Events

Learn more about booking school visits, festivals, camps and other events/public speaking engagements here.

Write on Bowen

15 Jun 2023

Write on Bowen Festival of Readers & Writers

Date: Sunday, September 17, 2023

Time: 1:30-3:30 pm

Location: The Hearth on Bowen Island, BC

Type: Workshop: “Choosing a Publishing Path”

Learn from the past, peer into the future, and define your personal motivations and publishing goals with this whirlwind workshop on how best to share your creativity with the right audiences.

We’ll hash out the dreams (and unspoken assumptions) we bring to publishing, take a quick tour through publishing history, and survey the (many!) current and emerging publishing pathways available to us (including traditional, independent/self-publishing, hybrid, short, serial, pre-professional, & more) in order to match them up to our personal and professional goals.

We’ll finish with a review of next steps toward the most common publishing pathways and Q&A. (Want to make sure your specific question or situation gets addressed? Feel free to submit it in advance to [email protected]!)

Learn more & register here.

UBC MACL Conference 2023

31 May 2023

UBC MACL Presents: (Re)Imagining Tomorrow Graduate Conference

Date: Friday-Saturday, June 23-24, 2023

Time: 3-5 pm Friday (1-9 pm Friday, 8:30-6pm Saturday)

Location: UBC Vancouver, Henry Angus Building (Sauder)

Type: TED-style Conference Talks

Honoured to have had my proposal accepted for this exciting two-day conference put together by the University of British Columbia Master’s of Arts in Children’s Literature & iSchool programs.

(Re)Imagining Tomorrow: Agency and Possibility in Literature and Media for Children and Young Adults Graduate Student Conference in Children’s & Young Adult Literature, Media & Culture features creative presentations on Friday, June 23 and academic topics on Saturday, June 24, with two keynotes and over 40 stunningly diverse presenters from around the world.

I’ll be presenting “After ‘The End’: Building Brighter Futures in Apocalyptic, Dystopian & Speculative YA” based on the Threads of Dreams series (specifically the final chapters of Burn the Skies) on Friday, June 23 during the 3-5 pm themed programming block “The Good, The Bad, and The Imaginary: Utopias and Dystopias in Speculative Fiction.”

While most of the Threads of Dreams series leans into its gothic-dystopian and post-apocalyptic premise and conflict, the thing about starting off a book/series with a dystopian setting is that characters trying to “save the world” means they end up envisioning and building something better by the end, so you actually have to figure out some kind of utopian vision along the way. ^_^;

So there are a few points (Nine Peaks in Black the Tides, and to a greater extent, Regen City in Burn the Skies and part 3 of Spectres of the Old World) where community and city building attempt utopianism, and that’s what I’ll be briefly presenting from/on—apocalyptic, dystopian, and utopian futures in children’s & YA literature and how they illustrate better possibilities, expose and bring catharsis to current realities, and confront trauma.

If delving deep into themes, theory, worldbuilding, etc. in children’s & teen lit sounds like your kind of good time, check out the full schedule here and/or in the official program(PDF).

You can also find the official slide deck with notes/reference links and the extended edition slide deck with bonus content cover additional themes and topics here!)

BC Museums Association

30 May 2023

“Collaborating with BC Children’s Authors & Illustrators” BC Museums Association x CWILL BC Webinar

Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Time: 12-1 pm

Location: online

Type:

I’m looking forward to showcasing all the exciting collaboration possibilities (and successful examples) between local kidlit creators and museums, galleries & other Arts institutions for the BC Museums Association.

I love history, and all of my series so far feature local history and/or scenes set at historic sites around the province (Burnaby Village Museum in Black the Tides from Threads of Dreams, ghostly flashbacks through the last 150 years of Chilliwack’s history in CAVE STORY WIP, and SONGSTRESS WIP takes a detour through a kobold community hiding in Britannia Mine Museum), so it’s going to be super fun to get to connect with this group!

Watch the replay here!

Intro to Publishing

03 Mar 2023

Abbotsford Arts Council Presents Workshop Wednesday: Intro to Publishing

Date: Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Time: 6pm

Location: Online

Type: Workshop/Presentation, Q&A

Join us for the second webinar in Abbotsford Arts Council’s Workshop Wednesday series! I’ll be taking attendees through a whirlwind overview of all things publishing–local visibility, in-person sales and ecommerce as a publishing strategy, as well as planning, drafting, editing, product design/development, launching, pre and post-launch marketing, sales & PR, with time for a Q & A at the end.

This webinar is perfect for local writers looking to learn more about the world of publishing and getting their work from their screens to the shelves. Learn more and register at the Abbotsford Arts Council website.

And check back later for more great local artist resources from AAC. I’ll be offering an asynchronous, multi-part marketing and cover design workshop before the end of March, and there’s more on the way!

WRAD2023

25 Jan 2023

WORD Vancouver Presents: World Read Aloud Day 2023

Date: Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Time: 10-11am

Location: Surrey Library Central City Branch

Type: Author Reading & School Presentation

Shoutout to the awesome team at Word Vancouver for the invitation to host their in-person World Read Aloud Day event this year!

I’ll be chatting with CWILL BC member and recent debut Emily Seo as she presents a reading from her 2022 middle grade novel The Science of Boys and demonstrates some live science.

Local schools will be joining us for this celebration of reading aloud at Surrey Library Central City Branch from 10-11 am on February 1, 2023.

I do also still have availability open on the afternoon of Feb. 1 for schools or libraries who want to book a short, free virtual reading (or, locally, live reading).

Write A Book In 20 Weeks Workshops

10 Jan 2023

Write A Book In 20 Weeks Workshop(s)

Date: weekly from January 28 to June 10, 2023

Time: Regular workshops at 9-10AM PST (12-1PM EST), Kids’ workshops at 10:30-11:30AM PST (1:30-2:30PM EST)

Location: Online over Zoom

Type: Writing Workshop

Need a plan to tackle that “finally write my book” New Year’s Resolution?

Find yourself typing “the end” faster (or maybe for the first time ever!) with a structured, supportive 20-week (term-length) workshop starting January 28 (9 am for adults, 10:30 am for kids) on Zoom.

Each weekly workshop includes live, interactive access over Zoom with short writing exercises and presentations on creative writing, storytelling, plotting & publishing, slide and video archives (for later review and/or if you miss a week), office hours, + individual feedback on up to 20 pages each week.

These workshops are best suited for kids, teens, and adults looking for step-by-step guidance, accountability, and encouragement in starting (and finishing!) the first draft of a (fiction or narrative nonfiction) book.

Class sizes are small due to the amount of individual attention involved, so don’t miss your chance to join!

Learn more and apply now!

BCTLA Fall Conference

13 Sep 2022

CWILL BC Presents: 2022 BC Books + Intro to Collaborating with Local Authors at BCTLA Fall Conference

Date: Friday, October 21, 2022

Time: 1-2pm

Location: New Westminster Secondary School

Type: Multimedia Presentation & Workshop

I’ll be presenting a mixed-format multi-media presentation and workshop on behalf of CWILL BC highlighting our free resources for teachers and librarians, presenting 2022 releases, and engaging in dialogue around BC books for kids.

We’ll also have a table in the exhibitors’ hall with free bookmarks, swag, and books for sale.

Register at the fall conference site..

Word Vancouver Festival 2022

12 Sep 2022

Word Vancouver Festival 2022

Date: September 19, 24-25, 2022

Time: Various

Location: Online (Monday, Sep. 19), Surrey City Centre Library (Saturday, Sep. 24) / SFU Harbour Centre (Sunday, Sep. 25)

Type: Panels, Readings, Activities, Book Sale, Giveaway & More

Join CWILL BC at Word Vancouver 2022!

Our authors and illustrators are offering virtual midweek sessions (schools, libraries, home learners etc. encouraged to tune in!), we’ll be offering a children’s activity center on Saturday, and hosting a table in the exhibitor’s hall on Sunday. Stop by to say hi, grab some free bookmarks, and enter our giveaway!

I’ll be on site all weekend helping out with free drop-in kids activities, running the CWILL BC table, and moderating the following events:

Finding the Way in your City A panel for Early Readers (roughly Kindergarten to Grade 3) featuring author-illustrator Kari Rust and Darren Lebeuf on Monday, September 19, 2022 from 9:30-10:15 am on Zoom: “Two authors share stories of kids discovering how to connect to their city and see places in a whole new light. In one case, a group of children befriend an older man and learn about the many fascinating older objects he holds onto in his house. In the other, a visually impaired young girl experiences the places around her through all her other senses, appreciating them in all their richness.” Watch Recording
Twists and Turns A Reading/Conversation Circle for Middle Grade Readers (roughly grades 4–6) featuring Emily Seo and Bree Galbraith on Saturday, Sep. 24 at Surrey City Centre Library from 1-2 pm: “Life can be full of twists and turns especially when you’re trying to fit in, help family and friends, and ultimately find out who you are. Join these two authors as they share their characters’ unique ways of being true to themselves in a world full of questions and observations.” (No recording available.)
A panel on children’s publishing (for aspiring writers/illustrators & kidlit fans) featuring Claire Lordon, Sara Leach, Bryce Raffle & Danielle S. Marcotte on Sunday, Sep. 25 at SFU Harbour Centre from 11:30-12:30 Watch Recording

Check out the full list of CWILLers at the festival, free drop-in activities, and giveaways and browse the whole schedule here!.

Short Fiction With StoryStudio

27 Jun 2022

Writing Short Fiction for StoryStudio Summer Camp 2022: Imaginary Islands

Date: August 2, 2022

Time: 10-11 am PST

Location: virtual

Type: workshop + Q&A

StoryStudio is a a Victoria, BC-based charity that provides free and low cost creative writing programming, resources, and contests for kids and teens across Canada.

This is a private event for Imaginary Island registered campers ages 10-16 and registration is now closed, but if you’re a young writer (or a parent), check out their site for how to get involved, upcoming programs, and regular writing contests!

Save the Dates

10 May 2022

Save the Date #1: WORD Vancouver Festival

Date: September 19,24-25, 2022

Time: Various

Location: Surrey Central Library (Saturday, Sep. 24) / SFU Harbour Centre (Sunday, Sep. 25)

Type: Panels, Readings, Activities, Book Sale, Giveaway & More

Join CWILL BC at WORD Vancouver 2022!

I’ll be moderating the following events (subject to change as we finalize all the details!):

A panel for Early Readers (roughly Kindergarten to Grade 3) featuring author-illustrator Kari Rust and Darren Lebeuf on Monday, September 19, 2022 from (9:30-10:15 am on Zoom
Twists and Turns A Reading/Conversation Circle for Middle Grade Readers (roughly grades 4–6) featuring Emily Seo and Bree Galbraith on Saturday, Sep. 24 at Surrey Central Library from 1-2 pm: “Life can be full of twists and turns especially when you’re trying to fit in, help family and friends, and ultimately find out who you are. Join these two authors as they share their characters’ unique ways of being true to themselves in a world full of questions and observations.”
A panel on children’s publishing (for writers/illustrators) featuring Claire Lordon, Sara Leach, Bryce Raffle & Danielle S. Marcotte on Sunday, Sep. 25 at SFU Harbour Centre from 11:30-12:30

More details to come here.

Save the Date #2: CWILL BC Presents: 2022 BC Books + Intro to Collaborating with Local Authors at BCTLA Fall Conference

Date: October 21-22, 2022

Time: TBC

Location: New Westminster Secondary School

Type: Multimedia Presentation & Workshop

I’ll be presenting a mixed-format multi-media presentation and workshop on behalf of CWILL BC highlighting our free resources for teachers and librarians, presenting 2021-2022 new and upcoming releases, and engaging dialogue around BC books for kids. Exact date/time TBC. We may also have a presence in the exhibitors’ hall. Register here when the details are finalized.

UF Panel at Storycrafting Sessions

09 May 2022

Urban Fantasy: Layering Another World Over Our Own Panel at Storycrafting Sessions: Fantasy

Date: June 4, 2022

Time: 12:30-1:30 PM EST (9:30-10:30 AM PST)

Location: virtual

Type: Panel + Q&A

Weeknight Writers is a social enterprise dedicated to creating accessible educational resources and events for fiction authors, run by the Business for Authors team.

In addition to their weekly Twitter chats on Thursday nights (at 7pm EST/4pm PST, #WeeknightWriters), they offer Storycrafting Sessions, one-day virtual conferences with panels exploring a specific aspect of writing, such as worldbuilding or story structure.

Join us for a special fantasy edition of Storycrafting Sessions on June 4, 2022.

I’ll be teaming up with four other awesome authors for the Urban Fantasy panel, “Layering Another World Over Our Own” from 12:30-1:30 pm EST (9:30-10:30 am PST). This panel will discuss techniques and tips for balancing worldbuilding and realism that you can apply to your Urban Fantasy novel!

Here’s the full lineup:

11-12PM EST/8-9AM PST—Fantasy as a Safe Space: Using Fantasy to Explore and Critique Social and Political Themes—This panel will focus on how Fantasy writers can harness the power of narrative distance and readers’ imaginations to create and shape safe cultural spaces for important socio-cultural critique.
12:30-1:30PM EST/9:30-10:30AM PST—Urban Fantasy: Layering Another World Over Our Own—This panel will discuss techniques and tips for balancing worldbuilding and realism that you can apply to your Urban Fantasy novel!
2:30-3:30PM EST/11:30-12:30PM PST—Beyond Elves and Dwarves: Creating Unique Fantasy Species—This panel will explore the possibilities of using under-utilized mythological creatures & unique species of your own creation to build a rich fantasy world.
4-5PM EST/1-2PM PST—They Call Me… Tim!: Passive Worldbuilding with Names, Epistolary, and Food—A discussion about how passive worldbuilding aspects like epistolary, food, and naming conventions can add complexity to secondary worlds.
5:30-6:30PM EST/1:30-2:30PM PST—Harnessing The Elements: the Potential of Elemental Magic Systems—Learn how to harness elemental magic in new ways by adapting and modifying it to highlight themes, progress specific plot points and display your characters’ development for a more impactful reader experience!
6:30-7:30PM EST/2:30-3:30PM PST—AFTERPARTY!—Everyone who registers for one of the panels will get access to the Discord server where the afterparty will take place!

Collaborating With Local Authors

20 Mar 2022

Collaborating With Local Authors: A CWILL BC Presentation for BCLA YAACS YSI

Date: April 14, 2022

Time: 11 am-12 pm PST

Location: virtual

Type: presentation + Q&A

This is a ticketed event for the BC Library Association’s Young Adult and Children’s Services Youth Services Institute on behalf of CWILL BC and will discuss resources for, benefits of, and inspiration for library collaboration with local authors, particularly as applies to youth services.

BCLA members, nonmembers and students can register here. BCLA members benefit from a reduced rate.

Speculative Fiction with StoryStudio

20 Feb 2022

Writing Speculative Fiction with StoryStudio’s Guild of Young Writers

Date: February 24, 2022

Time: 6:30-7:30 pm PST

Location: virtual

Type: workshop + Q&A

StoryStudio is a a Victoria, BC-based charity that provides free and low cost writing programming, resources, and contests for kids and teens across Canada.

This is a private event for their existing teen writers’ group, but if you’re a young writer (or a parent), check out their site for how to get involved, upcoming programs, and regular writing contests!

WRAD with WORD Vancouver

24 Jan 2022

World Read Aloud Day with WORD Vancouver + CWILL BC

Date: February 2, 2022

Time: 11-11:45 am PST

Location: virtual

Type: Live reading, book talk + Q&A

World Read Aloud Day is a “celebration of the power of reading aloud to create community, to amplify new stories, and to advocate for literacy as a foundational human right.”

Join us on February 2, 2022 from 11-11:45 a.m. PST for a FREE virtual reading and Q&A in support of the 13th annual World Read Aloud Day!

I’ll be hosting this event, organized by the lovely folks at WORD Vancouver festival in collaboration with CWILL BC. It features three BC authors of books for pre-K to YA (Jami Gigot, Mahtab Narsimhan & Mark David Smith) reading from their recent releases and reflecting on what and who inspires their writing process.

REGISTER HERE

Also, don’t miss our Q&A bookmark giveaway and grand prize giveaway of books by the authors. Learn More

Feb2 WRAD Virtual Reading

01 Dec 2021

World Read Aloud Day Online

Date: February 2, 2022

Time: 9-10am - 12:30-9pm PST

Location: your classroom, library, or book club via Zoom (or similar)

Type: Live Reading

World Read Aloud Day is a “celebration of the power of reading aloud to create community, to amplify new stories, and to advocate for literacy as a foundational human right.”

As creators of books for young readers, many members of CWILL BC are offering free 10-20 min. virtual readings in support of this wonderful cause.

While I’m more than happy to present to classrooms, library groups or book clubs of all ages, I write for ages 8+ (published YA + forthcoming MG), so for elementary school groups, I’d be happy to read from an age-appropriate Canadian children’s book that inspires me rather than my own work.

Shoot me a message at [email protected] to book a free 10-20 minute reading + author visit on February 3, 2021!

Pop-up Book Sale in Vancouver

30 Nov 2021

Pop-Up Book Sale

Date: December 11, 2021

Time: 4pm - 7pm PST

Location: Academie Duello at 412 West Hastings, Vancouver, BC

Type: Book and Craft Sale + Live Reading

Fantastic BC small press Pulp Literature is hosting a local author book (+craft+art) sale in the super cool and spacious Academie Duello swordplay school space in Gastown and you need to check it out!

It’s open from 4-7 pm, and I’ll be rushing over after my workshops end at 5 in Coquitlam, so come say hi if you’re there after 6! My books will be stocked all event, and friends’ books you should definitely also pick up while you’re there include CWILLers Bryce Raffle, Cynthia Heinrichs, and Ellen Schwartz, plus Vancouver-area author Tanya Lisle!

Masks and vaccine passports will be required. It’s a large space, so crowding shouldn’t be an issue.

RSVP on the Facebook event page to help vendors get a sense of how much stock to supply and check out more vendor profiles as they drop over the coming weeks. Hope to see you there! :D

Feb3 WRAD Virtual Reading

26 Jan 2021

World Read Aloud Day Online

Date: February 3, 2021

Time: 9am - 8pm PST

Location: your classroom, library, or book club via Zoom (or similar)

Type: Live Reading

World Read Aloud Day is a “celebration of the power of reading aloud to create community, to amplify new stories, and to advocate for literacy as a foundational human right.”

As creators of books for young readers, many members of CWILL BC are offering free 10-20 min. virtual readings in support of this wonderful cause.

While I’m more than happy to present to classrooms, library groups or book clubs of all ages, my fiction currently targets ages 14+, so for elementary or middle school groups I will instead be reading from an age-appropriate Canadian children’s book that inspires me.

Shoot me a message at [email protected] to book a free 10-20 minute reading + author visit on February 3, 2021!

Feb17 I Read Canadian Day

25 Jan 2021

I Read Canadian Day Online

Date: February 13 + week of February 17, 2021

Time: 9am - 8pm PST

Location: your classroom, library, or book club via Zoom (or similar)

Type: Live Reading

“I READ CANADIAN DAY is a national day of celebration of Canadian books for young people. This is a day dedicated to ‘reading Canadian’ and will empower families, schools, libraries and organizations to host local activities and events within the week.”

As creators of books for young readers, many members of CWILL BC are offering free 10-20 min. virtual readings in support of this wonderful cause.

Shoot me a message at [email protected] to book a free 10-20 minute reading, workshop, or author visit on February 13 or the week of February 17, 2021!

Feb5 WRAD Burnaby Live Reading

17 Jan 2020

World Read Aloud Day Event

Date: February 5, 2020

Time: 6:30-8:45 pm

Location: Bob Prittie Metrotown Branch Library (6100 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby by Metrotown Stn.)

Type: Live Reading, Book Fair, Signing

CWILL BC authors and/or illustrators will take turns reading aloud from their recent works in support of World Read Aloud Day. Copies will be available on site for sale.

Feb3 Writing and Illustrating Kids Books Vancouver

16 Jan 2020

Writing & Illustrating Kids Books: The Inside Story

Date: February 3, 2020

Time: 7-8:30 pm (6:30 signing/bookfair)

Location: Central Library Branch, Montalbano Family Theatre, Level 8 (350 West Georgia St., Vancouver)

Type: Panel Discussion, Q&A, Book Fair, Signing

Interested in writing or illustrating books for young readers?

Join six professional children’s authors and illustrators to find out how they broke into this exciting and competitive field and built their careers.

Ask questions and get practical information on topics such as how to improve your writing, how to find a publisher and submit your work, what agents do, what to look for in a book contract, and what the financial rewards are.

Meet authors Glen Huser, Cynthia Nugent, Ellen Schwartz, Carol Watterson, K.A. Wiggins and Pam Withers and get a book signed starting at 6:30 P.M.

In partnership with CWILL BC.

Full details here.

Sep29 WORD Vancouver Writing Fest

01 Sep 2019

WORD Vancouver Writing Festival

Date: September 29, 2019

Time: 10am-5pm

Location: Central Library Branch, Plaza (350 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC)

Type: Book Fair, Writing Festival

I’ll be staffing the CWILL BC exhibitor’s table at this year’s WORD Vancouver festival all day, so drop by to learn more about what we offer for BC-based authors and illustrators of children’s books, or pick up a great new local picture book, chapter book, middle grade or YA novel and get it signed on the spot!

Meet me in Mumbai!

10 Apr 2019

Looking to get a book signed at the festival? Paperback editions of Blind the Eyes are available in India for Rs.650.00+shipping at Pothi and NotionPress.

I will be teaching a masterclass, participating in panel discussions, and leading sessions on three topics (descriptions below). Check the schedule for last minute changes and updates.

Download: Useful resource links

Getting Started as a Young Writer (PPT Notes)

Young writers can benefit greatly from sharing their work. Learn about some of the best ways to get started, whether you’re ambitiously building a career, or recreationally enjoying the wonderful community and creativity of writing.

This session will discuss identifying your goals, types of writing you should try or focus on, and where to start sharing your work.

Masterclass: From Scribbles to Prints (PPT Notes)

Getting a book from concept to store shelves is a massive undertaking! Writing is just the beginning: learn about traditional and independent pathways to publishing your work.

This masterclass will discuss choosing your direction, understanding the business of writing, and the practical steps involved in taking a book from concept to completion in a traditional or independent market, as well as introducing some key resources.

Worldbuilding for Storytellers (PPT Notes)

Whether you’re writing magical otherworlds, dystopian futures, or contemporary, realistic fiction, worldbuilding is a key art to master.

This session will offer a quick overview of the role worldbuilding plays in stories, how to craft a compelling story world, and how to integrate worldbuilding into your story without getting overwhelmed.

2:30-3:00 Magic & Monsters (PPT Notes)

Why do we write fantasies, paranormal, and horror stories? How do stories—especially “unrealistic” ones—help us in our own lives?

This session will discuss the role fiction and storytelling has in society and for individuals.

Original Post: March 4, 2019:

I’ve been invited to speak at the Orchids Literary Fest in Mumbai!

It’s being held April 18-20 at Orchids The International School, Malad campus, so if you’re in the area, come say hi. :)

It’s a children’s literature fest, but there will be panels, workshops, and opportunities to connect across various storytelling mediums and for all ages. Plus, it’s free to attend!

I’ll post an update when the full schedule has been pinned down (including which sessions I’m in!), but so far there are local and international actors, dancers, visual artists, and—of course—writers attending.

Take a look for yourself at: orchidsliteraturefest.com