I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia with my wonderful family and have memberships in: the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators; the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Performers; and the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia.
Attending conferences hosted by each of these organizations has allowed me to meet amazing people and participate in workshops on all elements of writing for kids.
At one especially memorable workshop, I heard a comment that changed my writing approach. The speaker said: “Read what you like to write and write what you like to read.” Sounds simple. But, sometimes you need to hear someone say something in just the right way, at just the right time.
This comment led me to reflect on all the books that have really mattered to me. In doing that, I noticed a trend. The characters in the stories I liked to read had this in common: they persisted. They made mistakes, fell down, and got back up. Sometimes, they won. Always, they kept trying.
Persist is a great way to describe my writing process. Writing is not easy, but I’m grateful that I get to keep trying.
Other things about me:
Besides becoming a published author and having the opportunity to continue my writing adventures, I am proud and grateful to have been a recipient of the following awards:
The Halifax-Cornwallis Canadian Progress Club Women of Excellence Award in Communications and Public Affairs
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada Chair’s Award for outstanding contribution to the organization nationally
Skateboard SibbyEleven-year-old Sibby Henry liked her old life.
Now she’s living in a new town with her nan and pops, and is mad at her dad for messing everything up.
On her first day of school, she sees a dope skateboard park, but she’s lost her precious board. To make things worse, Freddie, a super skater and a super jerk, dominates the park.
