Wordfest Survivor

I have survived Wordfest  – five events in three days, a pocketful of bus and show tickets, 2 writing workshops, talks by 6 kid writers, lunch with two writer-friends, and a pair of sore feet.

Wore out two pens, filled half a notebook, collected a list of things to think about in terms of writing and story ideas, and started four stories, inspired by workshops, written while I waited for halls to fill with children.

Cary Fagan’s workshop on writing for children reassured me that what I’m telling my students isn’t just blowing smoke. He sees writing like I do ­ – it was odd to see that reflected back.

I saw some really good presenting, and some really bad (and heard about more). A few basic rules: don’t go over time; don’t overshadow the other writer; don’t come on like a salesman; if you’re an illustrator or presenting a picture book, don’t hold up the book or some artwork and expect 500 people in the theatre to be able to see it. Put it on the screen. Great artwork huge on a screen is stunning – Marie Louise Gay and Barbara Reid nailed this. And be personal – really connect with the kids.

I had lunch with Monica Kulling and Rona Altrows – we talked and laughed and shuddered over problems in presentations.

There’s my week out with grownups, talking about writing. Now it’s time to take my insights and get back to the quiet, solitary work of writing.

Maureen

A Feast at Wordfest

It’s Wordfest time, Calgary’s literary festival. After being one of the authors last year, I’m looking forward to watching other writers sweat. I have tickets for three kid events, two workshops, and lunch planned with a Calgary writer-friend and a writer-friend in town for Wordfest, Monica Kulling. This lunch is a great example of why Facebook is good for writers. Monica and I are both kid writers and Facebook friends, but we’ve never met. So we’re delighted at the chance to share a meal. I’ll see her present, too, with Barbara Reid. I’ll also see Marie Louise Gay, and join a workshop with Cary Fagan, so it’s immersion in kid writers week for me. Plus teaching my class on writing for kids, and… you know.. writing. I’m not sure where that’s going to fit in. Just after the laundry, I think.

Maureen

Fall Pears

The pear tree outside my office window is radiantly orange, filling my office with a golden light that makes me want to linger at my desk. But the picture I planned to post was eclipsed by this pic of a squirrel, enjoying a pear at his dining table.

Maureen