November 18, 2010 to June 23, 2011. Registration details are available here. 
Thursdays - November 18 to December 23, 2010: People Plotting: Creating Memorable Characters
10.45 am to Noon, Ages 8 to 10 * 12.15 pm to 1.30 pm, Ages 11 to 16Without people there is no plot and characters are at the heart of any story. In these workshops, we explore where writers get ideas for the people in their stories, the selection of appropriate names for characters, methods of creating strong characters and how to use descriptive language to build them. Children invent their own unique characters, complete with occupation, career path, friends and family, likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams - in short, anything that makes them come to life and also learn how to write effective and engaging dialogue, plus lifelike scenarios, for their creations.
Thursdays - January 13 to March 3, 2011: Fabulous Fantasy Realms10.45 am to Noon, Ages 8 to 10 * 12.15 pm to 1.30 pm, Ages 11 to 16In these classes, we examine the elements of fantasy and the many creatures and characters that inhabit the fantasy realm. Most children are very familiar with monsters and strange creatures from mythology, books and movies and in these workshops they invent their own unique mythological creature along with its powers, enemies, diet, habitat and the land where it lives. Children will also create their own fantasy kingdom, complete with its system of government, myths and legends, magical objects, currency, major landmarks, natural features such as mountain ranges, rivers and oceans and more.
Thursdays - March 10 to April 28 2011: The Future is Now10.45 am to Noon, Ages 8 to 10 * 12.15 pm to 1.30 pm, Ages 11 to 16These classes examine how the pace of technological change has rapidly accelerated in recent decades, how research could benefit mankind, helping with medical conditions and seemingly incurable diseases and explore what kind of scientific breakthroughs may occur in the coming decades. Participants then imagine future developments that could transform our way of life, before designing a magazine or newspaper advertisement plus the script for a TV commercial for their product. These could be related to transportation, the military, medical, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, habitat or even household appliances.  Children also imagine themselves to be living in this incredible environment and create a journal describing a typical day in the future.
Thursdays - May 5 to June 23, 2011: Spectacular Story Starters10.45 am to Noon, Ages 8 to 10 * 12.15 pm to 1.30 pm, Ages 11 to 16What if you discovered a door into another universe at the back of your bedroom closet? Or a flying boy dressed all in green appeared at your bedroom window, inviting you to take a journey to a magical land? Perhaps you followed a rabbit down a hole and ended up in a bizarre underground universe? Learn where ideas come from and how writers turn them into stories. Find out how writers get ideas from pictures and paintings, craft your own sequels to your favourite movies, create alternate endings to familiar stories and more in these classes guaranteed to provide inspiration, spark imagination and stimulate invention.
Cardel Place is located at 11950 Country Village Link NE, Calgary, AB T3K 6E3. Registration details are available here. You can also check out my online workshops for children and young adults on my website. Contact me directly at sorcerersletterbox@gmail.com or through my website at www.simon-rose.com for details on all my programs for home school children.

Creative Writing Programs for Home School Students at Southwood United Church - November and December 2010

Join me this fall for classes in creative writing especially for home school children at Southwood United Church in SW Calgary. Classes take place every Monday from November 1 to December 13, 2010. The cost is $99 per student for seven classes and registration details are available by e mailing me at sorcerersletterbox@gmail.com.
Creative Writing Programs for Home School Students at Southwood United Church - November and December 2010Ages 7 to 10 - Inspiration, Imagination and Invention: Story Creation 
In this series of interactive, fun and lively creative writing sessions, turn your own ideas into incredible stories, find out where writers get their inspiration, learn about descriptive words, use story starters to get your imagination moving, create brilliant beginnings, marvelous middles, exciting endings and more. 

November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, December 6, 13 - 1.00 pm to 2.15 pm 
$99 plus GST per student

Ages 11 to 15 - Inspiration, Imagination and Invention: Amazing Artifacts 
In these creative writing classes, craft your own adventure story featuring a unique mysterious artifact with wondrous powers, a curse or a deadly secret. Perhaps it's a coin or medallion from an ancient civilization? Or a ceremonial mask discovered in a ruined temple? Perhaps a gemstone unearthed in a long lost tomb? Create an exciting, fast-paced tale featuring adventurers, explorers, scientists, secret societies, perhaps even a race against time to save the world.

November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, December 6, 13 - 2.15 pm to 3.30 pm 
$99 plus GST per student
All classes take place at Southwood United Church, 10690 Elbow Drive SW Calgary AB T2W 1G4. Contact me directly at sorcerersletterbox@gmail.com or through my website at www.simon-rose.com for details on registration and on all my programs for home school children, including online writing workshops, which you can also check out on my website at http://www.simon-rose.com/online_wkshp_yngadults.htm

Classes with Chinook Learning Services in Calgary, Saturday November 20

[image error] The Calgary Board of Education provides adult and continuing education through  Chinook Learning Services . This fall, I am pleased to be offering the following courses.
Writing Children's Books: Intro - 9.30 am to Noon November 20In this workshop you will discover how to balance youthful imagination with adult professionalism, and gain awareness of writing for various age ranges. This workshop explores the do's and don'ts of writing for younger readers, turning ideas into stories, the writing process, the importance of editing and revision, story structure, and the role of research. Come and get a taste of a wonderful craft!
Forming Fictional Characters - 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm November 20Characters are the heart of every story - their actions drive the plot. Their individuality is what readers or audiences most remember. This workshop explores where writers get ideas for characters, and how to use descriptive language to build them. Participants will invent their own unique characters and learn how to write engaging dialogue and lifelike scenarios. Create an unforgettable story with unforgettable characters.
Register now with Chinook Learning Services.

Words4TheWebwise – Copywriting and Website Design and Development.

[image error]
Let your voice be heard: an introduction to podcasts.
Once you have decided to establish yourself online, and by that I mean setting up a blog or website, more options open up.
Not only can you publish written content online easily enough, you can also very easily publish your own podcasts. Podcasts are a great way for people to hear you, rather than just read about you, and gives them the ability to listen while they are driving, jogging or taking the bus. Rather than expecting people to return to your site every month or week, you can remind them that it's time to come back, or even send them the podcast automatically to iTunes. Think of it as pull marketing.
If you haven't already encountered podcasts, think of them as radio shows that are recorded and uploaded to the internet. Listeners can hear the show on iTunes, download to their computer or mp3 player and subscribe to your podcast so that new shows are automatically downloaded. Your podcast doesn't have to be complicated or hi-tech. It can be just you reading from your book, interviewing a friend, talking about your creative process, or anything related to your writing. Perhaps you want to do a series on your influences, or the people in your life who inspire you to write. Maybe you want to turn one of your books into a radio play, with friends contributing to some of the voices. To create a podcast, all you need is a mic and recording software. If you have a Mac, you can use Garageband; PC and Mac users can use Audacity, which is free.
Plan out your podcast. Using a jingle along with an introduction to the show at the beginning makes the show appear more professional. Include information on how listeners can reach you (a website address or short email address), or how they might be able to find more information.Next time, I'll go into more detail about microphones and software. In the meantime, plan out what you are going to say and what topics you want to cover and we'll be ready to start recording! 
I can be reached by e mail (Contact at nburmandesign.com) and Twitter (@nburmandesign). NBurman Design can be found online at http://www.nburmandesign.com and you can also visit my blog LifeImitatingDesign.

Online Writing Workshops for Children and Young Adults

[image error] Give your aspiring young authors the unique opportunity to work with a published author by employing an online writer in residence, right in your own home with my Online Workshops for Children and Young Adults. Many children are interested in writing, but often they need help to channel their ability in a particular direction and give them the encouragement they need to move forward. Having access to professional advice can encourage a child in their creativity, whatever form that may take.

Through a series of e mail assignments, details of which are available a here we explore where ideas come from and how to turn them into stories, basic story structure, plot development, creating characters, developing dialogue and more to help develop writing ability. A set of workshops can be started at any time. Following registration, all assignments are sent by e mail and are completed at your own pace, to be sent to me by return e mail. There is no time limit and participants may take as long as they wish to complete their full set of workshops.
Check out Online Workshops for Children and Young Adults today.

OMNI Television - The official TV station for the Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference

I'm pleased to announce that OMNI television is the official TV station for the Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference. Watch for news and announcements on the event in the coming weeks on cable channel 4 in Calgary. The Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference featuring local children's authors and illustrators in Calgary and the surrounding area, will be held on Saturday November 27, 2010 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Centre in north west Calgary.

The Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference, November 27, 2010

[image error] The Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference featuring local children's authors and illustrators in Calgary and the surrounding area, will be held on Saturday November 27, 2010 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Centre in north west Calgary.



The Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference represents a fabulous opportunity for children to meet local writers, chat with them about their work and obtain an autographed and personally inscribed copy of a favourite book. All participating authors will also be reading from their own work, followed by a short question and answer period, throughout the day. If you are interested in becoming an exhibitor at this year's event, you may find registration information here.
The Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference will also feature the very first Children's Fiction Writing Award. Children in two age categories, eight to twelve and twelve to fifteen, will unleash their own incredible imaginations to create a truly unique story, in the genres of science fiction, fantasy or mystery. The winning entries, to be announced at the Book Fair and Conference on November 27, will then be published in an anthology. Learn more about how to register for the Children's Fiction Writing Award here.
This year's conference will feature a number of highly informative presentations by authors, illustrators, publishers and industry professionals throughout the day. Some of the topics to be covered at this year's event will be character development, science fiction and fantasy writing, the art of illustration, marketing and promotion, methods of research, publishing your novel and more. 
The Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference - Inspiration, imagination and invention, right here in your own backyard.

Coaching Program for Writers

Writing is by nature a solitary occupation and can be a lonely business, without the benefit of hordes of cheering fans on the sidelines. A professional writing coach is someone with whom you can consult, ask questions, send your work to and receive constructive feedback, a guide to help you with your writing as you try to build your career as a professional writer. A writing coach can help you conquer a stumbling block, help you to regain momentum and get back to your writing or make a start on a new project. 
My coaching program is designed to help you progress as a writer. You decide what you want to work on during a personalized, one on one relationship. For example, I can be your coach for just one month or we can establish a month-to-month arrangement, depending on your schedule and expectations. Just a few examples of topics we can cover during the coaching period are point of view, creating characters, developing dialogue, story structure, editing and revision, marketing and promotion and submissions to publishers. However, I am very flexible and happy to discuss your own unique requirements and areas where you feel that you may need the most help. 
In addition to coaching, on my website you can learn more about my other services for writers, such as online workshops for adults, manuscript evaluation and online workshops for children and young adults.

Writing Children's Books - Classes for Writers with Chinook Learning Services in Calgary, October/November

[image error] The Calgary Board of Education provides adult and continuing education through Chinook Learning Services. This fall, I am pleased to be offering the following classes in Calgary.
Writing Children's Books - Mondays, October 18 to November 22 Examine the writing process from initial concept through to the finished manuscript, including how to turn ideas into stories, the creation of outlines, story structure, character development, the role of research and the importance of editing and revision, as well as examine ways to research and submit to publishing houses.
Register now at Chinook Learning Services.