I’m curious about everything and everybody. I like to watch strangers and imagine their lives. Why is he doing that? How did that raccoon get in there? What would she do if…? Basically, I'm nosey. Being a visiting author is one of my favorite parts of being a writer because I get to share my love of reading and writing with lots of other people with big imaginations and amazing ideas. In my free time, I play badminton, shop at used clothing and antique stores, browse Kijiji, travel, go to the gym, and work as a substitute teacher. Besides my books mentioned below, I’ve also written eighteen English as a Second Language chapter books for use in South Korean language schools (Caramel Tree Readers), and two adult ESL workbooks. I live with my husband, Don, and our Golden Irish, Charlie, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Sadly, my adult kids Liam (and Rachel) and Shannon (and Peter) both live in Ontario, as do their two little girls, Noelle and Ada.
a) I read one of my picture books (ANNA MARIA & MAESTRO VIVALDI, DANCING WITH DAISY, RAINBOWS IN THE DARK, THE KING OF KEJI, KARISSA & FELIX, SKY PIG, A HALIFAX TIME-TRAVELLING TUNE) to students in grades P-4 (requires 30 minutes for P/1 groups; an hour for grades 2, 3, 4 classes). For students in grades 4-6, I read from The Hermit, A Hare in the Elephant's Trunk, The Power of Harmony, Rocket Man or Say What You Mean. For all grade 2 and up classes, I have an interactive 15-minute PowerPoint I use to generate discussion of the writing life, and a hands-on creative writing exercise using the “other” four senses (not sight); this takes about an hour in total. I can bring my own laptop, if necessary, but I will need a projector, the cord to attach it to my laptop, a screen, and someone who knows the school's technology :) My presentation can be delivered via Zoom, or other online platforms.
b) I'm open to suggestions from teachers if there's a certain aspect of writing they'd like me to address. In particular, building characters is a special interest of mine. As well, I sometimes read from my current work-in-progress as I'm always looking for feedback from readers.
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