Workshop Leader: Canadian Children’s Book Camp 09

I’m thrilled to be taking part in this years Canadian Children’s Book Camp to be held at the Main Branch, Vancouver Public Library from August 10th to 14th.
I have been both a keynote speaker and a workshop facilitator at the camp in previous years and it is, by far, one of my most favourite things to do as a writer/presenter. The campers are incredibly creative and enthusiastic and I can’t wait to meet this year’s group.

The other teen mentors are:

James Heneghan
Ivan Coyote
Shelley Hrdiltschka

Among the keynote speakers this year, we have writer/broadcaster Mark Forsythe to open the event.

Water by james

The Perfect Cut: Included in CCBC Best Books For Teens 09

Canadain Children's Book Centre - Best Books 09 Edition

Best Books For Teens 09, Review

Thank you for including my book in this list!
Julie

Workshop: New and Emerging Screenwriters: Westcoast Screenwriting

West Coast Screenwriting asks,

“Are you feeding your inner screenwriter?”

In August, West Coast Screenwriting principals, Keith Digby (Time Exposures) and Brian Paisley (Lies Like Truth) will hold a ‘Weekend Blitz’ workshop for NINE aspiring screenwriters.

Yes, that’s right – there will only be NINE participants, maximum, in the class. This course is not only specific to success in the craft of screenwriting, but also uniquely personal in the assessment and development of each individual participant’s work.

Location: Victoria Film Commission Offices, Inner Harbour, Victoria.

Dates: Friday August 21st (evening) to Sunday August 23rd (late afternoon),

For new and emerging screenwriters, bring your idea/concept, outline or unfinished screenplay. Novel and short story writers, who might be thinking of adapting one of their works, bring a one-page outline and watch its progress to the screen.

Are you interested in taking this high-power, team-taught 12-hour course?

Take the plunge.
Take the workshop!
Sponsored by The Victoria Film Commission.

See curriculum details and rates on our website.

Note the ‘Early-Bird Discount’ for writers registering before August 1st.

“Where stories are told…”

West Coast Screenwriting

Calgary: The Great Cowboy Hat Giveaway

I’m having a great time in Calgary. It’s the perfect city to visit before going to the dude ranch next weekend. Yesterday, I divided my time between writing in the James Joyce Pub (great Harp ale) and browsing the cowboy stores along the main walking mall. I found a beautiful cowgirl shirt for Jennifer and a few things for myself as well.

Around noon, I noticed huge line-ups of people snaking down the street and around the block. Of course, curiosity got to me, and I joined the line. It was worth it. Apparently, in preparation for the Stampede on July 3rd (I think), the city of Calgary gives away 15,000 white cowboy hats! “Get your Head in a Hat.” I got mine in one, which I’ve already passed on to a Calgarian who will be at the Rodeo. What a great piece of PR for this city.

Last night we ate at Teatros – a sort of Italian fusion place. The tenderloin was melt-in-your-mouth-smokey and delicious, but the veggies were nothing special and there was a breading on the mashed potatoes reminiscent of the bad Brit cooking of my upbringing. It didn’t matter though – the creme caramel more than made up for that.

Got to run – off to the Sea or might that be C Train for more adventures.
Will post photos next week.

Mini Vacation: Calgary

I’m off to the airport in an hour – meeting my friend in Calgary, where she has a two day conference. We are flying back to Vancouver on Friday afternoon and she and her daughter will be accompanying Jennifer and me on our Dude Ranch Weekend at Sundance.

I’ve got two full days to explore Calgary and if, like here in Vancouver, there is WiFi everywhere, I can wander around at my leisure. My friend and fellow editor at suite101, Jill Brown has recommended:

The River Cafe on Prince’s Island,
The Good Earth Cafe in Eau Claire, by Prince’s Island.
Eau Claire
She adds: “there is a Restaurant called Catch in Hyatt gets a lot of attention, but it’s a fish place and you come from a fish place.”

Jill is involved in a temporary exhibit at the Galt Museum called Prisoners of War, For You the War is Over, and she is going to take me to the exhibit on Friday. I am quite excited about this – actually the highlight of my mini-vacation.

Of course, I will be flying Westjet :0

For a mini-movie about Calgary click here.

Pleased with Suite101

The best endorsement for a writing site is from writers…if you are interested in writing for suite101.com, read this blog</a post from Jennifer Gets Bloggy.

Suite101.com Editor’s Retreat, Evil Neighbours and Kitty

This weekend, suites’ sweet editors fly in from all over the world for two and a half days of discussion, learning, brainstorming and hopefully eating lots of fresh west coast food.
Yup – winter is over and it’s time for our annual Editor’s Retreat. I look forward to this weekend all year. We learn so much about online writing, SEO, communications and each other over this weekend of work, and perhaps some play.
I’ll be back at my computer on Monday with a whole new excitement level (if that’s possible).
The only dark cloud to the whole weekend is that my neighbours evil cat (fat and smelly) but that’s not his fault, bit my Kitty in the ear and she had to have emergency surgery for an infection this morning. I will worry about her all weekend, because she hates wearing a cone, and she’s not to partial to the vet, either. She bit him. He should know better – she is a tad feral, but only when she is afraid.
The evil neighbour also has an angora rabbit that appears to be as neglected as the cat. Why do people get animals and then not take care of them?
I don’t have a picture of Kitty, but she is the one on the blog, but I do have a pic of the beach. We went swimming yesterday and the water was not freezing, actually almost warm.
That’s about if for today.

Terry Ewasiuk – Outta Town Show – don’t miss this!

Terry's Opening

I have known Terry for a long time, and her photos tell stories – the kind of stories that you hope will go on forever and ever. Her show opens tonight, (June 5th) and if you are in Vancouver, treat yourself to something special. You will thank yourself as soon as you set eyes on her work.

Where?

Mainspace, 350 – E. 2nd Avenue
Friday, June 5th 6-11
June 6-8th noon-5
ph; 604-723-1968 or email Terry: terrylee3000@gmail.com

More Freebies – Reading for Life

New Readme and Comic Master resources available for free!

Following the success of the National Year of Reading ‘readme’ resources for KS3 English teachers, brand new interactive features, a full scheme of work and exciting lesson plans have been developed by National Schools Partnership.

The new resources include Comic Master, an interactive graphic novel creator that enables students to design and build their very own graphic novels to be used in the classroom, with the lesson plans, or by students at home.

To find out more and for a free copy of the CD-Rom of updated resources, register now at: www.nationalschoolspartnership.com/readme

Amazing Westjet Deal – Best Yet!

WestJet Midnight Markdowns! Flights under $100 between 12am and 6am MT until June 6.Travel until June 30. Don’t miss out www.westjet.com/mm

Bugs-bunny is smiling because of his cheap seat

Okay, this is truly amazing. Now there is no excuse not to hop on a plane to research your next book or just maybe get away from it all for a few days. This is cheaper than:
-eating out in a good resturant
-seeing five movies and eating popcorn with a drink
-buying a shoe (yes, just one)
-buying a pair of jeans (on sale)
-a night out at the theatre
And the list goes on…