Rob Shapiro’s feature-length coming-of-age comedy, Just Happy To Be Here, won the comedy category in the Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Contest.
Booking Author Visits for Summer & Fall 2021
I have always been an avid reader and from a young age I wanted to be a writer. The thing is, it took me until my 20s to realize that being a professional writer was a possibility. When I was in elementary and high school, the closest I got to meeting a writer was getting Blue Jays outfielder, George Bell, to sign a copy of his book at a mall. Writers always felt inaccessible or, in some ways, mythical. The schools I attended made me feel it was smarter to pursue a career in accounting (trust me, you don’t want me anywhere near numbers) than one in writing movies or novels or for TV.
Introducing preteens and young adults to reading and getting them excited about books can be challenging. One of the best things you can do is invite an author to visit your classroom, even virtually, to discuss their novel, the ins and outs of a writing career and to offer some writing tips or even run some useful and fun writing exercises. At the very least, it can convince them of the value of writing on any level.
I’m always looking for classrooms and book clubs to visit. I’m happy to tailor something for your students or young readers and to make sure that the time is engaging and informative.
To learn if my YA novel, The Book of Sam, is right for your class or book club, you can read the review in the Canadian Review of Materials. You can also learn more about my novel on the Dundurn Press website.
If you’re interested in learning more, all you have to do is reach out via my contact us form.
Recipient of an Ontario Arts Council Grant for Writers
I am honoured to announce that I have received an Ontario Arts Council Grant for Writers. This grant will help support the creation of my latest YA novel.
My current manuscript might still be in the early stages but these grants really help move it forward. Organizations like the Ontario Arts Council are imperative in supporting Ontario writers to create new works. I encourage other writers to look into literary grants and apply if you meet the eligibility criteria.
While I work on my latest manuscript, you can check out my first YA novel, The Book of Sam, which is available wherever books are sold.
If you’re in Toronto, here are a few of my favourite local bookstores.
The Power of Fantasy for Young Adults
I recently wrote a blog post for Dundurn Press arguing the validity of fantasy stories for young readers. I know YA fantasy has always been a popular genre but I can’t help but think of how timely it is in 2020, now that the world has gone pear-shaped.
YA fantasy is often labeled as escapist fare but I see it as something more powerful and even necessary. To me, it’s always been a way to cope with a changing world.
Here’s the blog post. I hope you enjoy it and don’t forget to share it!