Simon Rose's Blog, page 235

Playwriting Camp this August with the Calgary Arts Summer School Association

[image error] PlayWriting Camp will once again will take place this summer from August 16 to 20 with the Calgary Arts Summer School Association. This is a half-day camp (either morning or afternoon) for students ages 8 to 12. In a dramatic and fun-filled week, children will learn how to write, rehearse and perform their own unique play in just five days. Children will create the plot, craft the script, write dialogue and hone their acting skills for their very own dramatic production, which will then be...

Improv Camp this August with the Calgary Arts Summer School Association

Improv Camp will take place this summer with the Calgary Arts Summer School Association, from August 3 to 6. This half day camp (either morning or afternoon) is for all students ages 8 to 12 years. Throughout the week, children will create their very own unique characters and write dialogue for them in a series of highly original, lively and fun-filled skits.


In 2009, Improv Camp combined inspiration, imagination and invention, with elements of both writing and and dramatic performance. In a...

The Sorcerer's Letterbox and the Mystery of the Princes in the Tower - Part Eight

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An in-depth reading from The Sorcerer's Letterbox recorded at the Winnipeg International Writer's Festival can be found on my website here.
You can also try out the puzzle, Unlock The Sorcerer's Letterbox , and learn more about the historical background to the noel, including Who was Who in late medieval England, the Tower of London, the mystery of the Princes on the Tower, the reigns of Edward IV and Richard III, the Wars of the Roses, maps of medieval London and even the history of the...

The Sorcerer's Letterbox and the Mystery of the Princes in the Tower - Part Seven

More Reader Comments and Reviews

Here are some other comments by satisfied young readers of The Sorcerer's Letterbox.
"I think your book is excellent and it also has lots of adventure in it. Once I got into it, I felt like I was in the story."
"I like your book because it's full of suspense and it's really good!"
"Your book rocks!"
"I enjoy the way you describe the words. You get a really good picture in your head."
"I think your book is amazing."
"Your story was great, excellent, amazing...

Flags of Forgotten Countries Part Two- The latest article at Dark Roasted Blend

Check out my latest article at Dark Roasted Blend online magazine, this one entitled Flags of Forgotten Countries Part Two
We had such a great response to the first article about flags on Dark Roasted Blend, that we thought we'd unearth a few more examples of fascinating banners from the distant and not so distant past. This article takes a look at some more flags of forgotten countries. 
Flags of Forgotten Countries Part Two is now published at Dark Roasted Blend, among the finest locations...

The Sorcerer's Letterbox and the Mystery of the Princes in the Tower - Part Six

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Reader Comments and Reviews
Here are just a few of the comments readers have made about how much they have enjoyed The Sorcerer's Letterbox.
"Your book is the best !!!!!!!!!!! I wished it never ended! "
"I really enjoyed your book It's so exciting."
"The Sorcerer's Letterbox was the best book I have ever read in my whole entire life."
"'This book is one of those novels that you would want to read over and over again.'"
"I love the Sorcerer's Letterbox. It's so exiting."
"How did you get such...

The Sorcerer's Letterbox and the Mystery of the Princes in the Tower - Part Five

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Reviews of The Sorcerer's Letterbox"This is a great book for kids who like both fantasy and history ... Rose includes terrific details from 1483 (all the while keeping the language accessible for young readers) that might just inspire kids to check out some history books from the library. An entertaining read, with a great feel-good twist at the end."Cincinnati Family Magazine"As with the best timeslip fantasy, the author's obvious zest for interesting historical detail is transformed into...

Young Authors Conference, High River, Alberta - Saturday, May 1, 2009

The Young Authors Conference, organized by the Foothills School Division, encompassing communities south of Calgary, will take place this year on May 1, in High River, Alberta. Highly creative and talented students from schools in Blackie, Black Diamond, Cayley, Dewinton, High River, Longview, Millarville, Okotoks, Red Deer Lake and Turner Valley come together for a wide variety of highly informative and entertaining workshops by local authors and illustrators. I am delighted to be part of...

The Sorcerer's Letterbox and the Mystery of the Princes in the Tower - Part Four

An excerpt from The Sorcerer's Letterbox.
England 1470 Brother William gazed into the ball of polished glass in front of him. Tantalizing glimpses of the future, shrouded in mist and shadows, flickered and disappeared. Carefully, he put the ball back into its velvet sack and ran his fingers over the exquisitely decorated box in front of him. It perfectly matched the image that he had just seen.He heard footsteps coming up the stairs. That must be the queen, he thought, opening the door. She...

Classes with Chinook Learning Services in Calgary, Saturday May 8

[image error] The Calgary Board of Education provides adult and continuing education through Chinook Learning Services. This spring, I am pleased to be offering the following courses.

Writing Children's Books: Intro - 9.30 am to Noon May 8In 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...