Moonlight Musings

SCBWI Continued...

2012-01-30T17:50:00.000-05:00

So, where were we? Oh yes, Saturday, post lunch. Started out with Love Triangles and Forbidden Love with NY Times Bestselling author, Cassandra Clare who gave us the deets in a clear concise manner. I will never, ever, write a crappy triangle again. I hope!

And then it was on to our next two breakout sessions. My first was with Arianne Lewin, Executive Editor, G.P. Putnam (Penguin) and she was just fabulous. We studied three excerpts from bestsellers to figure out voice and how to start a good fantasy (well actually, how to start any story well). Ari also gave us some great Do's and Dont's about writing fantasy. My favourite genre and favourite session!

My last session was with Tara Weikum, Executive Editor, Harper Collins, who spoke about YA Fiction. What's hot, what's not and lots of other good tips.

With heads imploding with information, we all headed to the Gala which was personally hosted and prepared by Lin Oliver (Thank you, Lin...the turkey breasts were superb;)). Met the fabulous Jane Yolen, Lee Wind, Emma Dryden, Chris Crutcher, Ellen Hopkins and Cheryl Klein among so many others. Not forgetting my very own peeps, Helaine Becker, Ishta Mercurio-Wentworth, Debbie Ohi, Maureen McGowan and Kari-Lynn Winters. Made lots of new friends and the air was thick with visting cards exchanging hands.

Headed off to the Alvin room for the International Mixer where I met with other authors from around the world and listened to Chris Cheng bring us up to speed. Brains turning to mush by this time but still managed to sit in the bar till midnight sipping lemon-green tea and chatting with friends.

What happened on Sunday?
Next post...and thanks for dropping by :)

Exhausted and Energized...my time at the SCBWI Winter Conference 2012, NY

2012-01-30T10:54:00.000-05:00

Wait a minute, exhausted and energized? You're probably wondering if I didn't lose a couple of marbles at the Grand Central station. I assure you, I did not. All seventeen counted and accounted for!

But this is exactly how I feel right now, after four days in New York. Helaine and I landed a day earlier to explore a bit of NY and see the Met. It was fabulous and you can see a few of the pictures in my Facebook album.

The hotel was great, right in the heart of Manhattan. And those boys from my window sure lit up my day in the morning....

Friday was the Writer's Intensive and with much trepidation nine of us sat at a round table to open up our hearts and souls to be critiqued. My group was wonderful and so was the expert on the panel, Jennifer Laughran of Andrea Brown Literary Agency. We all came away a lot better for experience with a lot of honest feedback.
My afternoon session was with Kari Sutherland, Editor at HarperCollins Children's books. Another great session with a very knowledgeable faculty member wgo gave us excellent feedback on how to polish our work even better! I wanted to go back to my room right then, and get started with the polishing but that was when the rest of the Canucks started pouring in. And since the weather was so fabulous, we decided to walk around a bit and get a bite to eat. And that bite of pizza was the best I've ever had.

The above is one of the plaques on the road leading up to the NY Public Library and my favourite.

Saturday started with a hilarious speech from Lin Oliver followed by a powerful and touching keynote from Chris Chrutcher. I was completely blown away by the honesty and humour of his speech. And I was lucky enough to meet him at the Gala in the evening to tell him so.

The keynote which made me want to laugh and cry at the same time (exactly as Chris intended!) was followed by four expert impressions about Children's Books. On the panel were Jean Feiwel (Sr VP and Publishing Director, Feiwel and Friends-MacMillan), Barbara Marcus (Strategic Innovations Adviser), Nancy Paulsen(President and Publisher, Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin) and Rubin Pfeffer (Agent, East West Literary Agency).

After an informative snapshot of the world of children's book publishing, we were off to our breakout sessions. My first one was with Aimee Friedman, Senior Editor, Scholastic, who is also a NY bestseller author. She spoke about Series Fiction, discussuing the popular ones, how to write and pitch a series to an editior. Lots of good information!

And then it was lunch and there was still a lot more to look forward to. But for that you'll have to wait for the next post. Do come back :) And for more pictures, please visit me on Facebook.

Q&Q Writer Series featuring Jane Yolen

2012-01-07T16:34:00.000-05:00

I do not know Jane Yolen personally and yet I do know her...through her words, her kind advice and her wonderful stories. I sense a kindred spirit who has figured out many struggles that I'm am currently wrestling with. Vist her website, especially the section for writers to see what I mean...

Award-winning author and known as the Hans Christian Andersen of America, Jane has written over 300 books in all genres and for all ages. Mentioning her books here would take too long, but you can find the entire list here.

My favourite, as well as that of a few millions, is Owl Moon: a story that is calming, magical and timeless.

Jane graciously agreed to answer my questions and here they are:

1) In one word, how would you describe your personality?
Two words: Honestly lying.
2) What is your deepest desire?
To live forever. Or at least have written stories that do that.
3) Your greatest fear?
Snakes. It's always snakes.
4) Your favourite colour?
Wine. Though there are carpers who would point out that in my case "whine" is more like it. 5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?
"Amazing Grace" and "Lay, Lady, Lay."

But if Fairport Convention is in town, "The Hiring Fair."
And these days half of the songs that Janis Ian or the Dixie Chicks sing.
6) A movie that made you cry?
"Truly, Madly, Deeply."
7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?
As a child--probably "Ferdinand".
As an adult, probably "Moby Dick."
8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?
Possibly "Owl Moon" or "The Devil's Arithmetic" or "Ring of Earth" or "Girl in a Cage" or "Sword of the Rightful King." Ask me tomorrow it it might be a different list.

9) One thing you hate about being a writer?
Long waits.

10) One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?
My father did publicity for double bubble chewing gum, silly putty, and slinkies when I was a child and so I had more of all of them than any child had any right to.

Thank you, Jane! And I look forward to meeting you at SCBWI later this month.

Q&Q Writer Series featuring Deborah Kerbel and Frieda Wishinsky

2011-12-09T18:29:00.000-05:00

Whoa...wait a minute...two fabulous authors in one post? What's up with that?

I've spent a lot of time with Deb and Frieda over the past few weeks, since we're all part of the CANSCAIP program committee, and have come to love working with them. What better way to celebrate such great teamwork than by posting their interviews together. I'll start with Deborah (going in alphabetical order...sorry, Frieda!).

I've known Deborah Kerbel since before I was published and with each passing year I consider myself incredibly lucky to have known her. She's generous with her time, a great friend and a fabulous writer to boot. Deborah is the author of the Quizmas Books, Mackenzie, Lost and Found, Girl on the Other Side (Shortlisted by the Canadian Library Association for the 2010 YA Book of the Year’ Award ) and The Lure (Shortlisted for the 2011-2012 Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Award)

We've been publishing sibs for a while now and I'm looking forward to her next novel Under The Moon which will be published by Dancing Cat Books in Spring 2012. I know it's going to be FAB!

Without further ado, here's Deborah:

1) In one word, how would you describe your personality?

Optimistic

2) What is your deepest desire?

To stay happy, fulfilled and surrounded by my family and friends until the end of days.

3) Your greatest fear?

I have three paralyzing fears - all equally great: blood tests, tomatoes, and large dogs. Don't ask.

4) Your favourite colour?

Pink

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?

Any song by Lady Gaga makes me sing out loud.

6) A movie that made you cry?

Shadowlands.

7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?

Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley was a huge influence. And not as much for the story itself -- but more because of the fact that Mary Shelley was just a teenager when she wrote it. Knowing this is what really gave me the courage to try writing my first book.

8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?

Oooh - hard one! I'd have to say LURE because it's my baby.

9) One thing you hate about being a writer?

The criticism that is so inherent in this business really harshes my mellow.

10) One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?

I was born in a police station.

And now to introduce a versatile writer, Frieda Wishinsky. I think of her as the Lady with the Red Handbag. And that's no ordinary handbag...it has years worth of ideas and stories and it goes everywhere with her! Frieda has written chapter books and novels, picture books galore and a non-fiction book. Way too many to name here so do visit her website to check them out. Many of her books have received starred reviews in the Quill & Quire and been nominated for numerous awards. Please Louise won the the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award! I personally love You're Mean, Lily Jean and The Queen's Secret.

Frieda introduced me to La Bombache where we've shared many cups of coffee and some memorable conversation. And here are her answers to my quirky questions...

1) In one word, how would you describe your personality?
Upbeat? Curious? (Hard to pick one word, especially about one's self.)

2) What is your deepest desire?
To live a good, healthy life with all the people I love around and to keep writing the best books I can.

3) Your greatest fear?
Being alone in the world without the people I love.

4) Your favourite colour?
Red in almost all it's shades and tones (except orange tones)

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?
Somewhere Over the Rainbow. (First one to pop into my head but there are more, I'm sure)

6) A movie that made you cry?
Brief Encounter

7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?
Pride and Prejudice, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?
Carly in YOU'RE MEAN LILY JEAN. Maybe most like me???

9) One thing you hate about being a writer?
People don't value kids books the way I believe they should be valued. A good kids book goes to the heart of a story or theme. They are the books that stay with you forever.

10) One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?
I actually can't think of a secret (Although I could make one up. Like I hate sardines. Which is true. Even the smell. PU But some people know that about me. Like my husband who loves sardines. I keep a can of room spray handy when he eats them.)

The Tiffin named one of the five best Books of the Year for Young People, 2011

2011-11-23T08:11:00.000-05:00

Monday, November 21, 2011, 1:21 pm
Me: Doing my routine day job and wondering when I can get back to my writing...
Blackberry pings!
Email: From my editor, Barry Jowett, telling me that The Tiffin was named as one of the five best books of the year for Young People, by the Quill & Quire.
Me: The rest of the day is shot as I float and text my son to duck out of class and go get a copy of the Q&Q now. Well no, I didn't actually do that. I told him to pick up a copy after school. I'm a good mom!

What makes a book of the year?
This is how Q&Q explains it; There's no formula for deciding. Some are critical darlings, some are word-of-mouth favourites. Some introduce us to important new voices, some represent the best work from established authors. And some are simply exceptional works we think people will be reading and talking about for years to come. Together, these 15 books made the biggest impact in 2011.

There are ten books in the adult category and five in the young people category. The other nominees in the list are:

The Qalupalik by Elisha Kilabuk/Joy Ang
My Name is Elizabeth by Annika Dunklee/Matthew Forsythe
Tilt by Alan Cumyn
This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel

This is what they had to say about The Tiffin:

"With her latest tale of courage, determination, and success in overcoming hardship, Mahtab Narsimhan reminds us that, sometimes, all you need to engage young readers is a really good story. The Silver Birch Award-winning author (for her debut novel, The Third Eye) transports readers into the frenetic world of the dabbawallas of her native Mumbai, who deliver lunch to white-collar workers in metal containers called tiffins. Against this backdrop we meet Kunal, who is on a quest to find his birth mother using the tiffins as a tool. It sounds fantastical, but Narsimhan's lush rendering of Mumbai is so vivid the reader can almost hear its sounds, see its sights, and smell its scents. In her starred Q&Q review, Shannon Ozirny wrote that "this world will be just as awe-inspiring to North American young people as any fantasy realm could hope to be."

Thanks Q&Q!

And for those reading this post, have you picked up your copy of The Tiffin, yet? Please do!

My experience as a Human Book

2011-10-27T20:40:00.002-04:00

This past Saturday, Oct 22, 2011, I had the priviledge of being a Human Book at the Thorncliffe Public Library. I'd never heard of this concept before but after I agreed, out of curiosity, I had to find out more. Here's a brief History:

Living Libraries” were first launched in Copenhagen in the early 1990s. A youth organization called “Stop The Violence” was formed after a youth was stabbed and a group of young people wanted to do something to raise awareness through one‑on‑one dialogue. The first human library was then born.

Over 30 countries around the world now hold human libraries and some public libraries even have permanent collections. Countries expected to start their own programs include Brazil, China, Columbia, Cyprus, Malaysia and South Africa.

In May 2010, Hamilton Public Library hosted its inaugural Human Library event, the first public library project in Ontario.

To learn more about human libraries around the world, visit www.humanlibrary.org

This was an extremely well organized event by the staff of the library. Each of the authors invited to be a Human Book had an inspirational story to share. Over the period of four hours we all spoke to various members of the community, and were "read" for half an hour with a break of half an hour.

I personally met with students eager to hear about my writing experience and adults who asked me about the process of settling into Canada. This was where I started my journey in Canada, and it was a wonderful opportunity to pay it forward.

Here are some of my"readers."

Q&Q Writer Series featuring Uma Krishnaswami

2011-10-01T18:12:00.001-04:00

Hello All,

This weekend I'm excited to present a very special guest: Uma Krishnaswami.

Uma is a writer, teacher at Vermont College, MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults and was my mentor for The Silver Anklet. My favourites from her brillaint repertoire are Naming Maya (and the poignant concept of the Two-Gift which I love!) and Monsoon (the word evokes such beautiful memories.)

Her latest book called The Grand Plan to Fix Everything was published by Atheneum, May 2011. Would that we could have such a plan! It has received starred reviews in Kirkus and Publishers Weekly!

And here are her anwers to my crazy questions:

1) In one word, how would you describe your personality?
===One word? How about changeable? I'm mostly quiet and introverted, but I can be selectively outgoing and social given the right company!

2) What is your deepest desire?

===Probably world peace, but that seems unrealizable so most days I would probably settle for a clean desk.

3) Your greatest fear?

===I'll tell you a writing fear that really gets in the way. It's a fear of being unable to deliver on a promise. I suppose in some ways it relates to the fraud factor, right? The fear that so many writers have that they simply don't know enough, that someday someone's going to come along and expose them for the fakes they are. However, I tell myself I'm not alone in this: http://mediabistro.posterous.com/fighting-the-fraud-factor

4) Your favourite colour?
===That changes too. Right now it's purple.

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?

===I don't sing along with songs. Is that a character flaw? They do get stuck in my head sometimes but I can't think of one that's lodged there right now.

6) A movie that made you cry?
===I'm hopeless in this--I cry easily! Deepa Mehta's film, Water, reduced me to sniveling incoherence. And most recently, I cried at the documentary, The Story of the Weeping Camel. If you haven't seen it, it's about a Mongolian camel rejecting her newborn white colt. Two young boys travel across the desert to find a healing musician. After the musician has done his work, there's a scene where they place a bridle on the colt. It resists quite a bit, and they have to force it on. Part of me flinched at that. The camera didn't waver either, from the obvious discomfort of the colt. Then the elderly man blesses the camel colt. "May your humps grow straight," he says, "may your hooves grow strong." And I realized, this was the point of the whole film. That these people would not live without those camels, and this camel would not have lived without these people trying so hard, and at such cost to themselves, to get the mother to accept it. I just melted. I'm tearing up thinking about it now.

7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?
===Several--may I cheat and mention more than one?
Tagore's Geetanjali, the one with the Yeats foreword--I wish I knew Bangla so I could read it in the original but even in translation it sings.
Yeats, collected works
Pride and Prejudice
Summer Lightning by P.G.Wodehouse (the preface alone is a monument to humor and goodwill!)
Alice in Wonderland
All right, that's five that I've read more than five times so I'll stop.

8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?
===I think Dini in the novels I'm working on now, The Grand Plan to Fix Everything (to be published in May 2011) and its sequel due out the year after. It's the first time I'm working with a single set of characters over more than one book and I'm coming to love this girl for her larger-than-life, eccentric view of the world!

(Mahtab's note: I am a few months late posting this interview, but hey, on the bright side, we don't have to wait to read about Dini!)

9) One thing you hate about being a writer?

===Having to buy my own health insurance.

10) One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?
===Thanks to my friend and colleague Rita Williams-Garcia, and several other knitters at Vermont College residencies, I have taken up knitting! That's not the secret, as a hundred odd people saw me hauling yarn around campus in January. What no one knows is that it has become a necessity for me to knit while I'm working out knots in a story. The problem is that I can only knit rectangles and triangles. This is because I can't concentrate too much on the knitting. It needs to be a tool to help the story take shape, and if I focus on a pattern instead it just becomes a distraction. It turns out, fortunately, that you can do a lot with those two shapes so we'll see where it leads me.

Thank you, Uma. These were fun!

Q&Q Writer Series featuring Vikki Vansickle

2011-09-11T16:11:00.000-04:00

Hey Friends,
After a long hiatus, the Q&Q series is back again, and today I'd like to introduce you to Vikki Vansickle. She is the Marketing & Publicity Manager at HarperCollins Canada (one of the many hats she wears) and will be launching her latest book Love Is A Four-Letter Word tomorrow, Sept 12, 2011 at the Breakout Studio on Bayview from 6.30 to 8.30 pm. Check out the fun activities planned on FB.

This is a sequel to Words That Start with a B.

* Shortlisted for the 2011 CBA Libris Awards’ Children’s Book of the Year

* A Best Books for Kids and Teens selection, 2011

* Recommended List, IODE Violet Downey Book Award, 2011

Love her blog called Pipedreaming! Especially the line: Everything I need to know in life, I learned from children's literature.

And here are her answers to my quirky questions...or is it the other way around?

1) In one word, how would you describe your personality?
Bookish

2) What is your deepest desire?
Happiness

3) Your greatest fear?
An office job.

4) Your favourite colour?
At the moment, hot pink.

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?
A Whole New World from Disney's Aladdin

6) A movie that made you cry?
My Girl

7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?
I only have one, but I think she's a beauty: Words That Start With B
9) One thing you hate about being a writer?
Waiting!

10) One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?
I have, in the past, read aloud to my cat.

Thanks, Vikki, and look forward to meeting you at the book launch!

TD Book Week : Day 4 and 5 and after....

2011-05-07T20:43:00.001-04:00

It's the end of an exciting but exhausting week and I'm back in my little cave in the basement, happy to be home with still shaking with an adrenalin rush!

Thursday, May 5th started extra early as I headed to Yellowquill School in Portage while chatting with Jackie Thornton, wife of the principal, about books and movies and Meg Ryan. Linda Szumilak awaited me with a huge smile and a well set-up gym where I presented to students of grades 7 and 8. With a carrot muffin to tide me along the way, I was driven to Portage Library to meet LaDenna Stanley. After answering the interesting and unusual (do you have an accent and why are you here?) from a bunch of curious fifth and sixth graders, I left for Brandon.

At Robin's Nest this human cargo exchanged hands and the librarian of Brandon Library, Shelley Mortenson, drove me the rest of the way. This was the first time I had an all-adult audience and had a great time sharing lots of information about the process of writing.

And then it was onward to the Greyhound Station to catch the Winnipeg Express back to the hotel. Passed the flooded banks of the river and saw tons of sandbags along the way. Quite a sight.

Friday May 6th

Started with a presentation to over a hundred students of grades 4, 5 and 6 of King Edward School and met with librarian Georgia Wells who was so committed to reading and stocking up the library. The students were all ready to start reading at the end of the presebtation and asked some super questions.

Finally ended TD Book Week with the awesome grades 4, 5 and 6 students of Principal Sparling School. Many had read The Third Eye and were very keen to start with The Silver Anklet as soon as they saw the trailer. It was a thumbs-up all the way and I received great feedback from one of the teachers, Kevin Roberts;

"Here are a few things from my kids... Taken directly off of our feedback wall when we got back to the school.

As a teacher, I was happy that you talked about, how many times it took to write and write and write. I also enjoyed the parts.
Things we liked:
The trailers
The video of you reading the book
She talked about the mythology
She gave out high fives
I liked that at the end of the meeting the people who haven't read the books, all really wanted to read them!
We liked the pictures.
Thank you very much!"

And thank you, Kevin, for this lovely feedback and for making the last of my presentations so special!.

And finally I ended the evening by having dinner with Martha Brooks, her husband Brian and her adorable labradoodle, Myra. She signed two of my favourite books from her repertoire, Mistik Lake and True Confessions of a Heartless Girl.

Students of King Edward School

With Georgia Wells

Students of Principal Sparling.

A fab group of students!

With Martha Brooks, she is even lovelier than her writing!

Some of the gifts I received, including my favourite; fruit and nut chocolate from the students of Queenston School

A pin from the Town of Morris, Manitoba.

What a ride, TD Book week has been and I am so appreciative of having had the opportunity to tour Manitoba. Thank you TD Bank and CCBC!

TD Book Week: Day 3

2011-05-04T18:35:00.000-04:00

Today was an exciting day. I was headed for Morris, Manitoba where the floods were supposed to be in full swing. My camera was charged, and I was all ready for the adventure.

First stop of the day was Queenston School and meeting the Ellen Donogh's students was a treat! I was once again reminded how great it is for authors to step into a school so charged with electricity and excitement about an author visit.

Large book covers of The Silver Anklet and The Deadly Conch awaited me.The students were familiar with the books and thoroughly enjoyed the book trailers and the reading of The Deadly Conch. There was a draw at the end with my book give-aways. All in all, with the brilliant introduction and closing speeches by the students, I had the time of my life!

And then it was on to Valley Regional Library in Morris, Manitoba. Praying that I would not have to swim part of the way, I got into the car with my baton handler, Claudia Schmidt. She was a wonderful retired school teacher who expertly zipped toward Morris, slowing down to let this newbie from Ontario click pictures of the floods along the way (many will be on Facebook shortly). Arrived in Morris with plenty of time to spare and had a quick lunch with Claudia and other members of the library, Ruth and Anne.

I had a small cosy group of grades 5 and 6 students from Morris School who turned up for the presentation. It went well with the inevitable question always being asked; how old were you you when you wrote the books. For the record, I was 16 when I wrote them and now I'm 19! Is it any wonder that I love the fantasy/fiction genre :)

Diane Ali, the librarian, presented me with a lovely hand-painted spoon and Ruth gave me a pin from the Town of Morris. I was so honoured, I was speechless! Headed back out in the rain and checked out the dyke and the floods (brought lots of clay to the hotel, smuggled under my shoes) and headed back to Winnipeg, passing by waters with little whitecaps, rolling fields and fat dark rain clouds hanging low in the endless sky.

Looking forward to dinner with Gail and Larry Hamilton, Jennifer Cayley and Dave and Rhea Jenkinson.

With the students of Queenston and those giant book covers which were gorgeous!

With Ellen Donogh and Gail Hamilton.

With the principal and students of Queenston.

The flooded Red!

A warm welcome at the Valley Regional Library.

With the grades 5 and 6 students of Morris School.

Day 2:TD Book Week

2011-05-03T18:17:00.002-04:00

The human baton continued on, not a drop or a slip in the relay. This morning I started with an enthusiastic crowd of 150 students in the gym of the St. Emile School. A large wolf smiled down on us from a gigantic wall banner. I was introduced by a shy yet excited young girl (and I hate that I've forgotten her name!).The students loved the book trailers and the reading and as always we ran out of time with the questions. I was presented with a lovely water bottle with the St Emile logo and lots of sweets to munch on, on my way to the next school.

Rosemary Hollett, the librarian drove me over to Niakwa School and a great group of 7th and 8th graders. Interesting questions as always and shock when I narrated the story of how Lord Ganesh got his elephant head. After a delicious lunch of cottage-cheese pie (scrumptious!) and a date square prepared by Harriet
Zaidman, she handed me off to the soft-spoken but bubbly Ellen Donogh.

And then the fun really started....!!!!

The banners were up, posters were displayed and I had about ten students drop in just during set up to introduce themselves as my "biggest fans!"

All 125 students were in the library along with a few teachers and I had a blast talking to them about the trilogy, the theme, where the ideas came from and of course showing them the book trailers. This was filmed for Shaw TV by Joanne Kelly and her crew. It was also covered by Dan Lemoal, staff reporter at the Winnipeg School Division.

The students were courteous, beautifully behaved and so excited about my being there. I have to say that I might have been a tad more excited and happier with their reactions, and because they believed reading was SERIOUSLY COOL!

Finished off with some excellent questions from the students who stood up, introduced themselves and then asked the questions. We had a draw for my books and a poster and I was presented with a lovely photo frame and card.

Thank you Ellen Donogh, Rita Trautmann, and the WONDERFUL students of Luxton who made my visit so special and made me a very happy author today!

TD Book Week: Day 1

2011-05-02T19:25:00.000-04:00

I felt like a baton in a relay;a flawless one, I must add, as Barb Edwards drove me to William Patterson School for my first visit of the day/TD week. Received a warm welcome from the principal, Diane Brandson, and then attended the assembyl in the gym.

They have a neat program going called Pennies For Polly and I got a great shot of the students pouring their pennies into a huge (empty!) water jug. After songs and announcements, I presented to a wonderfully attentive students of grades 3-6 in the gym and as always we ran out of time for questions!

And then it was on to East Selkirk Middle School to meet the Vice-Principal Terry Skarban and librarian, Donna, who was so helpful. I started the afternoon with a workshop for the Grade 6 students. They were part of a Book Review Club and so clued into what makes a book "good". They did a fabulous job with the writing exercise and were really enthusiastic about the process of writing and the feedback they got on their exercises.

And finally ended the day with a presentation to the students of grade 5. They hadn't read the book but that did nothing to deter the tons of questions which came my way. The book trailers and reading worked like a charm and students were waiting to check the books out of the libraries as soon as the visit was over. Yayy!

Back at the hotel now and time to unwind before Day 2. Here are some wonderful memories of today's visit;

Collecting Pennies for Polly, Diane Brandson with a student

Students of William Patterson School

My workshop with the budding writers of East Selkirk Middle School

Q&Q Writer Series featuring Rachna Gilmore

2011-04-20T19:26:00.000-04:00

Hmmm, wondering what can I say about this latest guest on my blog which will adequately describe her warm, witty, intelligent, talented, fun-loving personality?

I give up. I think you better read it in her own words. Here is Rachna Gilmore, who has written everything from picture books to adult fiction. One of my favourites from her repertoire is A Screaming Kind of Day, the GG award winner in 1999!

Though I had been corresponding with Rachna for many months, I first met her in January this year when she attended OLA to promote her new book, That Boy Red. It was like discovering a kindred spirit. Here's a little bit about the book that is already garnering great reviews...

First came Anne Shirley–now meet Red MacRae

Eleven-year-old Roderick "Red" MacRae never has much spare time. It is the Depression and times are hard. When he isn’t at school, he’s helping Pa with chores on their P.E.I. farm or being nagged to do his homework by his older sister Ellen, who is also his teacher. Red tries to be responsible and help his family, but all too often he gives in to impulse – and lands himself in the midst of some hair-raising and hilarious misadventures involving runaway horses, cow dung, lost sisters, outhouses and even aeroplanes. But when Pa is seriously injured, Red must step up to the challenge to finish the tobacco caddies his father makes for credit at the local store. An episodic novel THAT BOY RED traces the coming of age of a resourceful, pig-headed young lad during a particularly difficult year, while celebrating the strength and spirit of a large, lively Canadian family living through the Depression.

And while you're browsing around, be sure to check out her blog; My Writerly Plarks. It's fun!
1) In one word, how would you describe your personality
One word? You ask a writer to restrict herself to one word? Besides, personality is contingent on circumstance, and weather...
Okay. Ahem.
Exuberant. That’s one word. But I have to say in February, when the light deprivation sets in, it’s more like Saggy. Or Trying, as in not-the-easiest-person-to-live-with and also trying hard not to be S. Otherwise, I’d also say Enthusiastic. Some would say annoyingly so. But what do they know?

2) What is your deepest desire?
Again, do I have to stick to one? Simply put, to be happy and centred, in the best sense possible. Which is a conglomeration of many factors. But one part of that is writing – writing from the place inside me that wants to create story, and not being caught up or distracted by the outcomes. Just being centred in the delight of story. In the white heat of that flow where time stands still. Oh, and to have a place by the ocean so I can write in-between long walks on the beach. Ahhh!
And then, having limitless chocolate to eat -- say a landscape of chocolate, or chocolate trees, or rivers of chocolate -- and no worries about weight gain would be pretty darn great, too.

3) Your greatest fear?
Being off centre and caught up in the illusions of life and the frenzy of life. Caught up in wasting more energy than I already do fantasizing about best sellers (mine!) etc. Snarled and knotted with needless worry. (Why bother, when there’s chocolate at hand?)

4) Your favourite colour?
Red. Not fire-engine red, but a deep, mellow red. Used to be blue. Oh, and on walls, yellow. Not shrieking, burn-your-eyes-right-outta-your-head yellow, but mellow yellow. Green’s pretty good too, in the garden...

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?
"The hiiiiillllsss are aliiiiiiveeeee weeeth the sound of musiiiiiiick! WAH, wah, wah wahhhhhhh!"

6) A movie that made you cry?
Mmm. BEACHES. It’s sappy, manipulative, but the minute they start up with "Wind beneath my wings" I’m gone.

7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. Read it squillions of time as a kid, when I lived in India, and got to know P.E.I. and love it. That book was one of the reasons I came to Canada and even lived in P.E.I.

8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?
Come on. That’s like asking which of my kids is my favourite. Although, currently, perhaps Dilly. From THE TROUBLE WITH DILLY. Only because I’m not done writing about her. But I am, as we speak, plotting new stories with other kids, who will fill the slot of fave until they are pushed out of the nest as books.

9) One thing you hate about being a writer?
The biz side of things. The endless erosion of quiet writing time. The increasing frenzy and pressure put upon writers to promote themselves. I’m a writer, for gawdsakes. I’d rather leave the publicity to the pros, but no, I guess I have to do my share. It’s distracting. It eats up slices of my brain that would be better off dreaming up stories. On the other hand, I’m trying to see this part of the biz as creative too. Still working at it. Oh, and I also hate making squat-all.

10) One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?
(Panic! Do I give away something AWFUL? Oh my gawd! Gleep.)
Ahem. How about: I love to garden? I’m indecisive?
No?
Okay, I confess. I AM AN ALEEEEANNNN from OUTER SPACE!!!!!!!!

Rachna, your answers were a hoot! Best wishes with your writing and thanks for dropping by.
PS: I looove Aliens!

Q&Q Writer Series featuring Lizann Flatt

2011-04-14T06:58:00.000-04:00

So, back from Mumbai, a little tired but nevertheless ecstatic to have been back, and reconnected with family, friends and old haunts. Check out all my pictures on facebook.

But now to introduce the next writer in my Q&Q series, Lizann Flatt. She has written two fantastic books.

Bedtime Teeth appeared in Switching on the Moon, a poetry anthology by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters, published by Candlewick Press in September 2010.

Let's Go! The Story of getting from There to Here was chosen as the TD Grade One Giveaway book for 2009.

She also voluteers as a regional adviser for the Canada East Chapter of SCBWI. That takes a lot of committment and time!

Friends, here's Lizann Flatt...

1) In one word, how would you describe your personality?
Reserved

2) What is your deepest desire?
Um.... (See above.)

3) Your greatest fear?
That would be ditto the above. I find it impossible to distill my thoughts and feelings into anything resembling a coherent answer for this type of question. But I could quip: liver.

4) Your favourite colour?
Yellow...usually.

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?
"It's My Life." Mostly the Talk Talk version but I also like the one by No Doubt.

6) A movie that made you cry?
Almost all of them make me cry. Seriously. It's pathetic.

7) A book you have read more than five times?
Too many books I want to read to have read any one of them 5 times, but books I've read several times include the Lord of the Rings trilogy, most of L.M. Montgomery's books, Holes by Louis Sachar, and Kate DiCamillo's The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.

8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?
Let's Go! The Story of Getting from There to Here.

9) One thing you hate about being a writer?
The vast and ever-changing unknown of it all.

10) One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?
I would rather ask the questions than answer them. And my snack habits went to hell once Miss Vickie stopped using peanut oil.

Currently, Lizann is working on manuscripts on the War of 1812, the Islamic Empire, and a picture book involving nature and numbers. If all goes well they'll be books sometime in 2012.

Lizann, it was wonderful reading your answers. Thank you for stopping by and good luck!

Q&Q Writer Series featuring The Maestro

2011-02-14T07:58:00.000-05:00

Ever since I read THE MAESTRO I've always wanted to meet the author, Tim Wynne-Jones. He has written over thirty books and they are all fantastic, compelling and worthy of very close study. Tim was also my mentor at the Humber School for Writers in 2008 and I had the pleasure of working with him for six months. It was a difficult time because Tim does not mince words, but I learned more about writing in those few months than I did on my own in four years.

Wise, witty, excruciatingly funny and above all, very supportive of emerging writers, his autobiographical sketch is a must read for all TWJ fans. It starts with "When I was three, I ran away from home with a tea cosy on my head..." How can you not read on after that opening line! All his books start with the same wonderful promise and never fail to deliver.

Tim is also a faculty member of the Vermont College of Fine Arts (MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults)

Among the lovable characters he's created over the years are Rex Zero in his trilogy by the same name, Mimi Shapiro in The Uninvited, and of course, Burl Crow in the Maestro. The list of awards is too long to mention but check it out here.

Tim's latest novel, BLINK AND CAUTION, is out on March 8, 2011 and has already garnered great reviews. I can't wait to get my own copy!

Here is Tim; the maestro, my mentor and friend;

1) In one word, how would you describe your personality?

Surprised.

2) What is your deepest desire?
To walk around the coast of England with the ocean always on my left.

3) Your greatest fear?
Anything bad happening to my children.

4) Your favourite colour?
Teal, on Wednesdays and Fridays; whatever colour turmeric is, on Sundays; and Burgundy for about an hour on Monday morning.

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?
Too many to mention. I grew up in a Welsh family and we all sing all the time. Right this minute I'm singing Stephen Sondheim's Finishing the Hat, but I'm only hearing it in my head.

6) A movie that made you cry?
Truly, Madly, Deeply.

7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?
So many...but I'd have to say The House at Pooh Corner.

8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?
Impossible to say: I might be pushed into acknowledging my three favourites: Zoom at Sea, Some of the Kinder Planets, and Rex Zero and the End of the World.

9) One thing you hate about being a writer?
First drafts.

10) One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?
I'm still hoping to write one really good book.

Thank you for everything, Tim. And I have to disagree with you on answer ten!

Q&Q Writer Series featuring Monica Kulling

2011-02-06T13:19:00.000-05:00

I met Monica Kulling at OLA 2010 and it was friendship at first sight! She was signing copies of All Aboard, Elijah McCoy's Steam Engine. An excellent book which I heard Monica read at Word on The Street Toronto last fall, bells, whistles and all.

Monica has published over 26 fiction and non-fiction titles for children which includes picture books, poetry and biographies. You can read about it on her website.

Her latest book, Merci Mr. Dash from Tundra received a great review from the CM Mag.

A gifted writer with two dogs and four cats who lives in TO. Need I say more...read on!

1) In one word, how would you describe your personality?

Fun-loving.

2) What is your deepest desire?
To live pain free.

3) Your greatest fear?
Public speaking.

4) Your favourite colour?
Moss-green.

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?
I’ve always loved to sing. I used to play guitar and even entertained the thought of writing songs and following Joni Mitchell on her world tours. Oh the foolishness of youth! These days I sing whenever I hear a great oldie. Yesterday it was These Eyes by the Guess Who.

6) A movie that made you cry?
Schindler’s List.

7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?
I was not a reader as a child, or even as an adult in my thirties. Consequently, I’m packing in a lot of reading now, but have yet to read one particular book five times. The writer who has influenced me the most is Virginia Woolf. Her daring and her skill always encourage me. She truly is a writer’s writer.

8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?
It’s true that the story one has just finished writing shines as the most perfect thing you’ve ever written, until it becomes a book. Don’t know why that is nor how that gorgeous piece of writing morphs into something completely ordinary. So I have two favorites: the story I finished last week about a grumpy girl who finds her smile, and It’s A Snap! George Eastman’s First Photograph because I love photography.

9) One thing you hate about being a writer?
Not making a living salary.

10) One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?
I’m a fan of slapstick. I know … childish. But if you’re going to slip on a banana peel or walk face-first into a clean pane of glass, what am I to do? Or course, in real life, not REEL life, I’d help you out. But watching it on film cracks me up. Every time.

Q&Q Writer Series featuring Shane Peacock

2011-01-15T15:57:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of meeting with the creator of The Boy Sherlock Holmes, Shane Peacock, at the TD Book Awards a couple of years ago. At the time I had not read any of Shane's work. All I knew was that he was a fellow nominee for the OLA Silver Birch Award.

Once I read Eye of the Crow, I was hooked by this brilliantly written novel. The action is immediate, the plot and pacing, superb and the denouement, heartbreaking. Since then, The Boy Sherlock Holmes has solved three more cases: Death in the Air, Vanishing Girl and the most recent, The Secret Fiend. Shane is the winner of numerous awards, all of which are listed on his website.

Shane is passionate about his writing and each word, line and paragraph contains that passion. Never a dull moment! In person, he is charming, warm and very generous with his time and advice.

Here is a glimpse into the mind of this exciting writer and creator of one of my favourite characters:

1) In one word, how would you describe your personality?
Relentless.

2) What is your deepest desire?
To create great art and be a good father and husband at the same time.

3) Your greatest fear?
The death of one of my children or my wife.

4) Your favourite colour?
Red.

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?
"Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da."

6) A movie that made you cry?
Dead Poets Society (though I dispute this!)
7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?
Oliver Twist.

8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?
"Eye of the Crow," the first of The Boy Sherlock Holmes series, about racism, prejudice and justice.
9) One thing you hate about being a writer?
Editing.

10) One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?
I like malls.

Thank you, Shane! Am thoroughly enjoying THE SECRET FIEND and look forward Sherlock's next case.

Q&Q Writer Series featuring Helaine Becker

2011-01-02T17:58:00.000-05:00

Hello World...Happy New Year!

I'd like to start 2011 with the interview of a writer who is the epitome of quirky. She is also fun, vivacious, generous and a wonderful friend!

Here is Helaine Becker, a prolific writer who has won numerous awards and written a poem about panties :) I was almost ROFLMAO at one of her presentations when she recited it. Another masterpiece is called "Sleepwalker's Dilemma" from Mama Likes to Mambo. This poem is the first one I heard from her repetoire and remains my absolute favourite!

A few notable mentions within her oeuvre are the Looney Bay series, Are you Psychic, Boredom Blasters and Secret Agent Y.O.U. The last two are winners of the OLA Awards. Amazing books by an amazing writer. You can check out Helaine's blog too; informative and good for a giggle.

Friends, here she is;

1) In one word, how would you describe your personality?
Passionate. Or loud. You can choose.

2) What is your deepest desire?
You mean only one???? Ok, my deepest desire is to help make the world a better place. And to have a school named after me, like Jean Little. Wouldn’t that be awesome????

3) Your greatest fear?
Being stranded on a desert island without chocolate.

4) Your favourite colour?
Pink. Preferably mixed with every other color in the rainbow, ala tie dye. I am also very partial to turquoise, the color of the Caribbean sea.

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?
I am a notorious singer alonger. My favorite for this purpose might be, Build Me Up Buttercup. Or anything by the Ramones. I love the Ramones. RAMONES!!!! That’s me screaming from the back of the bar, everytime.

6) A movie that made you cry?
The Blind Side. And the Bridge to Terabithia – I wept like a baby for hours after that one. And Up. And Toy Story 3, which I found totally absorbing and scary – I was instantly three again, while I was watching it, but then, watching the boy pack up for college? Well, my guy was leaving for his first year a few weeks later. I bawled like an idiot. My younger son, who I saw the movie with, had to keep patting me on the shoulder and telling me it would be all right.

7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?
People who know me well know I am obsessive about To Kill A Mockingbird. I also read all the Narnia books about a gazillion times when I was a kid, along with A Wrinkle in Time, Harriet the Spy, Are You there God? It’s Me Margaret, all the books by Edward Eager. I read tons as a kid, I loved reading more than just about anything back then, and still do. I guess that’s why I grew up to be a kids book writer – kids books are what I always loved best. Oh! And From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basi E. Frankweiler. I LOVE that book.

8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?
You mean in one of my books? Reese McSkittles, from the Looney Bay All Stars series. He’s based on my son Andrew. Here’s another one: Porcupine. He’s not a kid, but I’m also really crazy about the porcupine in my new picture book A Porcupine in a Pine Tree. Werner Zimmerman drew him, and gosh is he ever the cutest critter ever! I’m thinking of getting mugs made for my family with his picture on it as Xmas presents. I’ve also written a character called Dakota in my current WIP, Trouble in the Hills. He’s a really obnoxious bad boy teenager, and I really really like him. He’s got a mouth the size of Manitoba, and a foot to fit in it that’s nearly as big.

9) One thing you hate about being a writer?
Having to write. It’s hard. I like coming up with the ideas, figuring it all out. But then the hard slog of sitting down and putting fingers to the keyboard. Argh! Sometimes the words come out fast and easy, but mostly it’s a struggle. And it interferes with my time to get together and talk about books with my friends.

10) One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?
I am nervous around grownups.

Thank you, Helaine!

Q&Q Writer Series : Featuring Helene Boudreau

2010-12-04T14:03:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of interviewing my good friend and fellow writer Helene Boudreau recently. She has a number of fiction and non-fiction books in her repertoire which include her first one ACADIAN STAR and KEEP OUT! Her most recent one; REAL MERMAIDS DON'T WEAR TOERINGS has just been released by Sourcebooks and has garnered great reviews, which are all up on her blog.

A delightful picture book, I DARE YOU NOT TO YAWN, is also slated for publication in 2013 by Candlewick. Cannot wait to read it!

I met Helene in Kidcrit, a writer's group I joined in 2006. At the time we were both unpublished, but here we are now, a scant five years later, with many successes under our belts. Among the many things I admire about Helene, the most endearing is her desire to help others to the best of her ability. This could be invaluable advice in writing a synopsis, advice on how to get an agent or just a "hang in there" email when someone in the group has received bad news!

Here is a more personal glimpse of this warm and wonderful writer...

1) In one word, how would you describe your personality?

Enthusiastic!

2) What is your deepest desire?

A healthy, fulfilling life surrounded by those I love.

3) Your greatest fear?

Every mom probably has the same answer to this one.

4) Your favourite colour?

Red!

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?

Chumbawumba: Tubthumping (I get knocked down...)

6) A movie that made you cry?

La vita è bella/ Life is Beautiful

7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?

I rarely read books more than once but I love, love, love anything by Katherine Paterson, Kate DiCamillo or Tim Wynne-Jones.

8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?Whatever I'm working on at the moment. Right now? Jade from REAL MERMAIDS DON'T WEAR TOE RINGS

9) One thing you hate about being a writer?
The First Draft 15™

10) One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?

I eat sardines over the kitchen sink, straight out of the can. Don't you?

Thank you, Helene and wish you continued success in your career!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows...Brilliant!

2010-11-25T17:01:00.000-05:00

All right, so I guess you all know that I am a huge Harry Potter fan, the same as a billion others. Couldn't wait to see the Deathly Hallows but balked at having to face the chaos on opening weekend.

I finally did see it on Monday (and for all of you out there who do not like crowds, go on a Monday!) and I have to say I was blown away by it. Beautifully done even though it was a bit choppy, but given the length of the book, it was to be expected. The actors have all grown and are a pleasure to watch. The special effects are breathtaking!

Once again, I say, hats off to Steve Kloves for a fabulous screen play, to David Yates, for artful direction but above all, to J. K. Rowling for her sheer, imaginative brilliance!

Anyone want to see it again with me?

Q & Q Writer Series : Featuring Arthur Slade

2010-11-21T16:37:00.000-05:00

This next guest on my writer series needs no introduction at all. I had the pleasure of meeting Art Slade, a fabulous writer with an endearing personality, at the TD Awards earlier this month, and congratulating him on winning the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award for The Hunchback Assignments, "a rollicking steampunk adventure" which I just finished reading for the second time.

The next one in the series, The Dark Deeps was released in September and though I haven't read it yet...it's next on my list.

A self-proclaimed techno-whiz, Art has a wonderful website filled with delicious tidbits about his books, bio , podcasts and tips for writers. So visit him...and enjoy...

Without further ado...here is Art at his quirkiest!

1) In one word, how would you describe your personality?
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

2) What is your deepest desire?
To conquer the world.

3) Your greatest fear?
Rhubarb.

4) Your favourite colour?
Green.

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?
Bohemian Rhapsody.

6) A movie that made you cry?
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The acting. The storyline. The waste of all that money and talent.

7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?
The Lord of the Rings. Have read it about fourteen times.

8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?
Dust.

9) One thing you hate about being a writer?
commas, commas, commas--where do they go. Semi-colons come in a close second.

10) Something no one knows about you (and now will)?
I sometimes listen to ABBA.

Art, thank you so much for participating. You are inspiration to all of us, especially me! Wishing you continued success in your career.

Quirky and Quintessential Writer Series : Featuring Claudia Osmond

2010-11-02T20:15:00.000-04:00

In today's blog, I present to you Claudia Osmond; bubbly, always smiling and full of life! She is the co-founder of the Toronto Kidlit Group along with my favourite "Inky Girl," Debbie Ohi (her interview is coming up shortly). Claudia is currently involved in a humanitarian initiative called the Saffron Banyan to end poverty in the city of Trichy in South India. All and any help would be much appreciated!
Claudia is also the author of Smudge's Mark, a fantastic fantasy novel for children.

Without a second's delay, here is a glimpse of that vivacious and caring personality;

In one word, who are you?
Co-creator

What is your deepest desire?
To have a hand in ending modern-day slavery

Your greatest fear?
Something happening to my kids

Your favorite color?
Candy apple red

A song you can’t help singing along with every time you hear it?
Steal My Sunshine by Len

A movie that made you cry?
Miss Potter made me cry several times. Especially when she found out her books were selling!

A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?
Smudge’s Mark

One thing you hate about being a writer.
My inner critic: Regularly second-guessing my ability to write.

One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?
Sheesh. Okay. When I was fourteen I wrote fan-mail to Michael Jackson. I secretly wanted to marry him.

Thank you, Claudia! It was pleasure interviewing you :)

Quirky and Quintessential Writer Series :Featuring Valerie Sherrard

2010-10-24T19:08:00.001-04:00

I had the pleasure of interviewing a really special writer recently...Valerie Sherrard. She has a number of exciting mysteries in her repertiore with the Shelby Belgarden series. Her first picturebook There's a COW Under My Bed is a delight to read! Her latest book Tumbleweed Skies was a nominee for the Ann Connor Brimer Award for Children's Literature 2010.

In addition to being an author, Valerie and Marsha also run the Authors Booking Service. This service assists educators and librarians with finding young adult and children's book creators who are qualified and willing to present at schools and libraries

Here is a fleeting glimpse of this wonderful person;
1) In one word, how would you describe your personality?
Sanguine

2) What is your deepest desire?
To grow old gracefully and happily with my husband, Brent, who is also an author.

3) Your greatest fear?
I'm terrified of heights. I couldn't call myself brave in the dark either.

4) Your favourite colour?
Deep purple.

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?
Dragonfly, by Roman Dane.

6) A movie that made you cry?
Dead Poet Society

7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?
The (adult)book I've read the most number of times is Seventeen by Booth Tarkington, although I wouldn't say it influenced me. On the other hand, I've read The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver only once (so far - I do plan to read it again) but it had a huge impact on the way I look at the voice of a story. Kingsolver did the most amazing job in having a range of such rich and distinctive characters narrate this particular book.

8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?
The Glory Wind

9) One thing you hate about being a writer?
The bouts of self-doubt andsecond-guessing. Almost every project has found me, about 2/3rds of the way through, quite certain that the book I'm working on is boring and pointless, and that no one in their right mind would ever want to read it.

Thank you so much, Valerie!

Darby's visiting Toronto to talk about FACING FIRE by KC Dyer (Hey...that rhymed!)

2010-10-17T14:00:00.001-04:00

Hi Darby,

Welcome to Moonlight Musings and TO. Tell us...what's new with you? (Yikes...I'm quite rhymey today ;))

Mahtab

And here's Darby's reply...

Hi Everyone!

My name is Darby Christopher...and I'm a big fan of the Tara trilogy. I love the idea of mythology in stories -- and reading about different cultures is fascinating to me.

Since the adventures in my very first book, A WALK THROUGH A WINDOW, I learned a whole lot about different cultures, and the choices that people make when they come to Canada. Now, unlike Mahtab, my experience with immigration hasn't come from living in other countries of the world. It turns out I have a talent ... for travelling through time.

Today, I’m here to celebrate the launch of my new book. It’s called FACING FIRE.

FACING FIRE picks up the story of what happened to me after the magical summer that you may have read about in A WALK THROUGH A WINDOW. And if you're interested in a whole new way at looking at how people came to live in Canada, you might consider taking a look.

You can learn more by peeking at my new book. Find out more about it – and the author – at http://www.kcdyer.com/.

Or better still, would you like to win a copy as a prize? If you leave comment on this post, Mahtab will put your name into a draw to win a free copy of the new book – FACING FIRE. And if you actually link to this post somewhere else [like in another blog, or facebook post or even a tweet] we’ll put your name in for the draw for BOTH of my books. Go for it!

By the way, if you’re into looking for prizes, [especially if you like making videos], check out my blog HERE
at Darby Speaks. I have an AMAZING contest going with some totally fantastic prizes. And if you like twitter, you can follow all the latest on the contest and the blog tour and launches @DarbyWalking.

See you there.

Thanks for having me, Mahtab!

~Darby

My pleasure Darby and have fun!

Quirky and Quintessential Writer Series: Featuring Marsha Skrypuch

2010-10-10T19:02:00.000-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Marsha Skrypuch for my series. Marsha is not only a gifted writer with over a dozen books in publication, but she is also passionate about writing events that are uncomfortable, events which people would rather sweep under the carpet than discuss. She has written about the Armenian Genocide as well as about Holodomor (Stalin-induced famine in Ukraine.)

In May 2008, President Victor Yuschchenko of Ukraine bestowed upon Marsha the Order of Princess Olha for her championing of the Holodomor. For a complete profile of Marsha, please see the article in CM Magazine by David Jenkinson.

Marsha has helped many a new writer (including yours truly) and completely embodies the quote oft heard: "A candle loses none of its light by lighting another."

And that is Marsha, in a sentence.

1) In one word, how would you describe your personality?
Determined

2) What is your deepest desire?
To be fair

3) Your greatest fear?
To be misunderstood

4) Your favourite colour?
Red

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?
Jeff Buckley's rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah

6) A movie that made you cry?
Frank Capra's: It's A Wonderful Life

7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the most?
The Magus by John Fowles

8) From your own oeuvre: your favorite child?
Anya from Prisoners in the Promised Land

9) One thing you hate about being a writer?
Having very little free time

10) One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?
I'm an introvert

Thank you, Marsha!

Quirky & Quintessential Writer Series: Featuring Cynthia Leitich Smith

2010-09-29T16:23:00.017-04:00

Hello Booklovers, Bookworms and those who can't live without the written word,
I'm sure you all have your favourite authors whom you stalk...er...follow. You want to know everything about him/her, who they are, where they grew up and how they got the idea for the book you just could not put down!
The infinite www has made it possible to get a lot of "writerly" information about authors. But what about the stuff totally unrelated to books? The quirky stuff that makes them the quintessential writer?
I've wondered the same thing about a lot of writers I've greatly admired and so, was born the idea of asking them questions mostly unrelated to the world of writing. Fun stuff that makes them come alive for me!
And so I've started this series with none other than Cynthia Leitich Smith of the ETERNAL and TANTALIZE fame. She loves to help new writers and maintains a fantastic website and blog.

Without further ado...here's the quick and quirky on a wonderful writer:

1) In one word, who are you?
Writer

2) What is your deepest desire?
An old-fashioned, claw-footed bathtub.

3) Your greatest fear
Fire Ants

4) Your favourite colour?
Green

5) A song you can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?

"Rhinestone Cowboy."

6) A movie that made you cry?

"The Spiderwick Chronicles."

7) A book you have read more than five times? Or a book which influenced you the most?

The Witch from Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Spear (Houghton Mifflin, 1958)

8)From your own oeuvre; your favorite child?

Blessed (Candlewick 2011)

9) One thing you hate about being a writer?

Saying "no" to so many people and opportunities to protect my writing time, and the fact that folks so often do not understand.

10) One thing no one knows about you (and now will)?

My toe aches when it's about to rain.

So there you have it, folks. Head over to Cynthia's website for some more information about her and on writing!

And watch this space as more authors agree to share quick and quirky deets...

The Deadly Conch: Final Chapter of the Tara Trilogy

2010-08-04T15:36:00.004-04:00

So here I am after having been AWOL since March. And what have I been doing, you might ask. I've written and re-written the final instalment in the Tara Trilogy. It's called The Deadly Conch and the pub date is Jan 17, 2011.

It's been a relief to finally wrap this up and yet gut wrenching that I will not be in Tara's head any more, will not be dreaming up more antics for the evil Zarku or mischief for Suraj.

But there it is. Time to move on to...The Tiffin...but that's a story for another post.

Hope you're enjoying the summer!

Mad, Memorable Mash-up!

2010-03-28T20:54:00.011-04:00

What a memorable end to March with this Mad, Memorable Mash-up!

Richard Poplak, Rui Umezawa and I read excerpts from our respective pieces with each of us interjecting with relevant responses.

Teresa Toten our wonderful editor was interviewed by Joe Kertes. DJ Andrew Roti provided some great music and the entire event was extremely well organized by publicist, Vimala Jeevanandam from Penguin as well as Chris Reed and Natalie Kertes of Small Print Toronto.

We bared our hearts and stories in a packed ballroom at the Gladstone Hotel in front of an extremely appreciative and supportive crowd.

Thank you all, for being there. Here's raising a glass to friendships and Fitting In!

Head over to my Facebook page for some more picture and who's who.

You are Invited to a MASH-UP!

2010-03-13T12:41:00.003-05:00

For more information, please visit www.smallprinttoronto.org

It'll be a blast so be there!

OLA 2010

2010-03-01T18:18:00.012-05:00

Had a great time at OLA last Friday. Had a chance to present at the Forest of Reading Showcase and relive those wonderful months till countdown to the Forest of Reading Award Ceremony in May 2009.

Also met my inspiring and wonderful tweeps Helene Boudreau, Deborah Kerbel, Marina Cohen, KC Dyer, Marisa Zamit, Marsha Skrypuch.

Chatted with one of my favourite illustrators ever; Jeremy Tankard, author of Grumpy Bird among others. Also ran into Monique Polak, well-known author and journalist from Montreal as well as Rene Schmidt at the Orca Booth. Met Kari-Lynn Winters who asked me to masquerade as a fish.

And to round of the evening, had dinner with a bunch of the smart, inspiring and fun-loving authors ever which also included Nelsa Roberto, Cheryl Prowse, Natalie Hyde. We also measured head sizes of all :)

Raising a toast to good memories and much success!

Great Review for The Silver Anklet in Resource Links

2010-01-20T19:24:00.004-05:00

Just got a great review in Resource Links (Dec 2009, Vol 15, Issue 2) from Myra Junyk!

Here are a few snippets;

"This beautifully written and lyrical book brings various figures in Indian mythology to life in a compelling story about family, love, courage and determination. Tara is a wonderful heroine exemplifying the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

Mahtab Narsimhan has once again invited readers into a world where evil spirits wander the dense forest and young children must face life and death decisions in order to survive. Doing the "right thing" can sometimes be the most difficult choice.

What strange and wonderful experiences can readers anticipate in the third and final installment of the Tara Trilogy."

Triple Book Launch: Jan 16, 2010

2010-01-20T19:02:00.007-05:00

What a way to start the New Year!

Deborah Kerbel, Marina Cohen and I launched our books at the Chapters, Yorkdale Mall on Jan 16, 2010. The weather was gorgeous and mild, the turnout was fantastic but the best part was seeing gigantic cakes featuring our book covers; Girl on the Other Side, Ghost Ride and The Silver Anklet.

I'll post a couple of pictures here but for more coverage, please visit me on Facebook.

Thank you to all my family, friends and fans who turned up to celebrate these birthdays with us!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-12-31T16:54:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends, Fans et al,

As 2009 draws to a close I always feel nostalgic and sad. So rather than give in to reminiscing about the past, I'm going to look forward to the new year and everything it brings.

I wish all of you peace, prosperity and the fulfilment of your dreams in 2010.

Happy New Year!

Reading/Signing at McNally Robinson

2009-11-21T16:15:00.018-05:00

A *captive* audience :)

I've so lost practice writing with a pen...

Lies, Anne-Louise, Zenia, Aftab and Anne; good friends and family. What more could I ask for?

With Nicola and Kelly; the lovely ladies at McNally who organized the event. Thanks!

CM Magazine gives The Silver Anklet Four Stars!

2009-11-01T19:33:00.001-05:00

You can check it out here: http://umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol16/no10/thesilveranklet.html

Enjoy!

The Hunchback Assignments: Art Slade at Runnymede Chapters

2009-10-21T16:58:00.003-04:00

Had a great time this morning listening to Art Slade talk about the first novel in the Hunchback Assignment Series.

Learnt some cool stuff about the Victorian Age including Mr Thomas Crapper!

Thanks, Art :)

Book Trailer for The Silver Anklet: The second book in the Tara Trilogy

2009-10-17T08:38:00.009-04:00

And here it is. Enjoy!

A wonderful job done by Andie Rosenbaum of Air Productions.

Piece by Piece: Stories about fitting into Canada

2009-09-24T19:28:00.007-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Earlier this year I was approached by Teresa Toten, a wonderful YA author, to contribute a non-fiction piece for an anthology she was editing...a piece of me!

I agreed immediately!

This is the cover of the book, published by Penguin Canada, of fourteen Canadians' experiences about fitting into Canada. It has been twelve years since I immigrated and reminiscing about it made me realize how far I had come and how much I had learned along the way.

It is a pleasure to be able to share this journey with all of you.

Piece by Piece will be available in March 2010.

Reading and Signing at McNally Robinson on November 19, 2009 at 7 pm

2009-09-16T17:09:00.008-04:00

Hello!

Hope everyone had a great summer. I did!

Finished a draft of the last book in The Tara Trilogy and completed final edits for The Silver Anklet which will be released on December 12, 2009.

But for anyone who can't wait that long, I will be doing a reading and signing at McNally Robinson (The Shops at Don Mills) on November 19, 2009 at 7 pm. Join me for a sneak peek of what's coming up, as the adventure continues in The Silver Anklet.

Go here for more information.

See you soon!

Mahtab

Woofstock!!!

2009-06-14T18:08:00.004-04:00

Rahul, Coby, and I at Woofstock today.

We had a great time but he had a blast...treats all morning!

Here he is with Great Danes; Jack and Jill.

Celebrating with the Kidcritters!

2009-06-07T20:03:00.004-04:00

My favourite kind of evening; with friends and having fun!

Celebrating with kidcritters Helaine and Marina.

With the Gals at Le Gourmand

2009-06-02T18:45:00.006-04:00

Celebrated the Award with a few close friends at Le Gourmand. The food was super...the ambience, lovely... but the company, PRICELESS!

Anti-clockwise from the right : Anne-Louise, Anne, Lies and yours truly.

Thanks all! I had a wonderful evening and some warm memories to keep me going as I struggle through a draft of the next book :)

Tim, I and The Uninvited!

2009-05-28T22:30:00.005-04:00

Heard Tim Wynne-Jones read from his latest YA novel "The Uninvited" at McNally Robinson this evening. It's a book that is hard to put down; the various plot strands draw you in, enmesh you, hold you there, and the only escape is to get right to the end -PDQ!

Another masterpiece by the Maestro!

And here's a picture of Tim, I and "The Uninvited" in the background...grrrrr!!!

A message for my Fans!

2009-05-19T20:11:00.008-04:00

Dear Fans,

Last week was a rollercoaster of emotions that culminated in one of the most memorable days of my life; the day I won the Silver Birch Fiction Award!

THANK YOU to all who voted for me. It was all the more special because the votes came from the very audience this book was written for; and that means all of you!!!

Hope you'll enjoy "The Silver Anklet" just as much.

Here is that special moment captured for an eternity by Janet O'Sullivan. Thanks a ton, Janet.

Mahtab

Silver Birch Fiction Award 2009 for The Third Eye!!!

2009-05-16T11:18:00.013-04:00

The Award...

With the wonderful team at Dundurn!

I can't stop smiling...

With Katy Harrison of the Forest of Reading Committee.

The Silver Anklet!

2009-05-08T17:26:00.015-04:00

For those enthusiastic fans who've asked about the sequel; it is slated for release in November 2009.

You can pre-order on Amazon

Here's a sneak preview;

What if the only way to get rid of your worst enemy was to sacrifice your brother?
When hyenas snatch Tara's brother, Suraj, and two other children from the local fair in Morni, Tara and her newfound companions decide to rescue them on their own. Tara soon discovers that Zarku, her nemesis with the third eye, is back and intent on revenge.
A deadly game of hide and seek ensues, and Tara and her companions must work together to survive. But it is soon clear that Zarku is only after Tara; the others are dispensable.
Should Tara risk the lives of her friends? Or can she once again defeat Zarku and save her brother, armed only with belief in herself and a silver anklet?

Enthusiastic Students at Hewson P.S.

2009-03-04T22:01:00.005-05:00

A memento of the wonderful time I had with the students of Hewson P.S.

You all were awesome :)

For more pictures please go to my website (in a few days...)

http://www.mahtabnarsimhan.com/

OLA 2009 and Kidcritter's Dinner

2009-02-02T19:03:00.006-05:00

A fun day at OLA 2009 with stimulating conversation, great presentations, plenty of hugs and a great meal to end the day.

From left to right are: Natalie Hyde, Marina Cohen, Marsha Skrypuch, Marisa Zammit, Helene Boudreau, Martha Martin, Karen Bass, Deborah Kerbil and yours truly.

Thanks for the great picture Helene and here's raising a glass to happy memories and an awesome group of writers!

I've been AWOL and I'm sorry...

2009-01-25T19:38:00.002-05:00

First of all...HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I know...I know...it has been almost three months since my last post. But I do have a good reason; the sequel to "The Third Eye" is now finished. At least the seventh draft is. Now let's see what the editor has to say.

In the meantime, check out this link sent by my good friend Martha Martin.

http://readingforest.pbwiki.com/Silver-Birch-Wiki-Page

For those participating in the Silver Birch program, feel free to write to me with any questions you may have. The best ones will be go right here, in the next post!

My e-mail address is:

author@mahtabnarsimhan.com

Read and Dream.

Silver Birch for The Third Eye!!!

2008-11-01T19:09:00.003-04:00

The Third Eye has been nominated for the Silver Birch Award 2009!

One of the happiest moments of my life was when I received an e-mail from a member of the Silver Birch Committee on Oct 21st asking me to call. Just the mysterious nature of the e-mail had my heart racing. I called shortly after and Gail told me my book had been nominated. This writer was at a complete loss for words except for "Wow" and "Thank you!"

After almost a year of being in publication, I had thought there would be no more exciting moments for my very first baby. She had been born and now existed in a word crowded with lots of other babies more talented and more brilliant than she. This nomination changed it all. It is an honour just to be on that list.

OLA, a heartfelt thank you!

Here is the link:
http://www.accessola.com/forest2009/SilverBirch/index2.html

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu...Unforgettable!

2008-10-23T21:25:00.003-04:00

The Pedernal and the library at Ghost Ranch.

The first took my breath away and the second provided me with just the right amount of coziness, serenity and an endless supply of mandarin-orange herbal tea so I could write.

An unforgettable experience...

How many Horses?

2008-08-22T20:17:00.006-04:00

From the time my sister graduated from school, she knew she was going to be an artist. She followed a steady career path that took her through the Fine Arts and did extremely well.

To my knowledge there was only one occasion when she failed on an assignment; the one I did for her! When she handed back the assignment, her teacher was impelled to remark that it was the worst he had ever seen from her and had given her a mark of 2/10. She was too mortified to let him know that due to lack of time she had allowed me to complete it for her.

And so here we are years later. She still paints pictures; gorgeous ones. I have just discovered the art of doing the same. With words.

So when she recently sent me this picture, it came with a challenge; how many horses?

I'm still counting...

To see some more paintings that she has done without my help, visit;

http://mazarinememon.com/index.php

Updated Timings for the MMM Desilit Stage

2008-07-20T10:13:00.004-04:00

For those who might like to attend, here is an updated schedule for Saturday, July 26th, 2007

Saturday, July 26th

12:00-2:45: Live participatory all-ages writing activity
3:00-3:45: That Brown Bastard, Nila Gupta, Laila Haidarali
4:00-4:45: Ahmad Saidullah, Arti Mehta, Mary Anne Mohanraj
5:00-5:45: Janice Goveas, Sheniz Janmohamed, Mahtab Narsimhan
6:00:6:30 Children’s story reading
6:45-715: Wasela Hiyate, Moez Surani

An upcoming event at the MMMWriters Stage

2008-07-06T19:14:00.002-04:00

Masala! Mehndi! Masti! DesiLit Writers’ Stage

When:Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 1:00pm

Where: Exhibition PlaceBetter Living Centre (near vendors' market)Toronto, ON

Details: The Masala! Mehndi! Masti! DesiLit Writers’ Stage focuses on the work of writers (fiction, poetry, non-fiction), storytellers and spoken word artists.

The stage will be open on July 26th and July 27th and will have programming for adults and children, including interactive writing activities for all ages, stellar performances and lots of contest giveaways. Check out the Toronto Women's Bookstore and our Writers' and Reader's tables.

Saturday, July 26th

1:00-2:15: Live participatory writing activity
2:30-3:15: That Brown Bastard, Nila Gupta, Laila Haidarali
3:30-4:15: Ahmad Saidullah, Arti Mehta, Mary Anne Mohanraj
4:45-5:30: Janice Goveas, Sheniz Janmohamed, Mahtab Narsimhan
5:45-6:15: Children’s story reading6:30-7:00: Wasela Hiyate, Moez Surani

Sunday, July 27th

12:00-1:00: Dipak Mazumdar, Meena Chopra, Cheryl Antao-Xavier, Rashmee Karnad-Jani, Zohra Zoberi, Priti Dhamane
1:15-1:45: Sarena Parmar, Nitin Deckha
1:50-2:40: Live participatory writing activity
2:45-3:15: Taima Silk –the amazing children’s storyteller
4:15-5:00: Sahar Rizvi, Pratap Reddy, Sharanpal Ruprai

Hope to see you there!

A monsoon from many moons ago...

2008-05-03T17:37:00.006-04:00

The rains always remind me of the monsoon season back home in Bombay. After months of sticky, relentless heat, the rains bring blessed relief to all.

One particular monsoon afternoon stands out vividly in my memory. It was when my father, sister and I took a walk along Marine Drive. Dark rain clouds hung low in the sky, their swollen bellies almost touching the grey waters of the Arabian Sea.

Just as we had bought a couple of corn-on-the-cobs and the street vendor started to roast them for us, the skies opened up and pelted us with needle-sharp rain. We hurried to a nearby pile of concrete frames left over from some long forgotten construction project and crouched near them while the sea hissed and foamed behind us, filling the air, covering our faces and coating our lips with salty spray.

My father, completely drenched by now, brought us the steaming corn when they were ready. We gobbled them up, the corn warm against our lips, our soaked clothes cold against our skin. It was the best corn I ever had.

To this day, whenever I smell the delicious fragrance of a corn-on-the-cob roasting on an open flame and it happens to be raining, I can taste the spicy-tangy flavour of the chilli-lemon paste smeared on the sweet corn from that monsoon many moons ago.

A Question...from "The Book of Questions" by Gregory Stock

2008-04-06T20:37:00.005-04:00

What do you value most in a relationship?

I value the freedom to be me; to not have to pretend to be someone or something I am not.

Anyone?

"What the Birds See" by Sonya Hartnett

2008-03-16T20:44:00.002-04:00

I just finished reading this interesting and slightly challenging novel. This was my first foray into the Sonya's oeuvre and I had no idea what to expect. But the very first paragraph had me hooked. My favourite sentence in there is;

"That afternoon, so near to winter, the sky was very blue; the sun felt soft as a cat."

The protagonist Adrian is so very believable and all through the story I could feel the impending sense of doom that he's hurtling towards. Reading it in present tense was a bit unusual for me but the power of the narrative soon made me forget everything else.

I finished this book in one sitting and yet long after I put down the book, I could not stop thinking about him, his world, his feelings, what brought him to act the way he did. A perfect example of resonance.

A beautiful read and next on the list is "Thursday's Child."

Third Eye Facebook Event

2008-02-16T19:58:00.007-05:00

Hi All,

Its been a long and interesting hiatus since my last post. But believe me , I have been busy. More about that in another post.

Here's some interesting news. An author event on Facebook from March 24th to March 28th. You can ask me anything you like (well, not anything...) and I'd be happy to answer your questions.

Here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Third-Eye/19446419840)

Stay warm and hope to see all of you online!

And now I better get back to work.

Mahtab

A four star review from CM Magazine

2008-01-11T19:56:00.000-05:00

CM . . . . Volume XIV Number 10 . . . . January 11, 2008
http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol14/no10/thethirdeye.html

The Third Eye.
Mahtab Narsimhan.Toronto, ON: Dundurn Press, 2007.240 pp., pbk., $12.99.ISBN 978-1-55002-750-1.
Grades 5-8 / Ages 10-13.
Review by Ann Ketcheson.
**** /4

excerpt:
Oh no, not now. Not when we are so exposed, thought Tara in despair. She would have to get Suraj comfortable and bring his fever down. She headed for the nearest tree and sat Suraj down. She dug into her bundle and groped for matches. She knew the fire would attract animals, but she had to boil herbs for medicine to bring down Suraj's fever. Tara said a fervent prayer as she undid the bundle of dry twigs they had gathered earlier that morning and struck the match to give her some light. A distance away from the tree she put down a few twigs and threw the lit match on them. They caught fire immediately and within a few minutes she had a strong fire going.
"Suraj," she whispered. "Suraj, talk to me."He mumbled incoherently under his breath. Tara had him down on his warm bedding and covered him with a blanket. She propped his head up and poured some water into his mouth. He was unable to swallow and the water trickled out the side. With growing apprehension, Tara realized that he was very sick.
"Please Lord Ganesh, make him well again. I need him. I can't do this along. I just can't!"

Tara and her brother Suraj have led a terrible life since their mother and grandfather left their village a year ago. Their stepmother is cruel to them, their father ignores their plight, and the entire village seems upset and uneasy. The arrival of Zarku, a new healer, should alleviate Tara's worries and fears, but instead she senses only evil coming from him. In a final effort to save herself and Suraj, Tara decides they must escape the village and confront the terrors of the surrounding woods in order to find her mother and grandfather and thereby restore healing and happiness in both her family and in Morni, their village.
Narsimhan is a native of Mumbai and draws upon Indian mythology in this novel which combines elements of fairy tale, myth and action/adventure. The brave children, evil stepmother and monsters in the woods are elements of many well-known fairy tales. But Narsimhan's story takes place in India, and the Hindu gods come alive for Tara and play a major role in the story. Even the title is a reference to the Hindu god Shiva as well as being a description of Zarku, the embodiment of evil in the book. This is also a mythic tale in that the forces of good are pitted head to head against the forces of evil, and Tara, en route to her heroic goal of saving her family and her village, must complete a variety of difficult and dangerous tasks worthy of Hercules, himself.
On another level, this is a classic coming-of-age story. Tara is forced to care for her younger brother when her mother is no longer with them, and then she learns courage, wisdom, and many other life lessons as she fulfills her quest. As her mother remarks at the end of the novel, "Haven't you done enough, Tara? You have changed so much from the time I left you. I am very happy and extremely proud."
These main themes and mythological influences are beautifully woven into a story of action, adventure, and tension as readers follow Tara on her quest. Narsimhan's vivid descriptions place readers in India, complete with the sights, smells and sounds of that world. Readers feel Tara's anxiety and guilt throughout the novel and share her excitement and happiness as the story ends. Classroom teachers or teacher-librarians will find this novel could work well in a unit of study on mythology and heroes. As well, The Third Eye is an excellent introduction to elements of the Hindu religion and the culture of India and so would fit into work on world literature.
The Third Eye is certainly a 'page-turner' which will appeal to the young adult audience, but with a definite difference, and its publication seems to suggest a new direction for Canadian juvenile fiction. One can only hope Narsimhan's debut novel is the first of many to come!
Highly Recommended.
Ann Ketcheson, a retired teacher-librarian and teacher of high school English and French, now lives in Ottawa, ON, where she has turned her love of travel into a new career as a travel consultant.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
Published byThe Manitoba Library AssociationISSN 1201-9364
Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

Flamingnet Top Choice Award

2007-12-20T22:01:00.000-05:00

And here's the little dragon that goes with the award...I'm naming him "Norbert."

For luck!

http://www.flamingnet.com/bookreviews/newreviews/newbookreview.cfm?title=The Third Eye

And another Excellent Review...

2007-12-18T21:11:00.000-05:00

This one was posted by Our Gaggle of Girls.
http://ourgaggleofgirls.com/books/2007/12/17/the-third-eye-young-adult/

"The Third Eye, by Mahtab Narsimhan is a beautiful story that intertwines village life, religion, and magic in India. The young adult genre is filled with books that fit into specific niches, and I wasn’t quite sure where The Third Eye would fit - its description of Hindu Gods, fantasy, and rural Indian village life seemed very unusual.

Once I opened The Third Eye, I didn’t care what niche it fit, I just cared what happened next! There is really no way to do justice to such a unique, beautiful, intense, and mysterious novel except to strongly suggest that you read it. Mahtab Narsimhan has created a world of wonderful characters who leap off the pages. In her Acknowledgments, she thanks her son and his group of book-loving friends for reading her book - if it could pass muster with a group of adolescent boys, it has already passed the most impressive impressive test!

The Third Eye starts as a man from a village named Morni is trying to escape something that is chasing him in the forest outside the village. He doesn’t make it back to the village alive, and his body is deformed by whatever had hidden in the shadows.

In Morni, there is a lot of uncertainty - they lost their healer a year ago, along with his daughter, who left her two children. Tara and Suraj are left with their father, who is now a very different, quiet man who doesn’t say anything when his new wife Kali mistreats his children. Tara is an older sister very devoted to her family, and makes sure she takes care of the house, her step-mother, and spoiled step-sister so that she will be able to keep her brother from being beaten or losing a meal.

During the New Year celebration of Diwali, Tara and Suraj sit on the edges of the excitement, watching the villagers. A new healer arrives named Zarku, and while he seems to be able to know what is in the hearts and minds of the villagers, he makes Tara and Suraj very uncomfortable. Tara feels that Zarku’s black eyes are evil - all three of them. His third eye is what gives him his evil powers, and through those powers he can control more and more of the village. The number of signs that something is wrong in the village increase as time passes - men who disagree with the healer go missing, there are rumors of Vetalas (ghosts) wandering the forests, and life gets wore for Tara and Suraj.

Tara and Suraj leave the village on a quest to find their mother and grandfather, the powerful healer, so they can help the villagers. As they journey through the forests and around villages they have many challenges, several of which would make adults turn back. Tara does not give up, she prays to Ganesh, and finds help. She bargains with Yuma, the lord of death, as she faces one hurdle after another. Will Tara gain the courage and self-confidence to help herself?

I love novels with female lead characters, especially novels aimed at the young adult fantasy set. Like Max in Maximum Ride, Tara has put the burden of caring for others on her own shoulders, and she pulls on her own inner strengths to overcome challenges - even when she thinks the challenge is too great. The Third Eye shows women and girls in varying levels of power - heading a household, healing illnesses, helping others, and yet also shows the old custom of Sati, pushing a young widow toward her husband’s funeral pyre.

The Third Eye is a beautifully written look at rural life and mystical powers, and should appeal to most tween/young adult readers. There are several scenes which might be too intense and violent for younger tweens, however - I would suggest it for ages 12+ at least. I am going to hang on to my copy for a couple years so that my daughters can read such an inspiring story of a teenage girl’s courage as she tries to save her family and her village from evil.

I highly recommend The Third Eye for anyone with an eye for adventure. Add in mysticism, and magic, mix with the world of rural India, and you have a novel even adults can’t put down!"

And I say, thank you ladies!

The Third Eye gets a Top Choice Award

2007-12-17T20:26:00.000-05:00

Junior and teen fiction novel, The Third Eye, received a Top Choice Award from Flamingnet for a 10/10 rating from 11 year-old book reviewer APB from Wisconsin, USA. Here’s some of what APB had to say about the book. For the full review please click on the link below.

“The Third Eye, by Mahtab Narsimhan was a definite page turner. The Third Eye described Hindu mythology and its gods, including: the God of the Sun, the Underworld, the Lord of the Dead, and the Heavens. This was a particularly easy read, but some sections of the story were a bit confusing. The Third Eye's genre would be classified as mystery/thriller/adventure. Narsimhan included wit when it was necessary, but most of the novel was serious. This book wasn't very predictable, and took some subtle and some obvious twists and turns. The Third Eye isn't the type of genre I would typically read, but I found it very well written.”
— Flamingnet, December 17, 2007

http://www.flamingnet.com/bookreviews/newreviews/newbookreview.cfm?title=The%20Third%20Eye

Mahtab Narsimhan
978-1-55002-750-1
$12.99

My Happy Place...

2007-11-26T20:41:00.000-05:00

Love this picture my brother took when we visited a lighthouse in New Brunswick. The view was spectacular and the foghorn really loud.

This moment is etched in my memory in so many ways.

Tomorrow is another day.

2007-11-26T19:58:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here thinking if I can get away with procrastinating, researching, answering "important mail" and getting ready for tomorrow, while at the back of my mind is a voice that won't stop nagging...you've got to write.

Finished the second draft of my current manuscript yesterday; 45 pages in 2 days. It felt good. And so I rewarded myself with a day off today...but that voice...it just won't shut-up.

Tomorrow I start on the sequel of The Third Eye. Well, I can't really say "start" because it's already half-written. But I stopped and lost momentum. And so tomorrow I will read through what I've written to date and then start my 1000 words-a-day quota again. I still cannot figure out what I like better, to pour my heart out through my fingertips or agonize over each word, each comma, each paragraph as the story takes on layers, meaning and shape.

As Scarlett said in Gone With the Wind, "Tomorrow is another day."

In the meantime there is some serious research I have to complete. On youtube.

Launch of Prisoners in The Promised Land on Nov 21, 2007

2007-11-25T14:34:00.000-05:00

I attended Marsha's book launch for "Prisoners in the Promised Land" in the cosy library of the Royal Canadian Military Academy. It was a well attended affair in spite of the wicked weather.

Marsha gave a touching introduction to the book, how it came about and why it was a personal triumph for her to see it in print. For many of us who did not know about the Ukranian Internment in Canada, it was an eye-opener. I could not wait to start reading it and actually did, on my way home on the subway.

I also got a chance to present a copy of the Third Eye, to the person who helped it come into existence. It was a memorable moment.

The hosts of my fabulous launch party...

2007-11-18T21:00:00.001-05:00

Duncan, Kevin and Cheryl.

Thank you!

The Best Launch Party Ever...

2007-11-18T20:52:00.001-05:00

It all started as always, a regular Mother-Son book club meeting. And then came the surprises...
a) First all the spouses appeared, including mine, who'd said he had to meet a client,
b) Then all the boys trooped in, wearing t-shirts printed with "The Third Eye" cover,
c) And then came the bubbly and a wonderful formal dinner.

A memorable evening that ended with me having to "read" for my supper and sign a load of books.

Dear Anne, Anne-Louise, Cheryl and Cindy,

Thank you all for the best launch party ever!

The Bedford Bookclub Boys....

2007-11-18T20:47:00.001-05:00

In the dim light I saw....could it be...was it...a third eye?

CLICK: A smorgasbord of literary styles!

2007-11-13T22:23:00.000-05:00

Whew!

Just finished Click. I cannot decide whether I am absolutely floored by the way its come together or simply baffled at the "jumps" this story has taken and yet seems to be whole. It definitely warrants a second read.

SPOILER WARNING!!

Linda Sue Park starts the story perfectly with so many threads, that one can only marvel at how much she's given the authors who follow, to work with .

The story takes off as each author selects a thread and then weaves it along in their own inimitable style.

I had not read much of David Almond but was entranced by his chapter "Annie" that had a dreamlike quality, you almost had to look at it sideways.

Loved the character development of "Jason" by Eoin Colfer.

"Lev", by Deborah Ellis explains the mystery of the box that contained the shells.

A thought-provoking chapter called "Maggie" by Nick Hornby, followed by Roddy Doyle's "Vincent"- poignant with a touch of levity.

And then a chapter called "Min" by Tim Wynne-Jones. His superb use of the metaphor was evident at the end of the chapter.

Ruth Ozeki 's "Jiro" brought home a few truths about war. "

Margo" with her chapter Afela had me re-reading the chapter just to absorb her literary style.

And finally Gregory Maguire ended Maggie's journey in a totally unexpected way. Reading

CLICK was like sampling the best in children's literature, a tiny little mouthful at a time.

And just because I love Fall...

2007-11-10T20:43:00.001-05:00

Victoria College at the University of TO on a beautiful Fall day.

PYI, Dinner and Inspiration galore....

2007-11-10T20:37:00.001-05:00

So does anyone need a L-R?

Fan mail's here.....

2007-10-30T20:07:00.000-04:00

Dear Mahtab,

I absolutely love your book! Last night when mom brought it home at about 10:30 I asked if I would be allowed to stay up a few more minutes to start The Third Eye. About forty-five minutes later when mom came in to check on me, I was still reading! When I arrived home from school today I read the last 175 pages straight! I especially loved the part where Tara and Mushika travel through the cave to find the Water of Life in order to save Ananth. Congratulations on writing such a fantastic book!

cheers,
Jon

Thank you, Jon. This will definitely inspire me to keep writing :)

And the most important group of all.....

2007-10-28T17:09:00.001-04:00

The award winners of the future.....

Panel Discussion

2007-10-28T17:01:00.001-04:00

Picture 1: (Lto R): Linda Hutcheon, Megan Whalen Turner and Ken Oppel.

Picture 2: (Lto R): Philip Pullman, Sarah Ellis and Tim Wynne-Jones

Picture 3: Sarah Ellis

Due to a very shaky hand, I have very few clear images to choose from. My apologies. Either it was the amazing line up of speakers or then too much coffee!

Philip Pullman: Poco a Poco Oct 26, 2007

2007-10-28T16:50:00.000-04:00

Philip took the simple act of pouring water as a particle of narrative and demonstrated how it can be effectively used in a variety of ways to convey meaning in a text.

An enlightening talk! Now if I could only use it effectively in my writing....

Particles of Narrative Conference Oct 27, 2007

2007-10-28T16:36:00.001-04:00

A day of intellectual particles of information bombarding my brain. By the end of the day, I was inspired but doubt if I could have recited the alphabet correctly if you'd asked me...

The impressive speakers included Ken Oppel, Megan Whalen Turner, Sarah Ellis, Mark Turner, Linda Hutcheon and Tim Wynne-Jones.

The Panel discussion with all the speakers was amazing, some fundamental issues of children's literature were discussed, interspersed with moments of fun and camaraderie.

Details from each speaker's talk to follow, when my over-stimulated brain calms down.

Until then, enjoy the pictures.

My baby comes home...

2007-10-08T18:44:00.000-04:00

My mom might say her baby looks cute. But I beg to differ.

I brought mine home today and its awesome!

Yes, finally got my copy of "The Third Eye" and in spite of my claim to be a writer, words fail me.

And so I won't say any more except that I have to go. My baby needs another hug :)

Sis, a cousin and I

2007-10-08T18:40:00.000-04:00

Many many moons ago....a birthday celebration with sis and a cousin.

Waiting.....

2007-09-29T17:42:00.000-04:00

We're all waiting for something.....

As a child, I waited to grow up.

As a grown up, I waited to get rich and happy, and live happily ever after.

As a mother, I wait for my son to get back home after an overnight camping trip.

And as a writer, I'm waiting more than ever...

To hold my first book in my hands and revel in its reality,
To finish my second manuscript,
To hear from my publisher that sales are great,
To get a reply on an e-mail I've sent,
For my SASE hoping its good news.

This reminds me of a poem I'd studied in school:

On His Blindness

By John Milton

When I consider how my light is spent constantly
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide,
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o'er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait."

And so.....I wait.....

CLICK! One Novel Ten Authors

2007-09-28T19:03:00.000-04:00

Just got this book in my hands and what excellent timing...a cool evening, an exciting book and a glass of wine. Could one ask for anything more?

For those who don't know, they're ten of the best authors the world over, all coming together to write a chapter of CLICK.

The impressive lineup includes David Almond, Eoin Colfer, Roddy Doyle, Deborah Ellis, Nick Hornby, Margo Lanagan, Gregory Maguire, Ruth Ozeki, Linda Sue Park and Tim Wynne-Jones.

This is an Arthur A. Levine Book, an imprint of Scholastic. All royalties from the sale of this book benefit Amnesty International.

This is all I have time for....the book beckons.

Have a pleasant weekend, all!

And here it is!

2007-09-14T22:24:00.001-04:00

And the wait is almost over......

2007-09-13T20:25:00.000-04:00

In a month's time or less, there will be a newborn in the literary world. A child that took four years from conception to birth. One that has embodies countless hours of dreaming, writing, re-writing, polishing and at least a quart of the red stuff.

The Third Eye
Published by the Dundurn Group
http://www.dundurn.com/Available October 2007

For Tara and her brother, Suraj, the year since their mother and grandfather fled the village of Morni in the middle of the night has been a nightmare. Their new stepmother is cruel and deceptive, and the village itself is lacking a healer. What’s more, men of the village have been disappearing, often returning in a strange, altered form.

When a new healer, Zarku, mysterious man with a third eye possessing strange power, suddenly appears in Morni, all are mesmerized by his magic-all except Tara, who sees through his evil disguise.

With nothing but her own courage and wit, Tara tries to find her missing mother and grandfather, the true healer, in time to save her village. But along the way she must enlist the help of the god Ganesh and the lord of death, Yama, or she, like others before her, will fall victim to Zarku’s third eye.

Do come back.....picture to follow shortly!

My Other Family

2007-08-01T20:44:00.000-04:00

"The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life.
Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof."

From: Illusions by Richard Bach.

I thought of these words when I was introduced to my "other family" a few months ago; my online critique group, Kidcrit on Compuserve. A group of warm, wacky, creative and very supportive writers who gave me the most valuable commodity in this day and age; their time.

One member of this family deserves special mention: Marsha Skrypuch. She has helped launch innumerable careers. Mine was launched with the crook of a finger. More about that another time.

In the corporate world, information is power and no one likes to share. But in this family, sharing is as natural as ants at a picnic, where all the members give freely, of their time, advice and knowledge.

And so this little note is to say thank you to all, especially Marsha. I read someplace (though I cannot find the exact words now) that when you light another's candle, it does not diminish the radiance of your own.

This perfectly embodies the essence of Marsha Skrypuch.

Thank you!

Tim Wynne-Jones: A maestro in every sense of the word

2007-07-21T16:50:00.000-04:00

On April 26, I had the pleasure of meeting a memorable person and writer; Tim Wynne-Jones, writer-in-residence at the Toronto Public Library.

Just before he was scheduled to talk, he circulated among the attendees; librarians, aspiring writers, fans and people like me who had not read his work, but were curious to meet him just the same.

We started talking about "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott and it was progressing very well before he was dragged off to meet someone. If truth be told, I did not heap blessings on that "kidnapper." From the moment he started speaking, his warmth, his sense of humour and wit, won me over.

I met him for a second time on May 31st when he conducted a well attended workshop on “Everything you always wanted to know about writing….” By then I had read “The Maestro” which won the Governor General Award in 1995 and "Some of The Kinder Planets" (also a GG award winner in 1993) and was enchanted by his writing style and his voice. In a most informative albeit too short session, he gave a few tips on plot, dialogue and conflict. From my random jottings, three points are worth mentioning;

1) Conflict: Keeps the plot moving. Increase the stakes to grab the reader. Make a promise to the reader and then deliver on it.
2) Motivation: Why is a character doing what s/he is doing? Too much co-incidence is not something the reader will accept.
3) Don’t Explain: Let the dialogue explain the story. And never use it to deliver back-story.

Another great source of information is “Ten Things you need to know” which can be found on Tim’s website at http://www.timwynne-jones.com/.
His passion for the craft of writing shines through in everything he says and does, with a genuine desire to guide and coach aspiring writers.

Tim ended his talk with a quote I’ll always remember. In fact I asked a writer friend Hélène who also attended the talk, to scour the Net for it (Thanks Hélène!)

"One of the few things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book, or for another book; give it, give it all, give it now. The impulse to save something good for a better place later is the signal to spend it now. Something more will arise for later, something better. These things fill from behind, from beneath, like well water. Similarly, the impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you. You open your safe and find ashes."

From Write Till You Drop By Annie Dillard

NYTimes May 28, 1989

As of writing this, I have read most of his books, from “Odd’s End” to “Rex Zero and the End of the World” and am truly inspired.