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Youth Write 2010

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:07:59 -0700

(Can’t see the photos? You need to visit my site directly by clicking here.)

Last week I spent in Penticton, teaching at the Youth Write Conference 2010. This is an annual conference that is run by the Penticton Writers and Publishers Association, specifically by the amazing Yasmin John-Thorpe.

Teaching at the conference were authors Meg Tilly, kc dyer, Lee Edward Fodi, Lyle Weis, Kallie George and, of course, me.

It began on Monday with a speech by Meg Tilly, who gave us some great tips on how to work as a writer. She even pulled Lee and I on stage when someone asked her about plotting a novel. Since she isn’t a plotter herself, she wanted us to offer our experiences on the subject. I should note that she actually pulled Lee on stage, and when I mocked him he pulled me on stage. You can see photos from that evening here.

On Monday, I had the 12-year olds and taught them how to create characters. We played a storytelling game, and pretended to be mad scientists. It occurred to me that this was probably too similar to what Lee Fodi was teaching in his Villains and Heroes class, so the next day I amended the class. From Tuesday to Thursday we discussed settings, and attempted to hammer out stories after drawing maps. The last day I had the late teens, that were anywhere from 15-20-years old. With them I discussed research, and showed them the immense research that I did on tae kwon do, mixed martial arts and underground fight clubs. (Equally interesting would have been the vampire research I did for my Rancour series, but less relevant since Rancour is not yet available.)

The week was not just filled with work. While Meg Tilly was in town with her husband, author Don Calame, we managed a trip to Okanagan Falls for ice cream at Tickleberry’s. (Our first trip there, I was not blown away by the ice cream ... but on Saturday when Lee, kc and I would return I would be.)

While we were at Tickleberry’s we watched a gentleman make kettle corn popcorn, and Meg admitted an addiction to the stuff. Don and I got a free sample, and I must admit that I can see how one might get addicted to the stuff! Kallie, as we all watched the corn pop, thoughtfully remarked at how she sometimes feels like a kernel of pop corn.

Monday evening we went to hear Meg speak at Hooked On Books, and if you ever have the chance to see her live I suggest you go. Not only does she become her characters when she reads (she is an award-winning actress,) but she is also frank and honest - which is so refreshing in a world where media distorts everything.

On Tuesday we went go-cart racing, and I got whooped by Lyle. Lee also passed me, but I’m fairly sure his car was faster than mine... I see a rematch in the future.

Wednesday we had a lazy day at the beach, and while we were there we saw a giant peach that was actually a concession stand. My literary friends got very excited at the prospect of snapping a photo of “James and the Giant Peach,” and since I am such a nice guy I went along with it.

Thursday we had an event at Hooked On Books, and while it wasn‘t very well attended, it was still fun to be among friends.

The next few days were just a blur of friends enjoying each other’s company. Among the activities were moonlit walks along the beach, a dinner at a pirate-themed pub, more ice cream ... and an annual walk through the pet cemetery.

On The Way Home

Fri, 28 May 2010 12:37:28 -0700

The best part of BEA has been the connection with friends new and old.

This was a trip that I didn’t have to make on my own. Vancouver friends Lee Fodi, Annett, Britta, kc dyer, and Denise Jaden all met with me in New York to share the experience. Then there were the countless new faces I was introduced to over the weekend, and old friends with whom I was able to reconnect.

My favourite part of the experience was probably the first day of BEA, when while waiting in line I heard someone say, “Hi James!” I turned, and it was someone I’d met the day before while attending their bookstore visit. Shortly after that, Lee and I bumped into other familiar faces who were visiting the conference from Vancouver, and of course we met a few new faces while waiting in line to see Cornelia Funke.

I also saw the realization of a dream - and wasn’t even aware of it while it was happening. I posted this picture on Facebook, and a friend commented about me signing in New York City. That’s when I suddenly realized - I signed books at the largest North American book fair in New York City!

Of course, there was also lots of sight-seeing to Central Park, the Empire State Building and Times Square. Lee and I were fine getting around the city while with the rest of the group, but once everyone else had gone home and it was just us we suddenly found ourselves getting very lost. (You’ll get to hear all about it on our podcast.)

Now, I’m on my way back to Vancouver and (I’ll admit) am feeling a little homesick. Conan, while I’m sure is having a blast at the “spa,” will also be glad to see me.

Thoughtful at BEA 2010

Mon, 17 May 2010 11:04:40 -0700

This week I’m at Book Expo America in New York. A big part of this trip is to have fun, and take in a little vacation. New York has plenty of places to see!

For one thing, there is some cool architecture on the buildings nearby the hotel. This is a old wooden door on a building that looks like it was once a church. It has since been renovated into some sort of clothing shop.

While I’m travelling with fellow author Lee Edward Fodi, we have met up with some other authors in town. Adrienne Kress came out with us yesterday to see Central Park, as well as the Empire State Building (which is the photo at the top of the blog).

Last night we met up with up and coming author Denise Jaden, who was at the Books of Wonder bookstore for a meet and greet. She is a part of the Class of 2K10, which everyone should check out

And, of course, my main reason for being here is for Book Expo America. Every publisher, many authors, booksellers, librarians and book lovers are descending on this city.

Lee and I have met some interesting people, including a fellow who is promoting a book (can’t remember what book or what publisher) in full costume. He even made Lee and I do an evil laugh before we could snap a photo - and yes, I can do a great evil laugh.

Writing Classes

Tue, 11 May 2010 10:48:17 -0700

If you’ve missed out on my last two workshops, this is your chance to sign up early!

Writing a book is hard work, but what do you do if you get stuck along the way - or even once you finish it?

In this course, you will workshop five pages of your writing, get feedback on your strengths and weaknesses, identify your market, and learn how to seek out possible publishers. Come with questions, and leave with answers!

This course is perfect for adults who are in the process of writing a book, but need a little extra guidance either to get it finished or get it published.

To sign up, click here.

Flying Feet Launch June 13th

Mon, 3 May 2010 10:52:22 -0700