Starting October 31, I will be combining my love of experiment with Wattpad and NaNoWrimo to do something new. As a result I will not be blogging much about creativity. I’ll be too busy getting up at 5:00 am every day to write fiction. If we want students to experiment and create, we mustn’t be […]
Feeding Frenzy – Serial Novel Experiment Read More »
Voted most likely to succeed… A highly subjective guide to creating yearbooks Making a yearbook is a rewarding experience for students and teachers. In spring, when the yearbooks come out, our school is a frenzy of autographing, sharing, laughing and remembering.
Creating Yearbooks with Students Read More »
I will be doing a reading of short fiction and poetry at Can-Con in Ottawa, Saturday October 4, 2014. My co-reader will be novelist S.M. Carriere. One of the best things about conventions is meeting and discovering new authors and making new friends. Conventions are magnets for creative people in the arts and multimedia. Can-Con is an Ottawa
Reading at Can-Con Read More »
The first week of school is over. Routines are starting to gel, kids are on their best behaviour and starting to make friends. Teachers are breathing a sigh of relief. It’s the honeymoon period for elementary teachers. This glistening doorway of opportunity, lit by September magic, will not stay open long. Invite all the kids in,
Ideamancy – Ideas for Back-To-School Magic Read More »
The very first Creative Teacher Librarian newsletter has been sent. Subscribers will receive a mini unit introducing spoken word or ‘slam’ poetry. Tips, instructions, useful links and a Spoken Word Rules page are included. Lessons can be adapted for a wide range of ages from grade school to high school. Back-To-School with Feeling: Poetry in September Poetry gets
Creative Teaching Newsletter – Poetry Slam Read More »
I recently enjoyed interviewing Jennifer Lott about her first chapter book. As an early childhood educator, she had insights into writing for children and teaching as well. Cursed Dishes is based on a ‘revenge’ story Lott wrote when she was sixteen about her uncooperative younger sisters. Ten years later this completely reworked version is volume one in the Family Magic series,
Cursed Dishes by Jennifer Lott Read More »
Getting Started with Chapbooks and Brochures Give your students recognition for their excellent creative writing by publishing a short story anthology, or connect school and home with a booklet of favorite family recipes, or a homework guide for parents. From poetry chapbooks to collections of cartoons, publishing little books helps generate excitement for literacy. When you arrange a book launch
Make a Chapbook or Booklet – DIY Video Read More »
I’ve set a goal to write the first draft of my new comedy in the month of April. It features an ensemble cast with earthy magic at the core of the premise and enough fun and games to call it screwball. “Hot Old Ladies Club,” is about a ladies book club where a deal is
This year I’ve decided to concentrate on writing short as well as long. I’ve been writing a crazy number of new stories, not all of which will see a polished draft. Many of them are the usual 2000 word length but I’ve been writing some very short ones as well.If you are interested in short
Writing Contests & Writing Boot Camp Read More »
Have you ever had a feeling of regret as you finished reading a book? You knew you would miss the characters and their stories, as if they were old friends. Well, it’s a little different when you are writing the book. Sure, I’m a little sorry to finish rewriting Spies are from Mars, but I’m happy
Spies are From Mars – The Horse can see the barn! Read More »