Catherine Austen's Blog, page 8

January 8, 2021

Author Interview #1: Caroline Pignat

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-gswkt-f6f91f

The first of a season of author interviews featuring creative writing advice and anecdotes not included in the core Cabin Tales Podcast. Heard today: Caroline Pignat.

A full transcript is available at CabinTales.ca.

Show Notes

[0:00] Intro

Welcome back for a season of interview leftovers, one author at a time. Today’s guest is Caroline Pignat, two-time Governor General’s Award-winning author of Greener Grass, The Gospel Truth, Shooter, Egghead, and many more great Canadian books….

[1:15] Interview with Caroline Pignat

CA: Have you ever written a monster story?

CP: Not since like elementary school. … My inner child is traumatized…. I think I feel more threatened by those love and belonging [conflicts], like something happening to the people I care most about…

[4:00] CA: And do you have a favorite setting from fiction?

CP: …The movies I watch over and over are Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Pirates of the Caribbean….. I like watching the hero’s journey happening in settings that are different than what I’m currently in…

[4:50] CA: And when you are drafting or coming up with a story idea, do you ever mop your world or do settings sketches or anything like that?

CP: I do… As I walk around it in my imagination, it becomes a real place. …. Definitely I’ll have a lot of pictures up…

[6:10] CA: And since you’re often writing from first person…

CP: It makes it hard when you’re writing in first person, because they’re not going to describe what the butter churn looks; like they’re just going to go make butter…. It’s always helpful in the opening sentences to place them in the setting….. I’ll try and use setting not just as some random place where the story happens but try and have it be meaningful if it can be….

[7:20] CA: What kind of ending feels satisfying to you? What if the bad guy wins?

CP: …I don’t know if I could write that…. When I first wrote Egghead, the bully got into all kinds of trouble at the end of the book …. But my editor said… you may want to soften that and help us understand why he would do the things he did. … I kind of stick to that Disney mentality that good wins… There’s enough bad news in the world, where you see people who cheat or lie getting ahead. I like to see in a book that fundamental truth that good will prevail…

[8:50] CA: Is first person your favorite point of view to write from?

CP: … I do prefer it. …I’ve had up to six people speaking in first person in novels that I’ve written… I’ve kind of stepped back with this one to try and write in a third person point of view.

[9:40] CA: And when you write, do you choose words consciously to build a mood?

CP: …If I want it to be tense, I’ll go in and chop up the sentences to make them really short because that makes it feel erratic … I don’t usually shape all of that stuff till after I’ve written the story…. For the mood, what helps me imagine the mood is to listen to music. … So if I’m writing like a scary scene, I’ll listen to something scary, and that helps make my heart race and makes me feel antsy and nervous, and it comes out in the writing that I do.

[10:50] CA: Did you know the ends of your stories?

CP: Usually … It’s really cool to set a story in a certain time period because … it’s already giving you your plot points…. Sometimes a blank page where you can do anything is a little overwhelming and you don’t know what to do next…. When I wrote The Gospel Truth, originally it was going to be a story about the Underground Railroad …To me the whole journey of “Should I run away or not?” — that was much more interesting to me, her inner journey of making the decision to run. …. I didn’t know as I was writing that book, is she going to stay or go? …If you know the characters really well, they’re going to help you figure out what the next step. …In Egghead, as well, the Devin character was based on my boyfriend from grade 8 …. In Shooter … when the editor read it, she said … “I think you have a lot of kids with needs in here. Maybe Annie shouldn’t be quite so anxious and neurotic.’ And I started laughing because I had based her on me….

CA: Have you ever written a story about a curse?

CP: The one I’m working on now has a curse in it.

[14:35] CA: Did you ever tell stories around a campfire?

CP: No…. The stories that I loved as a kid were asking my parents like, How did you meet? … I used to love hearing stories about what it was like for them when they were teenagers and stories about what was it like when I was little ….

[15:15] CA: Do you have any favorite scary stories or movies?

CP: I did read Stephen King…. For older teens, that might be an author that they want to consider reading….

[16:30] CA: So you have acrophobia, the fear of heights. Do you have any other phobias?

CP: I used to be afraid of the Dickie Dee when I was a kid. …My mom would give me money to go buy it but I had to go on my own — she was trying to teach me independence. … It wasn’t worth it. …I used to be too shy to get up and speak in front of people… There are things you can learn to work through….

[17:50] CA: Do you collect anything?

CP: …Art supplies. … it’s more of a collection, really, than artistic endeavors….

[18:20] Caroline Pignat introduces herself

[19:10] Find out more

You can hear more advice from Caroline Pignat on Cabin Tales Episodes 1, 2.5, and 8, in which she joins other authors in speaking about setting, character, and revision, respectively.

Find out more about Caroline and her books from her website at CarolinePignat.com.

[19:45] Thanks and coming up on the podcast

I’ll be back next week with leftovers from my interview with Jane Coates, the award-winning author of picture books, early readers, and novels, who joins us from Nova Scotia.

Thanks for listening.

Credits:

Music on the podcast is from “Stories of the Old Mansion” by Akashic Records, provided by Jamendo (Standard license for online use).

Host: Catherine Austen writes books for children, short stories for adults, and reports for corporate clients. Visit her at www.catherineausten.com.

Guest Author: Caroline Pignat is a two-time Governor Generalʼs Literary Award-winning author of 17 novels, plus non-fiction and poetry. With over 20 years’ experience teaching in schools, workshops, and at conferences, Caroline loves helping young writers find and share their unique voices. Find her online at www.carolinepignat.com.

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Published on January 08, 2021 03:03

December 31, 2020

The Spirit of Sharing

If you’re Canadian and a reader, you’ve probably heard of Blue Met (Metropolis Bleu). It produces a renowned international Literary Festival in Montreal every spring, along with a slightly-less-well-known Children’s Literary Festival. But Blue Met is so much more than an event!

A non-profit arts foundation, Blue Met is dedicated to bringing people from different cultures together to share the pleasures of reading and writing. It offers educational and social programs year-round, for all ages, in and out of classrooms, to promote mental health, encourage academic perseverance, and fight against poverty and social isolation.

For more than 20 years, Blue Met has been providing face-to-face creative experiences. But this year — like everyone has had to — they’ve focussed on virtual projects.

I was one of the authors slated to participate in the 2020 Blue Met Children’s Festival last spring, cancelled due to the pandemic. So I was very pleased to be part of Blue Met’s “Writers as Gifts” project this fall/winter. (No, I don’t get to go to Montreal and meet actual humans. But it’s nice to be part of something.)

“Writers as Gifts” is an online holiday storytelling party that features recorded readings by 8 children’s authors with the theme, “The Spirit of Sharing.” The project features original English poems and stories from Anne Renaud, Lydia Lukidis, and me, Catherine Austen, and French pieces from Louis Émond, Gabriel Anctil, Marie Célie Agnant, Christine Sioui Wawanoloath, and Katia Canciani.

And wow, what an amazing job the creative people at Blue Met have done! They took our simple recordings and turned them into art, adding a montage of images that bring the readings to life, like a moving picture book. Check it out.

I’ve embedded the video of me reading the story “Winter Blues” below. But be sure to watch and listen to all the stories and poems available on the Blue Met website. Beautiful poems, heartfelt stories, gorgeous film footage (I love the animals in Lydia Lukidis’s story!) — it’s something special. The holidays may be coming to a close, but the stories will be up all winter, so check them out whenever you need a pick-me-up.

And browse around the entire Blue Met website. You’ll find all sorts of creative projects to enrich your day, boost your morale, and spark your inner artist.

And while you’re there, if you like what you see and you believe in the foundation’s mission to encourage creativity and intercultural understanding (and who doesn’t?), consider making a donation to Blue Met. Like so many sectors of society, artists and arts organizations have been hit hard by the pandemic. And the world needs the creativity, joy, and understanding that the arts can foster. So give what you can.

And that’s it from me on this grey New Year’s Eve. If you feel the winter blues creep up on you, remember: the days are getting longer. Don’t give up.

Happy New Year!

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Published on December 31, 2020 10:25

December 11, 2020

The Never-ending Story (Episode 8: Revision)

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-9gv6e-f4b48f

The final fall episode of Cabin Tales is about the final stage of creative writing: revision. You’ll hear 26 Canadian authors talk about their revision process, and their recommendations to young writers who want to improve their first draft. 45 minutes all ages.

A transcript of this episode is available at CabinTales.ca.

Show Notes

[0:00] Intro

[1:30] Commentary on Revision

If you don’t want other people to read your work, you don’t have to revise it. But if you do want others to read it and enjoy it, and if you want someone to publish it, then you must revise.

[3:55] Author Interviews

I asked my guest authors about their revision process, how much time they spend revising vs drafting and which process they prefer.

[4:00] Monique Polak envies writers who love revising

[5:07] Lori Weber separates drafting from revising

[6:15] Karen Krossing uses her intuition

[7:35] Caroline Pignat separates creation and evaluation

[9:00] Kari-Lynn Winters tries to resist editing while drafting

[10:20] Philippa Dowding does not edit while she drafts

[11:20] Tim Wynne-Jones usually revises along the way

[12:50] Amanda West Lewis discovers more with each revision

[14:40] Commentary on revising for young writers

For kids, it would be crazy and boring to revise 20 times. Focus on the joy of creating, the passion of storytelling, the fun of it. But do try to revise at least once.

[16:00] Interviews on revising while young

[16:00] Cary Fagan on the chore of revising while young

[17:15] Sarah Raughley on taking your time while young

[18:45] Commentary on how to revise

One of the first steps in revision is evaluating your work.

[19:15] Revision Recommendations

One good practice in revision is to simply cut the word count by 10%.

[19:45] Jan Coates reads aloud and uses a thesaurus

[20:45] Jeff Szpirglas saves his drafts to combine and revise

[21:45] Rachel Eugster is looking for ways to lessen revision

[22:25] Robin Stevenson has learned to revise wisely

[24:00] Ishta Mercurio starts revisions with a blank page

[24:50] Wendy McLeod MacKnight drafts very quickly

[26:05] Amelinda Bérubé finds the drafting a slog

[28:15] Commentary on g etting help with revision

If you’re ready, get feedback from a reader – your friend, other writers, your parents, your English teacher. All of the above. But don’t let critiquing crush your creativity.

[29:55] Interviews about critiques

[30:00] David McArthur encourages critiques

[30:55] Lena Coakley spent 10 years on her first great book

[31:45] Raquel Rivera revises with help from friends and editors

[32:55] Marty Chan advises critique group

[35:00] Lisa Dalrymple offers critiquing advice

[36:10] Don Cummer is grateful for critique groups

[37:20] Frieda Wishinsky says critiquing is a life skill

[38:50] Kate Inglis likes the support of other writers

[40:05] Karen Bass has learned to put story over ego

[42:05] Caveats

Creativity is always a good thing, even if your latest creation is not awesome. Maybe you can make it awesome with one more revision.

[43:40] Thanks and coming up on the podcast

I’ll be sharing my full interviews with all the Cabin Tales guest authors this winter, beginning on January 8th and continuing every Friday through the 2021 school year.

If you were hoping for a final story, I will be doing a national public reading in January featuring an original Cabin Tale with multiple endings. More info in January.

If you are a youth in Ottawa, the Ottawa Public Library’s Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest is on. I am a judge of fiction in the 9-12 age category and I want to read your story. But please don’t make me read your first draft.

Have a creative December and a wonderful holiday break. Thanks for listening.

Credits:

Music on the podcast is from “Stories of the Old Mansion” by Akashic Records, provided by Jamendo (Standard license for online use).

Art: The B&W image for this episode is from a wood engraving by Frederick Sandys from Reproductions of Woodcuts by F. Sandys, 1860-1866.

Host: Catherine Austen writes books for children, short stories for adults, and reports for corporate clients. Visit her at www.catherineausten.com.

Guest Authors

Karen Bass loves writing action and adventure, and she likes to slide in some history when she can. She has twice won the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction. Karen lived most of her life in rural Alberta but now lives in southern Ontario. Karen loves having a whole new part of Canada to explore and use as inspiration for new stories. Find her online at www.karenbass.ca.

Amelinda Bérubé is a freelance writer and the author of the YA novels The Dark Beneath the Ice and Here There Are Monsters. A mother of two and a passionate gardener, she lives in Ottawa, Ontario, in a perpetual whirlwind of unfinished projects and cat hair. Find her online at www.metuiteme.com.

Marty Chan writes books for kids, plays for adults, and tweets for fun. He’s best known for Mystery of the Graffiti Ghoul, which won the 2007 Diamond Willow Award. His newest book, Haunted Hospital, launched October 29th. He works and lives in Edmonton with his wife Michelle and their cat Buddy. Find him online at MartyChan.com.

Lena Coakley was born in Milford, Connecticut. In high school, creative writing was the only class she ever failed—nothing was ever good enough to hand in! She has since published two YA novels, Worlds of Ink and Shadow and Witchlanders. Wicked Nix, her first book for middle-grade readers, was nominated for numerous awards. Find her online at www.lenacoakley.com.

Jan Coates grew up in Truro, Nova Scotia, and has lived in Wolfville for most of her adult life. She has published six picture books, six middle grade novels, and 18 levelled chapter books for emergent readers. Her first novel, A Hare in the Elephant’s Trunk, was a finalist for the 2011 Governor General’s Literary Awards. Find her online at www.jancoates.ca.

Don Cummer is the author of the “Jake and Eli” stories published by Scholastic, set during the War of 1812. The first book, Brothers at War, was short-listed for the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young Readers. Don spends his time between Canada and Ireland – where he’s finding many more stories to tell. Find him online at www.doncummer.com .

Lisa Dalrymple has written 11 books for young readers, including Fierce: Women who Shaped Canada, and Skink on the Brink. She now lives in Fergus, Ontario with her husband and their 3 highly-energetic children. Find her online at lisadalrymple.com .

Philippa Dowding is an award-winning children’s author, poet, musician, and marketing copywriter. Her 2017 middle-grade novel, Myles and the Monster Outside, won the OLA Silver Birch Express Honour Book award. Philippa lives in Toronto with her family. Find her on her website at http://pdowding.com.

Rachel Eugster is the author of the picture book The Pocket Mommy and the “Ingredients of a Balanced Diet” series. A theatre artist, singer, and choral conductor, Rachel premiered in her original play Whose Æmilia? at the Ottawa Fringe Festival in 2015. Find her online at https://racheleugster.com/.

Photo by Mark Reynes Roberts

Cary Fagan writes picture books and novels for children and adults. His many awards include the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, the IODE Jean Throop Award, the Betty Stuchner–Oy Vey!–Funniest Children’s Book Award, and the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for his body of work. Cary lives in Toronto. Find him online at https://www.caryfagan.com.

Kate Inglis is an award-winning author for adults and children. Her novels, non-fiction, and poetic picture books are infused with the salt, woodsmoke, and fresh air of the North Atlantic coast. Kate is also a photographer and a corporate writer. Find her online at www.kateinglis.com.

Karen Krossing is the author of seven award-winning novels for kids and teens, including Punch Like a Girl, Bog, and Cut the Lights, plus two picture books on the way. Karen encourages new writers through workshops for kids, teens, and adults. She lives in Toronto. Find her online at www.karenkrossing.com.

David McArthur is a graphic designer and creative writer based in Victoria, BC. His “What Does…” picture book series started as a game that David played with his son as they were driving to daycare. Find him online at www.akidsauthor.com.

Wendy McLeod MacKnight is the author of three middle grade novels: It’s a Mystery, Pig Face! , The Frame-Up and The Copycat. In her spare time, she gardens, hangs with her family and friends, and feeds raccoons. Visit Wendy online at wendymcleodmacknight.com .

Ishta Mercurio lives and writes in Brampton, Ontario, where she serves as the Chairman of the Board for The FOLD Foundation, a non-profit that promotes underrepresented voices in Canadian literature. Her picture book debut, Small World, illustrated by Jen Corace, won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for the Canadian region. Find Ishta online at www.ishtamercurio.com.

Caroline Pignat is a two-time Governor Generalʼs Literary Award-winning author of novels, non-fiction, and poetry. With over 20 years’ experience teaching in schools, workshops, and at conferences, Caroline loves helping young writers find and share their unique voices. Find her online at www.carolinepignat.com.

Monique Polak is the Montreal-based author of 29 books for young people and a two-time winner of the Quebec Writers’ Federation Prize for Children’s and YA Literature. She has been teaching English and Humanities at Marianopolis College in Montreal for over 30 years. Find her online at www.moniquepolak.com.

Dr. Sarah Raughley is the author of five YA fantasy novels, including the bestselling Effigies series and the forthcoming Bones of Ruin series. Her books have been nominated for the Aurora Award for Best Young Adult novel. Find her online at https://sarahraughley.com .

Photo by Katya Konioukhova

Raquel Rivera is a writer, artist and performer based in Montreal. She has published five books for young readers. She also writes about books for Constellations, a library and online database of quality children’s literature, for use by teachers, librarians, and the public. Visit her online at www.raquelriverawashere.com.

Robin Stevenson is the award-winning author of 29 books for all ages. She lives on the west coast of Canada. Robin is launching three new books in 2021: a picture book, PRIDE PUPPY, a middle-grade non-fiction book, KID INNOVATORS, and a young adult novel, WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE. Find her online at https://robinstevenson.com .

Jeff Szpirglas is the author of over 20 books for young readers, including entries for Scholastic’s “Countdown To Danger” series and Orca’s “Tales From Beyond the Brain.” Jeff has worked at CTV and he was an editor at Chirp, chickaDEE, and Owl Magazines. He is a full-time parent and full-time teacher. Visit him online at jeffszpirglas.com .

Lori Weber is the author of eight books for young adults and middle-grade readers, including Yellow Mini, a novel in verse, and Deep Girls, a short-story collection. A native Montrealer, she taught at John Abbott College for decades before her recent retirement. Find her online at www.lori-weber.com.

Amanda West Lewis is a writer, theatre director and calligrapher. Her writing for children and youth ranges from historical YA fiction to craft books on the art of writing. She is the Artistic Director and Founder of The Ottawa Children’s Theatre. Find her online at www.amandawestlewis.com.

Dr. Kari-Lynn Winters is an award-winning children’s author, playwright, performer, and academic scholar. She is an Associate Professor at Brock University and the author of French Toast, Jeffrey and Sloth, On My Walk, Gift Days, and many other imaginative picture books. Find her online at http://kariwinters.com/

Frieda Wishinsky has written over 70 picture books, chapter books, novels and non-fiction books. Her books have won or been nominated for many prestigious awards, including the Governor General’s Award, the Print Braille Book of the Year Award, the TD Literature Award and the Marilyn Baillie Picture book award. Find her online at https://friedawishinsky.com.

Tim Wynne-Jones has written 35 books for adults and children of all ages. His books have been translated into a dozen languages and won multiple awards, including the Governor General’s Award, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, the Arthur Ellis Award, and the Edgar Award. Tim was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2012. Find him online at http://www.timwynne-jones.com/.

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Published on December 11, 2020 03:03

December 4, 2020

Author Interviews about Endings (Episode 7.5)

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-qhqx5-f404f0

Keeping the focus on the subject of how to end your story, this episode features guest authors Lena Coakley, Karen Bass, Lisa Dalrymple, Ishta Mercurio, and Tim Wynne-Jones. 45 minutes. All ages.

A full transcript is available on CabinTales.ca.

Show Notes

[0:00] Introduction

[1:15] Commentary about endings

The ending is the part of the story with the greatest effect on how I feel about a book.

[3:45] Author Interviews about Endings

[4:30] Tim Wynne-Jones on discovering the ending along the way

[6:35] Lisa Dalrymple on writing and reading endings

[8:55] Ishta Mercurio’s favourite endings

[11:45] Karen Bass’s favourite final lines and series

[14:40] Lena Coakley on reaching the end at last

[17:05] Commentary on satisfying and sad endings

One thing that makes an ending satisfying is that it makes good on the promise that you laid out at the beginning of your story. … There are conventions about endings in different genres of writing.

[19:35] Author Interviews about sad endings

[17:10] Karen Bass likes mixed endings

[20:40] Lena Coakley cries at her own endings

[22:00] Lisa Dalrymple says sad endings reflect reality

[23:10] Ishta Mercurio on life and books and hope

[25:20] Tim Wynne-Jones on satisfying and sad endings

[28:05] Commentary on fairy-tale endings

The saying “a fairy tale ending” means a happy ending or an unbelievably happy ending. But many fairy tales do not have happy endings at all.

Excerpts from Perrault’s “Cinderella” and the Grimms’ “Cinderella.”

Ending of Perrault’s “Little Red Riding Hood.”

[33:05] Guest author recommendations to young writers

[33:20] Karen Bass says echo the beginning

[34:10] Lisa Dalrymple recommends keeping the character in mind

[34:05] Tim Wynne-Jones says look for motivation

[38:00] Lena Coakley gives advice on twists

[38:55] Ishta Mercurio warns of separating judgment of self and work

[40:30] Coming up on the podcast

However you end your tale, you’ll have to revise your work. You’ll hear more about that in next week’s episode, “The Never-ending Story,” all about Revision.

You’ll hear a snippet from almost everyone who has been a guest author on the show.

[42:35] Story: Kidnapped by the Moon

The episode closes with a story Tim Wynne-Jones and I made up during our interview. Hear how happy we were to get to the end. In part, that’s because it’s a happy ending. In part, it’s because we were proud to have reached it. And in part, we were simply relieved that it was over. And there’s a bit of those feelings in every ending. Thanks for listening.

Credits

Music on the podcast is from “Stories of the Old Mansion” by Akashic Records, provided by Jamendo (Standard license for online use).

Host: Catherine Austen writes books for children, short stories for adults, and reports for corporate clients. Visit her at www.catherineausten.com.

Guest Authors

Karen Bass loves writing action and adventure, and she likes to slide in some history when she can to make the past come alive for young readers. She has twice won the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction and has received numerous other nominations and accolades for her stories, including one being named as a USBBY Outstanding International Book. Aside from finishing her degree in Victoria, BC, Karen lived most of her life in rural Alberta. When her husband retired, they decided to strike out on their own adventure, and now call southern Ontario home. Aside from writing, Karen works occasionally in a library, and so has a constantly growing pile of books waiting to be read. She loves having a whole new part of Canada to explore and use as inspiration for new stories. Find her online at www.karenbass.ca; on Facebook @karenbassYA on Twitter @karenbassYA and on Instagram @karenbassYA.

Lena Coakley was born in Milford, Connecticut and grew up on Long Island. In high school, creative writing was the only class she ever failed—nothing was ever good enough to hand in!—but undeterred, she went on to study writing at Sarah Lawrence College. She has published two YA novels, Worlds of Ink and Shadow and Witchlanders. Wicked Nix, her first book for middle-grade readers, was nominated for the Silver Birch Express Award, the MYRCA Sundogs Award, and the Rocky Mountain Book Award. She now lives in Toronto with her two cats, Bonbon and Pirate Jenny. Find her online at www.lenacoakley.com; on Twitter @lenacoakley; and on Facebook @lena.coakley.

Lisa Dalrymple is a wandering, wondering, dabbling, babbling, addle-brained author and mind-muddled mum. She has written 11 books for young readers, including Fierce: Women who Shaped Canada, A Moose Goes A-Mummering and Skink on the Brink. Lisa has taught kindergarten in South Korea and Thailand, caught and eaten piranha in the Amazon jungle and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. She now lives in Fergus, Ontario with her husband and their 3 highly-energetic children. Find her online at lisadalrymple.com; on Facebook: @LisaDalrympleBooks; on Twitter: @DalrympleWrites; and on Instagram: @lisa_dalrymple

Ishta Mercurio was born and raised in an interracial family in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she developed a love of reading and books and big ideas. After leaving for college at the exactly right age of 16, she went on to explore the world and, with it, to explore various ways of storytelling, from dance to theatre to poetry to prose. She now lives and writes in Brampton, Ontario, where she serves as the Chairman of the Board for The FOLD Foundation, a non-profit whose mandate is to lift underrepresented and marginalized voices in Canadian literature. Her picture book debut, Small World, illustrated by Jen Corace (ABRAMS Books for Young Readers), was selected as one of NPR’s Best Books of 2019 and won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for the Canadian region. Find Ishta online at www.ishtamercurio.com or on Facebook at @theoneandonlyishta/, on Twitter @IshtaWrites; or on Instagram @IshtaMercurio.

Tim Wynne-Jones has written 35 books for adults and children of all ages. He has won the Governor General’s Award twice and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award twice, most recently for the thriller, Blink & Caution. He has twice won the Arthur Ellis Award of the Crime Writers of Canada, as well as the Edgar Award of the Mystery Writers of America. His books have been translated into a dozen languages. Tim was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2012. His latest novel, The Starlight Claim, came out in 2019 and his newest collection of short fiction, War at the Snow White Hotel, was released in 2020. Find Tim online at http://www.timwynne-jones.com/; Blog: https://theresalwaysdinner.home.blog/; Twitter: @tim_wj; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tim.wynnejones.3

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Published on December 04, 2020 03:03

November 27, 2020

Just Get it Over With (Episode 7: Endings)

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-qcniz-f369ca

A “telling tales” format with guest authors Marty Chan, Jeff Szpirglas, and Frieda Wishinsky. Featuring an original story with an ambiguous ending; a famous twist from Ambrose Bierce; gorgeous last lines and satisfying summations; and a story prompt about a deus ex machina. PG. 50 minutes.

A full episode transcript and a Fright-free version (with the creepy story removed) is available at CabinTales.ca.

Show Notes

[1:15] Story Intro

Have you ever met someone who seemed the total opposite of the rest of their family? Listen to this story about a tender-hearted boy whose parents love to hunt.

[1:40] Trigger warning: Violence against rodents. To share the podcast with very young listeners, find “fright-free” episodes on CabinTales.ca.

[2:30] Story: “Chewing, Chewing, Chewing”

When Gabriel’s parents told him they’d rented a cabin in the woods, he didn’t want to go….

[14:00] Commentary on Ambiguous Endings

[15:00] Copy the Technique: Ambiguous Endings

[16:00] Excerpt from “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce

Before there was M. Knight Shyamalan, there was Ambrose Bierce, whose short story, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” was like the “Sixth Sense” of 1890.

[18:30] Copy the Technique: Twist

End your story in a way that changes everything that came before.

[19:15] Excerpt from A Dog’s Life by Ann M. Martin

You will often hear the advice that the ending of a story should echo the beginning. The novel A Dog’s Life by Ann M. Martin begins and ends with a dog by the fire with her owner. In between the bookended scenes, we learn the life story that led here.

[20:30] Copy the technique: Echo the Beginning

Go back to the beginning of your story and find something to echo in your ending.

[21:45] Excerpt from Charlotte’s Web by E.B.White

Another tried-and-true way to make a satisfying ending is to sum things up. Charlotte’s Web has a poignant ending that acknowledges but softens the sadness of Wilbur’s journey and Charlotte’s death.

[23:30] Copy the technique: Sum Things Up

Acknowledge that the lives of your characters go on. End your story by telling us a tiny bit about the future, the whole span of your character’s life, in a very brief summing up.

Gorgeous Last Lines:

[24:05] Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

[24:30] The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

[24:50] Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson

[25:50] Copy the technique: A gorgeous last line

Write a last line that is musical and beautiful and moves the reader by what it means and how it resonates with the whole story and by how it sounds.

[26:05] Interviews

[26:40] Jeff Szpirglas on discovering the ending

[28:10] Marty Chan on ending each book in a series

[30:50] Frieda Wishinsky on endings mirroring the beginning

[32:30] Interviews about sad endings

[33:05] Frieda Wishinsky on keeping hope alive

[35:15] Marty Chan on being true to the character

[36:45] Jeff Szpirglas on softening the horror with humour

[39:00] Advice for young writers on how to end a story

[39:10] Jeff Szpirglas on enjoying the discovery

[40:25] Frieda Wishinsky on outlining the story

[41:50] Marty Chan on telling your story out loud

[43:10] Story Prompt: “Not Dead Yet”

Life sometimes sends you a lifesaver.

[48:10] Thanks and coming up on the podcast

If you need more help ending your stories, tune in next week for Episode 7.5 of Cabin Tales, to hear guest authors Lena Coakley, Lisa Dalrymple, Karen Bass, Ishta Mercurio, and Tim Wynne-Jones share their advice.

[48:50] Scary Movie Quote

“That’s all there is. There isn’t any more.”

Thanks for listening.

Credits:

Music on the podcast is from “Stories of the Old Mansion” by Akashic Records, provided by Jamendo (Standard license for online use).

Host: Catherine Austen writes books for children, short stories for adults, and reports for corporate clients. Visit her at www.catherineausten.com.

Art: The B&W image for this episode is from a wood engraving by Gustave Doré from The Days of Chivalry by Ernest Lépine, 1866.

Guest Authors

Jeff Szpirglas is the author of over 20 books for young readers, both fiction and nonfiction, including entries for Scholastic’s “Countdown To Danger” series and Orca’s “Tales From Beyond the Brain.” He has co-authored two books about film soundtracks, and is a regular contributor to the award-winning horror magazine Rue Morgue. Jeff has worked at CTV and he was an editor at Chirp, chickaDEE, and Owl Magazines. These days, he spends his non-writing time as a full-time parent and full-time classroom teacher (and part-time werewolf). Visit him online at jeffszpirglas.com and find him on Twitter @jeffszpirglas or on Facebook.

Frieda Wishinsky has written over 70 picture books, chapter books, novels and non-fiction books. Picture book biographies are one of her favourite genres. She’s written biographies about Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Frederick Law Olmsted and most recently, Emily Roebling (How Emily Saved the Bridge). Frieda loves sharing the writing process. Find her online at https://friedawishinsky.com.

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Published on November 27, 2020 03:03

November 20, 2020

Author Interviews about Beginnings (Episode 6.5)

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-pbz8g-f2cc13

A “talking tales” episode — all interviews – about how to begin a story. With guest authors Frieda Wishinsky; Sarah Raughley; Don Cummer; David McArthur; and Wendy McLeod MacKnight, speaking about their favourite first lines, their advice to young writers on how to begin, and how they began to write professionally. 45 minutes. All ages.

A full transcript of this episode is available at CabinTales.ca.

Show Notes

[0:00] Intro

[1:15] Commentary on Finding the Beginning of your story

Beginnings are important. They’re like a first impression: the opening of your story will colour the reader’s experience of everything that comes after. But the beginning of your story is always a made-up moment.

[3:45] Interviews on what makes a good beginning

[4:30] Frieda Wishinsky on letting the reader know what they’re getting into

[6:40] Sarah Raughley on the delicate balance between too early and too late

[8:35] Don Cummer on the revising a beginning

[10:45] David McArthur on setting a scene

[13:20] Wendy McLeod MacKnight’s favourite first line

[15:20] Commentary on first lines

One thing most people agree on: a reader should have some sense of what type of book they’re in for from the opening.

[18:35] Guest author recommendations to young writers

[18:55] Sarah Raughley knows how hard it is to begin

[20:30] David McArthur knows that beginnings can change

[22:00] Frieda Wishinsky likes to stick to the point

[23:20] Wendy McLeod MacKnight wants to be hooked

[24:45] Don Cummer suggests you just dig in

[26:30] Commentary on motivation

There’s the technical sense of where and how to open your story. But there’s also the motivational sense of how to make yourself write when you’re not sure what your story is.

[28:05] Guest Authors’ beginnings as writers

[28:15] Wendy McLeod MacKnight was a Deputy Minister

[29:40] Don Cummer was a speechwriter

[31:30] David McArthur read and wrote through dyslexia

[34:25] Frieda Wishinsky loves being part of the human story

[36:15] Sarah Raughley learned to believe in herself

[39:35] Thanks and Coming up on the Podcast

Tune in next week for Episode 7: “Just Get it Over With,” all about the endings of stories. That’s a “telling tales” format, so you’ll hear stories, excerpts, and prompts, and guest authors Marty Chan, Jeff Szpirglas, and Frieda Wishinsky.

Thanks for listening.

Credits:

Music on the podcast is from “Stories of the Old Mansion” by Akashic Records, provided by Jamendo (Standard license for online use).

Host: Catherine Austen writes books for children, short stories for adults, and reports for corporate clients. Visit her at www.catherineausten.com.

Art: The B&W image for this episode is from a wood engraving by Amédée Forestier from Wilkie Collin’s Blind Love, 1890.

Guest Authors

Don Cummer is the author of the “Jake and Eli” stories published by Scholastic – a series about two best friends growing up during the War of 1812. The first book, Brothers at War, was short-listed for the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young Readers. Don was born in Calgary and grew up on a ranch. He moved to Ottawa, where he wrote speeches for a living, and now spends his time between Canada and Ireland – where he’s finding many more stories to tell. Find him online at www.doncummer.com and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSJOMFDqjhk&t=2s

David McArthur is a graphic designer and creative writer based in Victoria, BC. He struggled with reading and writing as a child, and those struggles are part of the reason he created a series of books which give children confidence to read. The “What Does…” series started as a simple game that David played with his son as they were driving to daycare. Seeing the way his son joyfully reacted to the story was so wonderful that David turned the story into a book. The rest, as they say, is history! Find him online at www.akidsauthor.com.

Wendy McLeod MacKnight grew up in a small town with a library card as her most prized possession. She worked for the Government of New Brunswick for twenty-five years until the siren call of writing became impossible to ignore. She is the author of three middle grade novels: It’s a Mystery, Pig Face! (Sky Pony Press), The Frame-Up and The Copycat (both from Greenwillow Books). In her spare time, she gardens, hangs with her family and friends, and feeds raccoons. Visit Wendy online at wendymcleodmacknight.com or on Twitter @wendymacknight or Instagram @wendymcleodmacknight.

Dr. Sarah Raughley grew up in Southern Ontario. She is the author of five YA fantasy novels, including the bestselling Effigies series and the forthcoming Bones of Ruin series. Her books have been nominated for the Aurora Award for Best Young Adult novel. Her academic research concerns representations of race and gender in popular media culture, youth culture, and postcolonialism. Sarah is a fangirl of manga and sci-fi TV. Find her online at https://sarahraughley.com and on Twitter at ‎@s_raughley

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Published on November 20, 2020 03:03

November 13, 2020

Begin in the Darkness (Episode 6)

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-jxnge-f21d70

An episode about how to begin a story, with guest authors Karen Bass, Kate Inglis, and Chris Jones. Featuring an original story, great first lines from classic fiction, and suggested writing exercises. PG.

A full transcript is available at CabinTales.ca.

Show Notes

[0:00] Intro

[1:15] Story Intro

If a Labrador Retriever showed up on your porch barking, you’d think, “This dog is trying to tell me something.” You would never think, “This dog is trying to lure me to my death.” (If you want to share with very young listeners, download the “fright-free” version available at CabinTales.ca.)

[2:35] “The Barking Dog” by Manny

[12:20] Opening Stories you tell vs. write

A listener at the campfire doesn’t hear the first few lines, then say, ‘You know what? I’m actually going to go to that other campfire and check out that story.’ But a reader has a thousand other books to choose from. That’s why most advice on how to begin a story will tell you to plant a question in the reader’s mind. Here are some gripping first lines that plant questions.

[13:25] Excerpt from Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

“‘Where’s Papa going with that ax?’ said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.”

[14:05] Excerpt from Feed by M.T. Anderson

We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck.

[14:40] Excerpt from The Ritual by Adam Nevill

And on the second day things did not get better.

[15:35] Excerpt from The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

They murdered him.

[16:25] Copy the technique: Opening Lines

Write three opening lines: one in dialogue, like Charlotte’s Web; one that begins in media res, like The Ritual; and one that suggests an unusual setting, like Feed.

[17:50] Openings that introduce a narrator

You can open your story by directly introducing yourself to your reader, just as you might open any conversation.

Excerpt from Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield.

Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show.

Excerpt from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.

Excerpt from Mosquitoland by David Arnold.

I am Mary Iris Malone, and I am not okay.

[18:45] Copy the technique: Introduce yourself

Write an opening that directly addresses the reader, acknowledging that they are about to read your story.

[19:30] Openings that make us care

One of my favourites is Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis. It begins:

It was Sunday after church and all my chores were done.

That’s not especially riveting. But if you can make me enjoy spending time with your characters, I’ll go a long way with them.

[20:20] Copy the technique: Engage the reader

If you’re not sure how to begin, just give us a glimpse of your main character, what makes them unique and likeable. Like a scene of your heroine babysitting for the first time and changing a diaper. If it makes us like her and laugh with her, we’ll follow her to the next scene.

[20:50] Interviews with Authors for kids and teens

[21:10] Karen Bass on beginning with action

[23:00] Kate Inglis on beginning with disorientation

[25:05] Chris Jones on beginning with problems

[27:05] Authors’ Advice for young writers on how to begin

[27:20] Chris Jones on beginning with emotion

[28:35] Kate Inglis on hopping around a book

[30:50] Karen Bass on setting a tone

[32:10] How my guests began to write and illustrate

[32:25] Kate Inglis on getting her 10,000 hours early

[34:05] Karen Bass on making a great late entrance

[35:20] Chris Jones on starting young and returning later

[43:35] Story Prompt: “Flowers in the Graveyard”

Today I was walking my dog when I saw this girl, maybe 18 or so, cut through the cemetery. She walked right up to a headstone and took the flowers that were resting against it….

[39:35] Scary Movie Quote

Try out various beginnings out on a trusted listener, like your mom. As a famous Hollywood character once said, “A boy’s best friend is his mother.”

[40:05] Thanks and coming up on the podcast

Next week I’ll talk with five more great Canadian authors about their beginnings: Frieda Wishinsky; Sarah Raughley; Don Cummer; David McArthur; and Wendy McLeod MacKnight.

Thanks for listening.

Credits:

Music on the podcast is from “Stories of the Old Mansion” by Akashic Records, provided by Jamendo (Standard license for online use).

(The 80s music moment at 16:30 is from Yaz’s “In my Room.”)

Host: Catherine Austen writes books for children, short stories for adults, and reports for corporate clients. Visit her at www.catherineausten.com.

Art: The B&W image for this episode is from a wood engraving by Amédée Forestier from Wilkie Collin’s Blind Love, 1890.

Guest Authors

Karen Bass loves writing action and adventure, and she likes to slide in some history when she can to make the past come alive for young readers. She has twice won the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction and has received numerous other nominations and accolades for her stories, including one being named as a USBBY Outstanding International Book. Aside from finishing her degree in Victoria, BC, Karen lived most of her life in rural Alberta. When her husband retired, they decided to strike out on their own adventure, and now call southern Ontario home. Aside from writing, Karen works occasionally in a library, and so has a constantly growing pile of books waiting to be read. She loves having a whole new part of Canada to explore and use as inspiration for new stories. Find her online at www.karenbass.ca; on Facebook @karenbassYA on Twitter @karenbassYA and on Instagram @karenbassYA.

Kate Inglis is an award-winning author for adults and children. She writes about pirates and giants and mermaids and all the ways we love each other. Kate’s novels, non-fiction, and poetic picture books are infused with the salt, woodsmoke, and fresh air of the North Atlantic coast. Kate is also a photographer and a corporate writer. Find her online at www.kateinglis.com; on Instagram @kate_inglis, on Twitter @kate_inglis; and on Facebook @kateinglisbooks.

Chris Jones is an illustrator with a passion for visual storytelling. He illustrates for picture books, graphic novels, magazines and educational materials. Chris has illustrated over 20 books for young readers, including Scholastic’s Take Me Out to The Ice Rink, and This is The Rink Where Jack Plays. When not illustrating for clients, Chris spends his time writing and illustrating his own comic and picture book projects. Find Chris online at: www.mrjonesey.com; Instagram @mrjonesey; Twitter @mrJonesey

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Published on November 13, 2020 03:03

November 6, 2020

October 30, 2020

Spooky Student Stories (Halloween Special Episode)

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-tt9f2-f0c7ba

A special Halloween episode featuring 5 spooky stories written by students aged 11-17, including a terrifying musical awakening, a horrifying futuristic drug, a demonic yoga class, a pizza you don’t want to order, and a phone call you don’t want to answer. PG. Let the kids listen in.

A transcript of this episode is available at CabinTales.ca.

Show Notes

[0:00] Episode intro

[1:15] Story One Intro

Have you ever been babysitting when there’s a crazed killer on the loose? Whenever that happens to me, I make sure to lock all the doors and windows. But today you’ll hear a story about a forgetful babysitter in a house with too many doors. And something is about to sneak inside.

[3:20] “Bat, Axe, Racket” by Jacob Tremblay

Maggie was out on her first babysitting job in the big house down the street. The house had a front door, a back door, and a side door. And Maggie forgot to lock all of them….

[5:55] About the Author

Jacob Tremblay is 11 years old and he has never babysat, and he can’t remember ever being babysat, but he has read scary stories about babysitting…

[7:00] Story Two Intro

Have you ever fallen asleep standing up? Ever slept over at a friend’s or relative’s house or in a hotel and woken from a dream and you had no idea where you were? You’re still half in the dream and all you know is that this is not your room. Well, today you’ll hear a story about someone who wakes and has a very hard time figuring out where she is. And maybe she would rather not know.

[7:45] “The Music Box” by Prisha Mehta

Tick. Painted eyes flutter open. She’s standing upright, balancing on the tips of her toes, one arm raised over her head and the other extended. Her left arm is caked with something—dirt? Dust? Where is she? Tick. Tick….

[14:10] About the Author

Prisha Mehta is a high school senior from Millburn, New Jersey, with many publications to her credit. “The Music Box” was first published in Blue Marble Review. Prisha has known since the third grade that she wanted to be a writer. And she is fabulous.

[15:15] Story Three Intro

Have you ever struggled with depression or anxiety or guilt? Maybe you did something you felt so bad over that you just couldn’t bring yourself to face the world? Well, today you’ll hear a story about someone in the future who tries a new experimental method for forcing herself to face the world. But maybe she shouldn’t. Maybe she should just stay in the basement.

[16:00] “Ear to Ear” by Owen Fitzpatrick

When my inbox trilled like a sparrow, telling me I had mail, I had no idea what to expect. Practically no one emailed me anymore, after what I had done. I just stayed in the basement…

[22:00] About the Author

Owen Fitzpatrick is a 13-year-old student in grade nine at Lisgar Collegiate High School in Ottawa whose advice to any young writer is: “Don’t be afraid to share your ideas. Just start writing.” “Ear to Ear” was a First Place Winner in the Ottawa Public Library’s Awesome Authors youth writing contest in the 9-12 age category, and it was published in Pot-pourri 2019. Thanks to Owen and to the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association, which publishes Pot-pourri, for giving permission to feature the story on this show.

[23:50] Story Four Intro

Have you ever taken a yoga class that was just a little beyond your flexibility? And you just couldn’t wait for the end relaxation so that you could rest? Well, you’re about to hear a story about a couple of very unusual creatures who take a yoga class. Thanks to yoga teacher Patricia Dickinson for the inspiration for the guided meditation in the background to this story, and thanks to the author, Kayleigh Williams, for allowing that liberty with her story.

[24:45] “Demon Yoga” by Kayleigh Williams

Lie down in a comfortable position. Let your arms rest by your side…

Barbas and Furfur were two demons who’d been taking yoga together for a year. They’d started with an introductory session, then they moved on to Beginner One, Beginner Two, Beginner Three, and now they were just starting an Intermediate class….

[30:55] About the Author

Kayleigh Williams went to a yoga class with her mother and “I could not lie still during the end relaxation and I still don’t understand how anyone can relax lying down with their eyes closed in a dimly lit room full of total strangers who could be psycho killers or demons for all you know.”

[31:55] Story Five Intro

Have you ever gone up to a stranger’s door, maybe you were collecting bottles or selling lawn care services, and you ring the bell and you have no idea who’s going to answer that door? You have no idea what you might be interrupting. Well, you’re about to hear a story where the door is answered by someone in the middle of a summoning.

[32:35] “Deliverance” by Sarah Ham

Phil shuffled the pizza boxes, desperately trying to liberate one of his arms….

[38:35] About the Author

That story won Second Prize in the Ottawa Public Library’s Awesome Authors contest a couple of years ago in the 15-17 age category, and it was first published in Pot-pourri 2017. The author, Sarah Ham, is your average writerly ghost. Sarah’s advice to young writers is to have fun with what you write. “If you enjoy it, so will your readers!” Thanks to the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association for permission to include this story.

[38:00] Time to write your own tale

I’ll be reading another four student stories next week in a special Post-Halloween episode of Cabin Tales. Let today’s stories and the spirit of Halloween inspire you to write something to suit the season. Tune in next week for more.

[40:30] Thanks and curses (monster movie quote); coming up on the podcast

As a Hollywood monster hunter once said, “I’m drawing a line in the sand here. Do not read the Latin.” But who believes in curses? Neewollah Ypaah, young writers, and Dna Sknaht Rof Gninestil.

Tune in next week for Part Two of Spooky Student Stories. You’ll hear about an Air B&B you don’t want to book, a monster’s lair you don’t want to enter, and more great tales from young writers.

On November 13th, it’s Cabin Tales Episode 6: “Begin in the Darkness,” with stories, excerpts, creative writing commentary, prompts, and interviews with guest authors Karen Bass, Kate Inglis, and Chris Jones.

Until then…. Post a link to today’s episode on your social media and share it with all the young writers in your life. And write your own tale. Thanks for listening.

Credits:

Music on the podcast is from “Stories of the Old Mansion” by Akashic Records, provided by Jamendo (Standard license for online use).

Music in the background of “Demon Yoga” is a brief clip taken from the royalty-free music, “Quiet Time,” by David Fesliyan, from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com. Thank you.

Host: Catherine Austen writes books for children, short stories for adults, and reports for corporate clients. Visit her at www.catherineausten.com.

Art: The B&W image for this episode is from a wood engraving by Edwin Austin Abbey from Selections from the Poetry of Robert Herrick, 1882.

Publications mentioned in the show:

Blue Marble Review is a quarterly online literary journal showcasing the creative work of young writers ages 13-22. They welcome poetry, fiction, personal essays, travel stories, and opinion pieces as well as art and photography. The goal of the journal is to assemble in each issue, a broad range of voices, perspectives, and life experiences.

Pot-pouri: Since 2007, the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association (FOPLA) has been proud to publish pot-pourri, an anthology featuring the winning entries from the Ottawa Public Library’s annual Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest. Each volume includes bilingual poetry, short stories, and now comics from talented youth authors and artists from the Ottawa community. Buy past years of pot-pourri online.

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Published on October 30, 2020 03:03

October 23, 2020

Picture a Story: Interviews with Illustrators

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-fg8tz-f023d6

Interviews with five Canadian illustrators about creating narratives in words and pictures. Featuring guest author-illustrators Peggy Collins, Katherine Battersby, Farida Zaman, Christine Tripp, and Chris Jones. All ages.

A full transcript of this episode is available at CabinTales.ca.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Intro

[2:15] Commentary on how picture books are made

Interviews about creating alone vs with another writer

[5:15] Chris Jones on rewarding collaborations

[7:40] Peggy Collins on responsibility

[9:20] Katherine Battersby on unexpected freedom

[11:45] Christine Tripp on having fun

[13:10] Farida Zaman on having control

[15:00] Developing characters in images

[16:10] Peggy Collins loves designing characters

[17:45] Chris Jones develops his characters in action

[19:45] Christine Tripp has her characters in her head

[21:20] Farida Zaman steps inside her characters

[22:30] Katherine Battersby traps characters on paper

[24:10] Commentary on the Fear of Drawing

[27:40] Interviews about traditional and digital art.

[28:20] Christine Tripp likes the safety of digital art

[29:20] Farida Zaman misses her pencils

[30:40] Katherine Battersby finds freedom in digital imagery

[32:25] Peggy Collins is happier with her tech

[34:15] Chris Jones refines his sketches digitally

[36:20] Illustrators’ advice to young writers and artists

[36:30] Katherine Battersby: Read, play, be yourself

[37:50] Peggy Collins: Your stories matter

[38:50] Farida Zaman: Everyone has a story

[40:10] Christine Tripp: Don’t be in a rush

[41:20] Chris Jones: Don’t get discouraged

[42:25] Story prompt: Picture a Halloween tale

[43:40] Thanks and coming up on the podcast

Next week it’s Episode XX: “The Halloween Special,” featuring spooky stories and weird tales from student writers, with no interviews at all. Thanks for listening.

Music on the podcast is from “Stories of the Old Mansion” by Akashic Records, provided by Jamendo (Standard license for online use).

Host: Catherine Austen writes books for children, short stories for adults, and reports for corporate clients. Visit her at www.catherineausten.com.

Art: The B&W image for this episode is from a wood engraving by Émile Bayard from Le général Dourakine, written by Sophie comtesse de Ségur, 1882.

Guest Authors:

Katherine Battersby is the critically acclaimed author and illustrator of ten picture books, including Perfect Pigeons and the popular Squish Rabbit series. Her books have received glowing reviews in The New York Times, starred Kirkus reviews, and have been named CBC Children’s Choice books. Her debut graphic novel series, Cranky Chicken, will be published in 2021. She is regularly booked to speak in schools, libraries and at festivals and she is a passionate advocate for literacy and the arts. Katherine currently divides her time between Brisbane, Australia, and Ottawa, Canada, with her husband, daughter, and their mischievous puppy. Find her online at www.KatherineBattersby.com, on Twitter @KathBatt, on Facebook at @KatherineBattersbyAuthor, on Instagram @katherinebattersby/.

Peggy Collins is a mother, a storyteller, an artist, a teacher, and a lover of books, technology, and learning. She lives in Ontario, where she teaches concept art and character design development. She is the illustrator and author-illustrator of more than a dozen picture books. Find her online at www.PeggysIllustration.com, on Twitter @peggysbooks, on Facebook @ thelittlesproject, on Instagram @peggysillustration.

Christine Tripp has worked in animation, magazine and newspaper Illustration, gag cartooning, and comic strips, but eventually she found her real passion… illustrating children’s books. Over the past 20 years, she has illustrated over 50 books for publishers such as Scholastic USA, Scholastic Canada, and Pearson Canada. Chris considers herself fortunate to have a career that allows her to do exactly what she has loved to do since she was a child: draw! She lives in Stittsville, Ontario, with her husband and their dogs, Kevin and Bob. Their 4 children and 9 grandchildren are her greatest source of pride and joy.

Farida Zaman is a Toronto-based illustrator, author, and educator known for her upbeat, sophisticated, and whimsical style. She has worked with clients including the Latin Grammy Awards, The New York Times, UNICEF, London Underground, Toronto Transit Commission and many more. Farida has illustrated more than a dozen picture books. Her first authored and illustrated picture book – I Want to Be: A Gutsy Girl’s ABC – was published in 2020. She is currently an instructor at Toronto’s Avenue Road Art School, where she runs art workshops and illustration classes for adults and children. Find her online at www.FaridaZaman.com, on Twitter @fzamanart, and on Instagram @fzamanart.

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Published on October 23, 2020 03:03

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