Member Profile

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Katherine Prairie

Photo: Tracy Uchida 2017

Katherine Prairie, a geologist and IT professional, stepped away from her career to follow her passion for writing. An avid traveller with an insatiable curiosity, you never know where you’ll find her next! But most days, she’s in Kingston, Canada quietly plotting murder and mayhem under the watchful eye of a cat.

She is an award-winning presenter and her debut thriller THIRST was shortlisted for the Whistler Independent Books Awards (2017). BLUE FIRE, her second to feature geologist Alex Graham, was shortlisted for the International Rubery Awards (2019) and was a semi-finalist in the Adventure Writers Competition (2019).

She is a member of Editors Canada, the founding president of Sisters in Crime-Canada West, and she served as a Crime Writers of Canada director in 2018-19. 

E-mail: c/o Writers' Union of Canada
Phone number:
c/o Writers' Union of Canada

Publications

Blue Fire. Stonedrift Press Ltd., 2018
Thirst. Stonedrift Press Ltd. , 2016
The Essential PROC SQL Handbook for SAS Users. SAS Institute, 2005

Awards

Whistler Independent Books Awards Shortlist for Thirst, 2017
International Rubery Award Shortlist for Blue Fire, 2019
Aventure Writers Competition Semi-finalist for Blue Fire, 2019
Eligible for National Public Readings Program :
Yes

WITS

Presentation Description

Katernine is an award-winning presenter who delivers engaging presentations and workshops focused on writing and science. With a B.Sc. in geology, an M.Sc. in engineering, she offers a unique perspective to young women and is keenly aware of the need to promote an interest in STEM career paths. Her Alex Graham series weaves science and current issues into tightly written thrillers that feature a woman geologist protagonist.

Presentations and workshops are tailored to the audience age and interest. Science topics include geology, environmental issues, and women in science and technology. Writing topics are focused on the craft of mystery and thriller writing.  

Presentation Length:
1-2 hours
Genre:
Fiction(Suspense/thriller/mystery); Geology, Environment, Women in Science and Technology
Grades:
Grades 7 and up
Audience size:
Flexible for presentations; workshops limited to 40 participants
Workshop Description:

Presentations are typically 1-2 hours in length; workshop formats are 2-4 hours in length. Workshops/presentations can be designed to suit audience interest and adjusted for length. Sample of the currently available workshops/presentations:   

Motive, Beyond the Mundane - a look at the spectrum of human behaviour tht explains the "why" behind actions of both villains and heroes. 

Scene of the Crime - how to use the five senses to manipualte mood and create compelling suspense scenes. 

Research in the Age of Fake News - strategies for critical evaluation of the validity of internet-based publications 

Timing is Everything - introduction to timing and its effect on pacing, suspense, voice and overall story. 

Twists and Turns - learn the art of the twist in mysteries and thrillers using subtle clues, character behaviour and subplots.

Women at the Forefront - discussion of women making headlines in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields, and the challenges they face. 

 

 

 

Northern OAC WITS:
Yes
One session:
$200
Two sessions:
$375
Three sessions:
$525
Four sessions:
$650
GST:
GST not applicable