Apply for WITS Visits
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED AT ANY TIME
Step 1: select author(s)
To initiate a request for an author or illustrator to visit your school, click the “Request this Author” button found at the top of each profile.
Before requesting an author or illustrator, please read their profile carefully, ensure that their home region & travel range, availability, and areas of expertise are a match for your needs.
After making a selection, you will see the requested name appear in your “WITS Cart,” located at the top of the profiles section.
You may select multiple authors within a single request form.
One teacher or school representative should make all WITS bookings for the school.
Step 2: complete application form
When you have finished making your selections, click “Check Out” in your “WITS Cart.”
You will be taken the to WITS application form, where you can choose full-day or half-day visits for each of your requested authors (up to a maximum of 5 days per school). Complete and submit this form.
Step 3: receive confirmation
A formal confirmation of approved WITS funding is sent within 3 – 4 weeks of the receipt of your request.
This confirmation includes a list of authors approved for visits at your school, contact information for each author, the details of the agreement, and an estimate of the co-pay payable by your school. Contact these authors within one month of receiving confirmation to discuss the specifics of their visit (regardless of whether the visit is happening immediately or next May).
Schools that have cancelled past bookings without appropriate reason or notice may not be able to participate in the WITS program.
Step 4: provide co-pay
After the visit, WFNS will issue an invoice to your school via email, which is payable by cheque within 2 weeks of the visit.
To request hard copies of invoices by mail or fax, please contact Linda Hudson, Program Manager (Arts Education), at wits@writers.ns.ca
Schools with outstanding fees from previous years will not be able to participate in the WITS program until all outstanding fees have been paid.
WITS Author & Illustrator Profiles
(Alphabetized by first name)
Alice Walsh
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: HRM
Travel range for in-person visits: throughout Nova Scotia
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Sept - June. Full and half days.
Maximum size of group/class: 45-50
Areas of expertise: Picture Books, Juvenile, Young Adult, Fiction and Non-Fiction
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
I believe that through creative writing, students can improve critical thinking and problem solving skills. My workshops are a mixture of discussion and hands-on writing. Using short writing exercises, students will explore the importance of dialogue, imagery, description, and showing vs. telling. Using examples from my own writing, I will discuss how real life experiences can be transformed into fictional stories. Also, I will show how to create unique, unforgettable characters and their importance to the story.
For younger children, P-2, I will discuss how stories and story characters grow in a writer’s imagination. Using examples from my picture books, we will explore concepts such as: Who is the main character? What is the character’s problem? How does the character go about solving the problem?
Students will have an opportunity to share their writing with the class.
About the author:
Alice Walsh writes fiction and non-fiction for adults and children, and her articles and short stories have been published in various magazines and anthologies. Her published work includes three books for adults as well as eight books for children and young adults. A number of her books have been short listed or won awards such as the Hackmatack, and the Canadian Children’s Book Centre Choice. Her juvenile novel, Pomiuk: Prince of the North (Beach Holme) won the 2005 Ann Connor Brimer award. Another YA novel, A Sky Black with Crows (Red Deer), was nominated for the same award. Her most recent novel, A Long Way From Home, was a finalist for the 2013-14 Hackmatack award.
Alice has degrees in English and Criminology from St. Mary’s University, and a MA in Children’s Literature from Acadia University. She has worked as a pre-school teacher, a creative writing instructor, and a probation officer. She has participated in The Labrador Creative Arts Festival, Winter Set in Summer Festival, and was Writer in Residence at Terra Nova National Park during the summer 2005.
Alice Walsh
Picture books; juvenile and YA fiction & nonfiction
Alison Smith
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Southwestern Nova Scotia
Travel range for in-person visits: Within the province
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: If travelling more than 50 km, I prefer full-day visits.
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Poetry, Poetry and Collage, Writing from Dreams
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Understanding metaphor in poetry through collage: Collage is the practice of putting two or more images together that make a new and surprising combination. That’s how metaphor works too. In this workshop, we will look at how collage and poetry intersect through an exploration of poets who collage and write a poem from one of their works.
Understanding the resource of the unconscious though dream poetry: In this workshop, we’ll consider how poets use their dreams to convey meaning and “expose the lies we live” (Leonora Carrington). Students will come away from the workshop understanding that dreams can be a powerful resource for creative writers.
About the author:
Alison Smith is the author of three books of poetry and one chapbook from Gaspereau Press. Her most recent collection, This Kind of Thinking Does No Good, was awarded the 2019 J.M. Abraham Award for Atlantic Poetry and was shortlisted for the 2020 Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Award. She has written for radio, the stage, and has taught poetry workshops in prison, schools and other community settings. Alison lives in rural Nova Scotia.
Alison Smith
Poetry; collage
Andre Fenton
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: Halifax, NS
Travel range for in-person visits: Can offer in-person inside HRM, but can only do virtual for classes outside of HRM.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Available for all terms
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Young adult fiction, spoken word poetry.
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
A versatile writing workshop that looks at our own unique stories through a new lens of self reflection and discovery. Students will have a fun warm up exercise, followed by mapping out their own story through the art of poetry and/or fiction, and will leave our workshop with multiple pieces of work. This will be a supportive workshop that will inspire students continue their journey down the path of writing. For more information, contact andre.fenton@live.ca or andrefenton@gmail.com
About the author:
Andre Fenton is an award-winning African Nova Scotian author, spoken-word artist, screenwriter and arts educator who has represented Halifax at seven national poetry festivals across Canada. He is a recipient of the Emerging Artist Recognition Award at the 2022 Creative NS Awards, and the author of three young adult fiction novels, Worthy of Love, which won bronze in The Coast’s 2018 Best Of Awards, He is also the author of ANNAKA, that was the 2022 recipient of The Community & Place Award from Digitally Lit, and is the author of The Summer Between Us, which won Gold in The Coast’s 2022 Best Of Awards. Andre has facilitated writing and performances workshops at over 50 schools across Nova Scotia. He is currently screenwriting the film adaptation of his novel, ANNAKA that is being produced by Fine Devils Films. Andre is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Andre Fenton
YA fiction; spoken word poetry
Andy Tolson
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person only
Home region: Annapolis Valley, HRM
Travel range for in-person visits: 2.5 hours
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Available for the fall and spring, but winter will be restricted to the Annapolis Valley.
Maximum size of group/class: Single classroom or smaller workshop groups.
Areas of expertise: Middle-grade fiction, fantasy, adventure, The Hero's Journey
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Reading, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Andy Tolson’s workshop for grades 5/6 offers an entertaining look into writing fantasy. He will outline the steps of The Hero’s Journey, how it’s used in familiar stories (Star Wars, Harry Potter), the different archetypes (heroes and villains, the mentor etc.), and how The Hero’s Journey components can be applied to any story a student is writing.
About the author:
Andy Tolson has been a boy magician, drummer, propmaker, photojournalist, and a filmmaker. He lives in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, in a big old house with his family and two cats named Olive and Ottoline. How to Kidnap a Mermaid is his debut middle-grade fantasy, and the sequel will be released in Fall 2025.
Andy Tolson
Middle-grade fiction; fantasy; adventure
Angela J Reynolds
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia
Travel range for in-person visits: Travel outside Annapolis Valley may require overnight accommodations. Will travel to Cape Breton.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Available year round, weather depending
Maximum size of group/class: 25 - 30
Areas of expertise: Middle grade fiction
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Angela J. Reynolds offers students a workshop in looking closely to spark their imagination. Using examples from her book Threshold, a middle-grade mermaid novel set in Cape Breton, she will guide students to work both collaboratively and independently to write descriptive text to create characters, settings, and objects. In this one-hour presentation, students will do brief writing exercises, and have the opportunity to share with their classmates. Students can gain insight on how authors get their ideas, and how they can strengthen their own writing.
For classes that have read the book, Angela J Reynolds can offer a discussion on Mermaid Mythology around the world. Using stories from many cultures, Reynolds can lead students in an exploration of the similarities and differences of these mermaid tales. Writing exercises can include: What are some of the similarities to your own life? Compare food, dress, habits, beliefs, environment, housing, schooling.
Little Red Riding Hood – Angela Reynolds spent a month studying historical children’s literature at the University of Florida’s George A. Smathers library as the Bechtel Fellow. For grades 3-6, she can do a presentation on the history of the story, sharing similarities and differences in the tale. By examining images from the early books, students can make comparisons and look closely at how illustrations depict the story.
About the author:
Angela J. Reynolds is a retired librarian living in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. She has been a children’s book reviewer, student of folktales, and served on the 2015 Caldecott Committee. Her debut middle grade novel, Threshold, was published in 2022. A reader’s and educators guide to Threshold can be found on Angela’s website at www.angelajwrites.com.
Angela J Reynolds
Middle-grade fiction
Anne C. Kelly
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax Regional Municipality
Travel range for in-person visits: 1.5 hours from Metro Halifax (Truro, Bridgewater, Lunenburg, Wolfville, Kentville, etc.)Also available virtually across the province. May be available for readings in Cape Breton (Sydney, Baddeck, Glace Bay area) in September/October and May/June)
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: half days or full days fall, winter and spring (September-June)
Maximum size of group/class: 25-30
Areas of expertise: Historical Fiction (including how to do research) English as an additional language English writing skills Canadian history
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
For grades 2-6, Anne shares stories of her own writing experience and discusses where story ideas come from, how to do historical research for a story, and the importance of editing and re-writing. Anne’s presentations are interactive and informal, with lots of time for students’ questions. She also emphasizes the importance of the students’ own reading and writing.
In addition, for grades 4-6, Anne offers mini-workshops on creating setting, playing with words, writing description, and writing action scenes.
About the author:
Anne became hooked on reading before she could even walk, and her love of writing wasn’t far behind. Her first “published” work was a class newspaper she created with a friend in Grade Four. She honed her writing skills by taking courses offered by the Institute for Children’s Literature in Connecticut, as well as by participating in workshops and classes offered through WFNS.
Anne has experience teaching basic writing skills to EAL learners and has offered a Creative Writing for Newcomers class through the Writers’ Federation. Her sessions included writing description, creating settings, and writing action scenes.
Anne loves Canadian history and has always enjoyed reading historical fiction. She first learned of the Acadians in Grade 4 and became curious about what happened to them after the deportation. That curiosity led her first to Grand Pre and then to the Massachusetts archives and became the basis for her book, Jacques’ Escape.
Anne is a born teacher, and loves to share her passions with young readers and writers.
Anne C. Kelly
EAL; writing skills; Canadian history
Anne Louise O’Connell
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax Regional Municipality
Travel range for in-person visits: One hour travel time max.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: fall, winter (weather permitting) and spring 🙂
Maximum size of group/class: Any size
Areas of expertise: Short stories, full-length books (fiction and creative non-fiction), putting passion to paper, sights/sounds/smells/tastes of writing, how to get started, creating fun & interesting characters (for any genre)
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Reading, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
My workshops can be adapted to any age group. In my early professional life, I was a preschool teacher so the presentation for the elementary level would be geared towards using imagination and the five senses to write a story, with examples and storytelling from a few classics, and some role play. In my current role as an author/publisher, I conduct workshops, geared for an older age group, that address themes of plot & character development, point of view, and scene setting, for example. So, for the junior high or high school classroom, we would explore the question: What makes a great story? There will be writing exercises with prompts, followed by sharing, for those who are motivated to do so. Another workshop for this age group would address the various careers in publishing.
About the author:
An author, developmental book editor and partner publisher, Anne can be found working on her latest novel, mentoring other authors, publishing books or leading writing workshops. Through her publishing company, Anne publishes several genres, including children’s picture books, first chapter books and YA, and also writes mysteries. The second in her Deep Mysteries series, Deep Freeze, is scheduled for release March 2025. While living as an expat in Thailand, she was a regular contributor to the Wall St. Journal Expat Blog and Global Living Magazine. Upon her return to Canada in 2016, after 23 years of expat life, she established OC Publishing in Halifax, NS.
Anne Louise O’Connell
Fiction; short stories; nonfiction
Beth Ann Knowles
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: South Shore
Travel range for in-person visits: Will travel anywhere in the South Shore or within an hour drive (Halifax, Valley). Happy to do virtual visits all around the province.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Half/Full DaySept – June
Maximum size of group/class: 30 - 40
Areas of expertise: Children's Fiction, Picture Books, Creative Nonfiction (any age)
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Reading, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
For younger grades, Beth Ann’s fun-filled creative presentations include the reading of her debut children’s book, Row Bot, and involve student-centered discussions about the role of an author, illustrator, and publisher, as well as how a book is made. She often challenges students to think about what the most important part of a picture book is; the pictures or the words. Workshop content depends on the age of the group but often includes illustrating, creative writing, making predictions, colouring, rhymes and humour.
With older students Beth Ann discusses her writing process, writer’s block, and the bumpy road to getting published. She reads from her nonfiction travel memoir, The Kimchi Experiment, and she engages students in fun creative exercises to help get the words flowing.
About the author:
Beth Ann is an award-winning writer and an ESL teacher who loves incorporating humour into her classes, presentations, and her writing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Dalhousie University, has lived in Bosnia and South Korea, and coaches soccer in the summer.
Her debut publication was a children’s book which she wrote and illustrated. Row Bot, was published in 2017 by MacIntyre Purcell.
Beth Ann’s first nonfiction manuscript, The Kimchi Experiment: Naked Parent Teacher Meetings and Other Exploits of a Canadian in South Korea, was published in the spring of 2022 by Pottersfield Press.
Beth Ann Knowles
Picture books; children's fiction; nonfiction
Brenda MacLennan-Dunphy
Dialogue; writing for theatre
Briana Corr Scott
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Travel range for in-person visits: 3 hrs generally. Willing to travel to Cape Breton.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: All
Maximum size of group/class: no more than 40 per class.
Areas of expertise: children's lit/ picture books. Sable Island, Folklore, Fairytales, Art, Art Making, Drawing, Drawing Natural Objects, Life Drawing
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Reading, Viewing, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Briana is passionate about presenting her 8 picture books to elementary students! Her presentations vary between 40min to 1 hour. Her picture books are ideal for grades p-4.For older grades, she can talk about writing and illustration in general, or take them on a trip to Sable Island with her dynamic Sable presentation. She loves to visit schools in Cape Breton and rural parts of Nova Scotia.
Presentations:
Briana combines art and writing to present her books in a hands on way. Here are some workshop examples for elementary students:
Storytime and Design your own Picture book character Briana will read one of her picture books, and then using a method called “peanut animals” designed by Briana, students will work through a brainstorm and draft process to design a picture book character of their own. This workshop includes both drawing & writing/ All supplies included
“Wildflower” Storytime + Build a classroom mobile project. (please allow 1 hour) Briana will read her picture book “Wildflower”. Briana will provide materials for students to create a bird that will will be used to make a collaborative classroom mobile inspired by the book. Students interact will interact with the theme of the story in a tactile/artistic way.
“The Book of Selkie” Storytime + Build a Selkie House project. (please allow 1 hour) After Briana presents “The Book of Selkie” students will design a selkie house out of clay. This is a collage activity, designed to encourage creative risk taking with a variety of supplied materials. Material cost: +$2 per student.
“She Dreams of Sable Island” Storytime + Draw a Sable Island Horse. (please allow 1 hour) After Briana presents “She Dreams of Sable Island” students will learn how to draw a Sable Island horse step by step. Briana’s method of drawing encourages students to take risks while being kind to themselves. She teaches students to break down objects into simple shapes.
Grades 5 & 6 Sable Island Presentation (1 hour) Briana’s presentation is an in depth presentation about a day on Sable Island. Students will learn about history, science, and natural history, using the framework of Briana’s picture book “She Dreams of Sable Island.” This is an inspiriting presentation that gets students interested in the many facets of the wild island. AV required.
Briana has a BFA in Art Education and loves visiting the classrooms of elementary students with her books! She knows how to interact with kids and is excellent at keeping them engaged for the entire presentation.
DETAILED LIST AND PICTURES OF SCHOOL PROJECTS LOOK HERE:
https://brianacorrscott.com/school-visits-workshops
“Briana Corr Scott Is A Natural Teacher! I Wish We’d Booked Her For Two Days And Not Just One….
Her read-aloud was also so rich and engaging. The creativity she inspired in the students was awe-inspiring, watching it unfold. I couldn’t believe how fast they all had a rich character to show us.
Before her visit, it was easy to create excitement and anticipation from looking at her videos on YouTube. The kids got to see lots of her work, try her drawing tutorial, and hear her speak directly to them in a video.
We highly recommend Briana, her beautiful work, and everything she has to teach about creating. Everyone at our school was delighted with her visit!”
-Eva Comstock, Grade 1 classroom teacher & Reading Recovery Teacher, West Northfield Elementary
About the author:
Briana is the author and illustrator of eight books published by Nimbus Publishing. She is a visual storyteller, which means she sees her stories begin as images first. Her stories come from sketching along the woods, trails, and beaches of the Atlantic coast. She takes the sketches home, hangs them on her studio wall, and weaves a story between them by writing. Because of this, the places she visits and paints become important parts of her story. Briana’s work is connected to her childhood memories of her island home a place she calls “Her Happy Place.” She loves to teach art and writing combined; she has hosted many workshops in libraries, classrooms and even on the remote location of Sable Island.
Briana Corr Scott
Children's literature; picture books; illustration; nature & life drawing
Camilla Thompson
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Nova Scotia
Travel range for in-person visits: I hope to share Skating Late and my Sunnyside mindset messages across Canada.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: I am available for all terms and any length of visit.
Maximum size of group/class: Any size.
Areas of expertise: Social Skills, Social Emotional Learning, Growth Mindset, Mental Health Education, Creative Curriculum Development, Whole Self Wellness, Writing for Children, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, Journalling, Goal Setting
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Camilla prides herself on responsive program development and is committed to using an emergent and inclusive play based approach to learning, with a goal of making reading fun and whole self wellness a priority for youth and families.
As a dynamic storyteller and passionate educator, Camilla develops and delivers creative curriculum resources to enrich her stories and improve mental health education and literacy in classrooms and communities across Canada.
Presentations can be adapted to serve students of all ages and abilities.
About the author:
Camilla Thompson is an author, educator and the Director of Sunnyside Self Wellness. On a mission to improve mental health education and literacy across Canada, Camilla infuses her silly storytelling performances with important mindset messages of hope, determination and community involvement and encourages writing and wellness practices proven to increase peace, positivity, health and happiness.
Camilla Thompson
Mental health; writing for children; poetry; nonfiction; journalling
Carol Moreira
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person only
Home region: HRM
Travel range for in-person visits: HRM and South Shore, Annapolis Valley
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: fall and spring
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: YA fiction, fantasy, journalism
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
About the author:
Carol is a prize-winning journalist and the author of multi-genre books. She has published four young adult novels, two adult novels, and has a soon-to-be-released fantasy for adults. She is a contributor to the non-fiction immigration anthology Coming Here, Being Here (Guernica Editions).
Inside Information, Carol’s most recent novel for older teens, was published by Hippie Hill Press in August 2023. Riptides, a novel for younger teens, was published by Moose House Publications in 2021. Membrane, her YA fantasy, was first published by Fierce Ink Press in July, 2013 and has recently been re-issued by Hippie Hill Press. Her YA novel, Charged, was published by James Lorimer in 2008.
Carol is also the author of two adult novels: Too Good, published by Hippie Hill in 2023, and Culture Shock, published by Hippie Hill in 2024. Her adult fantasy, Glow, will be published by Hippie Hill at the end of 2024. She is one of more than 20 writers to participate in a group novel-writing adventure called Less Than Innocent published by Moose House in 2022.
UK-born Carol has also worked as a magazine and newspaper reporter and editor in Canada, England and Asia. She is a former editor of Celtic Life International magazine and is currently a partner in the Atlantic Canadian innovation news site Entrevestor.
Carol has an English degree from London University and also studied Mandarin Chinese in Taipei, Shanghai and London’s Ealing School of Languages.
The first chapter of Carol’s young adult novel, Riptides, can be accessed here: https://www.moosehousepress.com/excerpt-riptides
Carol Moreira
YA fiction; fantasy; journalism
Carolyn Jean Nicholson
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Nova Scotia
Travel range for in-person visits: Halifax region
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Fall, winter, and spring
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Researching and writing historical fiction and non-fiction, especially about one's ancestors.
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Writing Historical Fiction and Non-Fiction, including how-to and resources for researching your ancestors and structuring the material into an article or book for family and friends or a wider audience to enjoy.
We all have ancestors. How much do you know about your ancestors and why are they important?
If you were to trace your ancestors – just direct line: parents, grandparents, great-grandparents (no uncles, aunts, or cousins) – back just ten generations, you would have 1, 022 ancestors and if just one of those 1,022 ancestors had died in childhood, you would not be here today.
That’s how important your ancestors are to you!
- Intro: why and how I started researching my ancestors and what I found out
- Discussion: what do you know about your ancestors? How did you find this out?
- Barriers and Aids to Research: not every family wants to find out about their ancestors. Why might that be? Some people are adopted. Why might they want to find out about their biological ancestors? Do you know where you might begin doing your own research?
- Some resources and places to start.
- Discussion: What if you find out something shocking? A few stories about what some people found out.
- How to begin researching and writing your family story: first considerations.
- A brief reading from your instructor’s book.
About the author:
My interest is in researching and writing historical fiction and non-fiction. My book, William Forsyth: Land of Hopes and Dreams – a story from early Nova Scotia, was published in 2021 and my second book has the working title Traitors, Cannibals, Highlanders, and Vikings. It’s about the people who came to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in the 1700s and early 1800s. It is due to be published in March 2023.
Carolyn Jean Nicholson
Fiction (adult and YA)
Chad Lucas
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: Virtual (but can accommodate in-person if necessary)
Home region: Halifax area
Travel range for in-person visits: Within 90 minutes (in person), open to virtual
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Winter, spring
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: middle grade fiction, non-fiction, developing your voice, writing diverse stories and characters, tackling tough topics, journalism, sports writing
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Fiction vs. Non-Fiction – as a published author (fiction) and former journalist I can talk about the similarities, differences, and skills needed for fiction and non-fiction writing.
The Writer’s Journey – Having worked in multiple areas of writing, I can talk about career options and opportunities for writers, the path to publication, etc.
Writing from Different Perspectives – My middle grade novels each incorporate different points of view. I can talk about voice, choosing points of view (e.g. first person, third person), using multiple narrators, and important things to consider when writing a character outside your own experience or ethnicity.
About the author:
Chad Lucas is a former newspaper reporter and columnist and the author of two middle grade novels, Thanks a Lot, Universe (2021) and the forthcoming Let The Monster Out (2022), both from Amulet Books/Abrams Kids. Thanks a Lot, Universe earned a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and starred reviews from the School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews. A proud descendant of the historic African Nova Scotian community of Lucasville, Chad lives with his family outside Halifax.
Chad Lucas
Middle-grade fiction; nonfiction; diverse characters; journalism
Charlotte Mendel
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Enfield, Nova Scotia
Travel range for in-person visits: I am happy to travel
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: I am available for half day, full day, or online visits, any term.
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Depending on the age group, I speak about
- The Climate Crisis
- Bullying
- Divorce
- how to write fantasy
- opportunities for individual action
- how young people can dispel despair and apathy in the face of seemingly insurmountable issues
Curricular skills addressed: Speaking, Reading, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
I do two types of presentations. The first fits well with English or Writing courses; the second is appropriate for every subject, including science, global politics, social studies etc.
An interactive writing workshop:
Normally I start with a dramatic reading to whet the students’ creative juices. I introduce a writing concept or skill; for example, how to create a faulty, yet lovable character–an essential skill, because every reader has faults and wants to be loved. Then I ask the students to apply the learned skill in their own writing. There is always time to share and get feedback!
A role-playing game conducted as a United Nations emergency climate summit: Global stakeholders (the students) need to establish a plan that limits warming to 2 degrees or less. Using an interactive simulator called En-ROADS, the students experience what it’s like to negotiate a climate deal to address one of the greatest human challenges of this century. This is some feedback from students who experienced this unique workshop in 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umhGhrQshV4
I am open to ideas that a teacher may have. If my books fit into a unit of study or if the teacher has an idea about how to integrate my stories or the climate action game, please feel free to ask.
About the author:
Charlotte Mendel is a four times-published, award-winning novelist.
Her first YA novel, Reversing Time (https://www.guernicaeditions.com/title/9781771836050) is a fast-paced adventure story set in the reality of contemporary events, including the pipeline dispute currently gripping Canada. Time travel, mystery, and family drama intertwine to create a page-turning read; but the story’s focus on opportunities for personal action in the face of the climate crisis is one of its greatest strengths. It is also an inspirational coming of age story that charts one boy’s journey from bullied introvert to hero.
It is important for teachers to know that authors can hold the interest of their students. You can check out Charlotte’s reading here: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=charlotte+mendel+youtube#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:077cf738,vid:7_4EO6kKsFQ
In pursuit of creative ways to engage kids in an action-based, positive way about the climate crisis, Charlotte has volunteered with the EAC to deliver climate-based programming to schools for years in NS. This year, she is also facilitating an online, role-playing game conducted as an Emergency Climate Summit to 75 schools in England, as part of their COP26-related educational plan (https://www.climateinteractive.org/tools/climate-action-simulation/).
This game and “Reversing Time” both imagine new a different future—one that can give hope to our young people. If you are interested in experiencing either a writing workshop or the climate action game, you can visit Charlotte Mendel’s website for more information, www.charlottemendel.com
Charlotte Mendel
Fantasy; climate; bullying; divorce
Clare Goulet
Request author
Cooper Lee Bombardier
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax
Travel range for in-person visits: I'll come anywhere in the province!
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Available any season, happy to do half- or full-day sessions, but prefer full-day for out of HRM visits.
Maximum size of group/class: Since I make my presentations interactive, smaller class sizes are preferable, but I will work with schools as needed around presentation size.
Areas of expertise: Memoir, essay, nonfiction, fiction, experimental/hybrid forms
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
I offer interactive and engaging presentations/workshops where I get students of all levels to participate in writing activites in a fun, accessible manner. I give a bit of background on what a “writer’s life” is like, for this writer, at least. My focus is on creative nonfiction primarily, but I also enjoy teaching fiction, hybrid/experimental forms, and on occasion, poetry. I can customize my presentation/workshop to the needs of teachers and schools.
About the author:
Cooper Lee Bombardier is a queer, trans writer and visual artist living in Halifax. He is the author of the memoir-in-essays Pass With Care, a finalist for the 2021 Firecracker Award in Nonfiction. Cooper first taught creative writing to young people through the Americorp program WritersCorps in San Francisco in the mid-1990s, and was a writer in residence at various Portland, Oregon public schools through that city’s WITS program for four years. He’s been thrilled to be a writer in the schools through WFNS and loves to visit schools all over the province.His writing appears in The Kenyon Review, The Malahat Review, Ninth Letter, CutBank, Nailed Magazine, Longreads, Narratively, BOMB, and The Rumpus; and in 18 anthologies, including the Lambda Literary Award-winning anthology, The Remedy–Essays on Queer Health Issues, and Meanwhile, Elsewhere: Speculative Fiction From Transgender Writers, which won a 2018 American Library Association Stonewall Book Award. The Huffington Post listed Cooper as one of “10 Transgender Artists Who Are Changing The Landscape Of Contemporary Art.” He teaches in the MFA in Creative Nonfiction program at University of King’s College.
FB: cooperfrickinleee Twitter: @CooperLeeB IG: cooper_lee_bombardier
Cooper Lee Bombardier
Memoir; essay; fiction; experimental & hybrid forms
Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax Regional Municipality
Travel range for in-person visits: I'm happy to discuss this. I love to travel and visit different places, and if it works for my schedule and our budget, I’m open to it!
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Flexible availability. Let’s chat about what works best for both of us!
Maximum size of group/class: Flexible
Areas of expertise: Memoir, history, nonfiction, research, fiction, and picture book writing, as well as creativity, perfectionism, and collaboration
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
I’m happy to work with you to design something that complements your curriculum needs and your students’ interests. We could do (for example) a Q&A style session, facilitated discussion, writing workshop, or read-aloud – often it’s a combination of several of these.
These are some recent sessions:
- Flying High into Books: Read-aloud, activities and Q&A with pre-primary through Grade 2 focused on aviation picture books
- Wonder-Ful Writing (Grades 3 – 6): Interactive session about my books, path to publication, Q&A, focused on history, ghost stories, and channeling your sense of wonder
- Five Top Tips for Researching & Creating Nonfiction (Grades 4-5)
- The Care and Feeding of Creatives (Grades 3-6): hands-on strategies for self-knowledge, self-care, handling rejection and anxiety around the creative process
About the author:
Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail is a multi-passionate, award-winning author. She’s best known for her inclusive aviation histories and picture books, including Alis the Aviator and Freddie the Flyer (selected by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the TD Summer Reading Program). She loves getting lost in research, travelling, and going on adventures with her little family. It makes it all the sweeter when she’s reading fireside (or seaside) in her Nova Scotia/Mi’kma’ki home.
Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail
History; nonfiction; fiction; picture books
Darcy Rhyno
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: South Shore
Travel range for in-person visits: 2 hours
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Fall, winter, and spring
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Short Stories, YA Novels, Travel Writing, Magazine/Newspaper/Website Writing
Curricular skills addressed: Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
I like to work with teachers to help determine what workshop style best suits the needs of their students and teaching style/emphasis. These can be intense writing workshops with a small group or more generic introductory activities in which nearly any student can take part. Alternatively, I’ll do a general Powerpoint of my life and work as a writer with lots of visuals, short examples and stories. I like to talk about my work researching stories, pitching ideas to publications, working up drafts of writing (fiction and non-fiction), crafting stories using basic writing principles and working closely with editors to hone the final drafts for publication. There’s always lots of room for discussion and QA. If appropriate, I like to involve students with a short writing activity that they always find stimulating and interesting, giving them a peek into the writing life.
About the author:
I write fiction for adults and kids, non-fiction for magazines and web zines as well as plays for stage and radio. My most recent book is a YA novel Monsters of Suburbia which is a contemporary adventure story with themes of bullying, isolation, estrangement and myth. It’s set partly in Nova Scotia and partly in BC. I’m also the author of two collections of short stories: Conductor of Waves, stories for adults but suitable for grades 7-12, and Holidays, stories for adults, some of which are suitable for junior and senior high. The stories in the first collection are all set in a fictional Nova Scotia fishing village and the stories in the second all take place on holidays. I’ve also written a fantasy novel set in Halifax for kids grades 4-6, which students of that age really enjoy when I read it in schools. I’m a professional travel writer and a columnist for Saltscapes magazine and for the web site Life As A Human. My readings and workshops are lively, fun and engaging. I know kids and the classroom very well; after earning graduate degrees in Education and Literature, I taught in the public school system and worked at the Department of Education. For over 15 years, I’ve been teaching graduate courses in the Faculty of Education at Mount St. Vincent on topics like reading, writing, literacy and popular culture.
Darcy Rhyno
Short fiction; YA novels; travel writing
Dave Beynon
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: South Shore
Travel range for in-person visits: Anywhere within two and a half hours of Chester
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Any
Maximum size of group/class: Any - ideally a class, but I can tailor for any group size
Areas of expertise: Science fiction, horror, psychological thriller.
Curricular skills addressed: Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
I can teach a general workshop on creative writing, focusing on the elements of a short story.
I can also host a condensed version of the elements of creating scenes, developing characters and writing effective dialogue for more advanced creative writing students.
I could also speak to the importance of imaginative fiction (horror, fantasy, and science fiction) in modern culture.
I could also tailor a session to examine a short story that the students have studied in class and use that story to talk the students through the likely evolution of the story from concept to publication.
About the author:
Dave Beynon is a professor of science fiction and writes in a variety of lengths and genres. His work has been published in anthologies, magazines, e-zines and developed as podcasts. In 2011, Dave was shortlisted for the inaugural Terry Pratchett First Novel Prize.
Dave likes to know what fiction the students have been studying so that he can tailor the workshop to suit student experiences.
Dave Beynon
Science fiction; horror; psychological thriller
David Hood
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12
Preferred visit type: In-person only
Home region: Halifax area
Travel range for in-person visits: Max travel time, one hour each way.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Fall winter, half days only.
Maximum size of group/class: Up to 20 students
Areas of expertise: Creative writing, short stories. Non-fiction writing to argue or convince
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
My presentations are aimed at students in grades 10 to 12. They are for students who already write for their own enjoyment, self-exploration and expression or for students who think they might want to write for those reasons.
My goal is to provide some basic techniques, to help students read, write, think and speak better. To encourage and give them opportunity to do so in a supportive environment. And to stand before them as an example of the value of being able to do those things.
Students will have opportunity to respond to short pieces of prose, song lyrics, movie dialogue, TV ads and political speeches.
Students will also be asked to read and edit the work of fellow students, individually and as a group.
Total time, approximately 90 minutes.
About the author:
David Hood grew up in Timberlea in the 1960s and 70s. Frustrated and lost in high school, he joined the miliary in 1977 and spent four years aboard HMCS Onondaga, an O class submarine.
That experience gave him some maturity and recognition of the need to complete his education.
In 1988 David graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University and entered the social work profession. He worked with families and youth then when on to start an income and support program for homeless men operating out of the Metro Turning Point.
During those years he graduated three more times from university and began writing academic work for publication.
In 1999 David moved from social work into teaching, intending to become a local high school teacher. He never expected to teach abroad but that’s what happened and from 1999 until 2020 David taught secondary and post-secondary classes in seven countries on three continents and along the way earned his Ph.D.
His doctoral studies led to academic and creative publications. The travel provided even more opportunities to learn: to surf; to fly; to ride a motorcycle; and to speak Spanish, though not as well as he would like. And through friendships learn and enjoy cultures different than his own.
David continues to teach and practice social work part time, to travel and collect experiences that he brings into his writing. He is currently working on a short story collection tentatively titled Home and Away.
David Hood
Fiction; persuasive nonfiction
David Huebert
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax
Travel range for in-person visits: Will travel 2 hours drive from Halifax if compensated.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Half day, full day; particularly free in May/June. But quite flexible.
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry
Curricular skills addressed: Reading, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Here are some workshops David has delivered in the past:
- Writing Environmentally
- Plodding to Plotting
- Fiction Writing Basics
- The Short Story
- Talking it Slant: A Workshop on Dialogue
- Writing and Animals / Writing as Animals
- Playing with Sound in Poetry
- Introduction to Poetry Writing
- A Poem is not a Basket
- Setting in Fiction
About the author:
A Halifax-born writer and educator, David Huebert has taught creative writing and literature at UNB, Dalhousie University, Western University, and The University of King’s College. He has visited many high school and junior high classrooms before, and would love to meet your students. David is a passionate teacher and charismatic public speaker who uses a student-led presentation style, and appeals to various learning styles through tactile exercises and experiments with music. In his first-year English class taught at Dalhousie in 2020, David taught Hamilton and incorporated a karaoke exercise into his teaching.
David’s own writing–such as the award-winning short story Enigma (https://www.cbc.ca/books/literaryprizes/enigma-by-david-huebert-1.4110765)–is driven by environmental concerns and a passion for animals. His fiction and poetry have received many national and regional awards and honours. His wife and two young daughters keep him honest and joyful. David’s partner is a junior high school teacher with CSAP, the Acadian school board.
The nonprofit public-access English Language Arts organization CommonLit has developed a teaching plan for “Enigma,” publicly available here.
David Huebert
Fiction; nonfiction; poetry
David Wimsett
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: HFX or the Annappolis Valley
Travel range for in-person visits: 150 km
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: All seasons
Maximum size of group/class: 15 to 25, depending on the presentation
Areas of expertise: Fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, women's fiction, presenting books to audiences, writing craft, creating inclusive characters
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
David A. Wimsett has developed and delivered education seminars for over four decades. He is also a stage actor capable of engaging audiences. He is able to make presentations on a wide range of writing topics that include craft, themes, publishing and the writer’s life. He offers guided readings of his work on writing novels of characters, including diverse peoples and examining social issues through fiction. He discusses using emotion and specifics to create engaging characters, reading work in public and writing science fiction, fantasy and historical fiction
About the author:
David A. Wimsett’s novels and short stories follow diverse characters as they grow and have the opportunity to examine themselves and their place in the world on a deep level. His works include newspaper and magazine articles as a journalist and photojournalist, newsletters, blogs, corporate writing, short stories and novels that range from women’s fiction to historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction.
He attended the Squaw Valley Community of Writers Workshop in California for four consecutive years.
Mr. Wimsett has won international awards for his short stories, poetry and books.
He’s a member of the Writers’ Union of Canada, the Canadian Freelance Guild and the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia where he sits on the Writer’s Council.
In addition to being an author, Mr. Wimsett is also a stage actor, musician, composer, film maker and professional photographer who raised his son as a single parent.
His home is in a rural Nova Scotia town near the sea.
David Wimsett
Fantasy; science fiction; historical fiction; gender; diverse characters
Deirdre Dwyer
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: Nova Scotia but if outside my 100 km radius she asks that schools provide accomodation.
Travel range for in-person visits: Throughout mainland Nova Scotia and if over 100 km radius & Cape Breton I ask for accommodation
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Fall, spring and early summer (winter only if there are storms or ice.)
Maximum size of group/class: 20 & less preferred but will take larger.
Areas of expertise: Poetry, prose, publishing. Japanese culture, Icelandic culture, Nova Scotian wildlife.
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
A mix of reading of poetry or memoir, discussion of the 5 senses, imagery, metaphor, emotion, and description; students do writing exercises, so that they put into practice what we discussed, and so they have some writing to revise and work with later.
About the author:
Presentation style/workshop ideas: With the students, she will talk a little about her writing background, but will focus on reading and discussing her work and most importantly, have the students to do some writing exercises, based on the discussions. For instance, for a travel poem about Thailand, she will discuss how the palm trees are like earrings for elephants, so the students write will write about jewelry for wildlife. Deirde prefers to work with groups of 25 students or less. Or she will have students write about wildlife after she talks about her time with the Hope for Wildlife rehabilitation centre. For older students, she will discuss emotions and how to include their interests in writing.About the Author:Deirdre Dwyer is a poet who engages her classes in discussion about her poems, non-fiction, and the writing process. She creates various writing exercises about simile, metaphor, about animals and people, and asks the students to read their writing aloud. Her experience at the Hope for Wildlife rehabilitation center, as a community volunteer, as ex-Coordinator of a Farmers’ Market, and traveler motivate her and her students to write on a variety of topics. She is working now on finding a publisher for two poetry collections, and is working two non-fiction manuscripts about her travels in Japan, Asia, Europe.
Deirdre Dwyer
Poetry; prose; publishing
Don Aker
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: HRM
Travel range for in-person visits: Anywhere in Nova Scotia. However, schools located farther than a two-hour drive from his home are required to pay for meals and accommodation, expenses that are not covered by WITS.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: All year (weather permitting). Half-day and full-day sessions. Maximum 3 presentations per day.
Maximum size of group/class: Author talks are available for groups of any size. (The larger the group, the less opportunity there is for interactivity, but Don has comfortably presented in the past to groups as large as 400.) Writing workshops are ideally suited for groups of 15 to facilitate sharing (maximum of 20).
Areas of expertise: fiction, non-fiction (memoir, expository essay, persuasive essay), poetry, and screenwriting
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
In his author talks, Don usually provides a brief overview of his books, followed by a discussion of his writing process — where he gets his ideas and the three questions he needs to answer before he can being writing any story. He always ensures there is time for students to ask questions and may offer a brief reading. Don is completely comfortable tailoring his presentations to the needs of a specific audience, particularly classes who are reading one or more of his novels. Having taught middle level and high school students, Don is also comfortable conducting writing workshops on a number of topics. However, in order to conduct workshops, Don prefers to be physically present in the school.
Samples of Don Aker’s Writing Workshops:
- Inside Story: Writing Fictional Narratives
- We Are Our Stories: Writing Personal Memoir
- The Essence of Experience: Writing Poetry
- Image is Everything: The Art of Writing Screenplays
- From Argument to Action: The Power of Persuasion
About the author:
Author and educational consultant Don Aker has written more than 20 books and has conducted workshops for students and teachers across Canada as well as internationally (most recently in Vietnam). He is widely known for his bestselling young adult novels, among them Of Things Not Seen, winner of Atlantic Canada’s Ann Connor Brimer Award and the Canadian Authors Association’s Lilla Stirling Award; The First Stone, winner of the Ann Connor Brimer Award and Ontario’s White Pine Award; and The Space Between, which earned the Canadian Library Association’s Honour Book Award. A former classroom teacher, literacy mentor, and university instructor, Don enjoys speaking to students in grades 6 to 12, many of whom are familiar with his books in their classrooms. Don’s most recent books are Scars and Other Stories (Pottersfield Press), Delusion Road (HarperCollins, 2015) and Brothers in Arms: The Siege of Louisbourg (Scholastic, 2015). For more info, visit his website: www.donaker.com
Don Aker
Fiction; nonfiction; poetry; screenwriting
donalee Moulton
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax but will travel throughout NS
Travel range for in-person visits: 1.5 hours from Halifax
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: All terms
Maximum size of group/class: Any size
Areas of expertise: Journalism, article writing, mystery writing, short stories, poetry, editing, the business of writing (how to make a living as a writer), getting published, editing, grammar (fun grammar)
Curricular skills addressed: Reading, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
As a professional trainer and educator, I have taught classes, workshops, seminars, small group sessions, interactive sessions, and more. The class may also want to write something or workshop their own wiritng, The approach depends on the size of the class, the length of the presentation, and the preference of participants. Here are some workshop titles:
Making a Living as a Writer
Freelance Journalism: Magazines, Newspapers, and Online Bylines
Mystery Writing: Building Suspense and Much More
Why Poetry Matters
Let’s Dissect a Short Story
Is the exclamation mark extinct? Grammar that will make you laugh.
It’s a Crime: The craft of mystery writing
Writing Well: Saying What You Mean and Meaning What You Say
Writing about the Rich, the Famous, the Fabulous and the Everyday
About the author:
donalee Moulton is an award-winning freelance journalist. She has written articles for print and online publications across North America including The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Lawyer’s Daily, National Post, and Canadian Business.
Her first mystery book Hung out to Die was published this spring. Her short story “Swan Song” was one of 21 selected for publication in Cold Canadian Crime. A second short story was published in Black Cat Weekly. Her literary short story “Moist” was published recently in After Dinner Conversation. As well, donalee is the author of the new book The Thong Principle: Saying What You Mean and Meaning What You Say, and co-authored the book, Celebrity Court Cases: Trials of the Rich and Famous.
donalee is also a published poet. Her work has appeared in Arc, Prairie Fire, Queen’s Quarterly, The Dalhousie Review, The Antigonish Review, and Whetstone, among others. She is a former co-editor of The Pottersfield Portfolio literary journal and editor of Atlantic Books Today.
donalee Moulton
Journalism; mystery fiction; poetry; editing & grammar
Donna Jones Alward
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax/HRM
Travel range for in-person visits: 2 hrs/250 km
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: fall and spring outside the HRM, all school year within the HRM. Minimum 1 hr to a half day.
Maximum size of group/class: Any size
Areas of expertise: Novel-length fiction, historical fiction, genre fiction, romance novels; the publishing industry, editing, using local settings in fiction
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Workshop 1: Putting the Story in History explores how fiction can bring history alive by filtering it through the point of view of the characters. We’ll talk about what point of view means, and how to use the senses as well as the character’s unique perspective to interpret events and provide historical context – all while engaging the readers’ emotions.
Workshop 2: Behind the Book, which gives students a glimpse into how books are made, from the first page to landing on store shelves. What happens after the book is written? In addition to the writing process, we’ll chat about the different types of editing a book goes through, the process of cover art and formatting, and how a finished book reaches store shelves – both digital and physical.
About the author:
Donna Jones Alward (she/her) is the author of over 60 novels including WHEN THE WORLD FELL SILENT (HarperCollins), a Canadian bestseller about the Halifax Explosion of 1917. She lives in Fall River, NS.
Donna Jones Alward
Historical fiction; romance; publishing; editing
Doretta Groenendyk
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person only
Home region: Kings County
Travel range for in-person visits: within the Annapolis Valley/Halifax
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: december-June (Full Days only)
Maximum size of group/class: one class at a time, approx. 25 students
Areas of expertise: Picture books, Illustration
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Reading, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Stories seem to follow me wherever I go: they chase my bicycle, appear under rocks, pour out of a teapot and fall from the sky. I love to look at pictures and make paintings of things I dream about doing, or of events that I find enchanted, cosy or whimsical. Sometimes I can’t tell what comes first, my pictures or my words.
When I share my work with classrooms, it is usually a bright and creative adventure. I have travelled and have lived in different places and these stories usually creep into my classroom visits. I often bring in objects and paintings and have a lot of fun sharing all the stuff behind the making of each book. Mostly I can inspire kids to feel that absolutely they have stories to tell and this can happen in words, pictures, or both.
This year I have a new book: A Harbour Seal in Halifax based on the actual events in the city of March 2015. Students will be active drawers for this one, and begin their own story strip!
As well, I can offer workshops on BULLY 101. these have been engaging presentations, complete with collage making.
About the author:
Doretta graduated from NSCAD with a BA in Art Education. She then worked in Swaziland, Africa for a year and then Igloolik, Nunavut for another two. Before and after these diverse experiences, she was an avid traveller and tree planter.
Once settled in Nova Scotia, Doretta worked as an artist in classrooms through AVRSB, the program Arts Infusion, the Paints program, and as a volunteer. Her paintings are represented by the Harvest Gallery in Wolfville, Details Gallery in Charlottetown, and Art Sales and Rentals at the AGNS in Halifax.
To date, Doretta”s books include:
- Bounce Beans and Burn
- Fiddles and Spoons
- I’m writing a story
- Snow for Christmas
- Thank You for My Bed
- A Bluenose Christmas
- Spin to Sea
- Bully 101
- Step outside
- Hockey Morning Noon and Night
- I’m Drawing a Picture
- A Harbour Seal in Halifax
- What If?
- Groundhog Night
- TRUCK!
Doretta Groenendyk
Picture books; illustration
Emma FitzGerald
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Lunenburg County
Travel range for in-person visits: 2 hours' drive
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: flexible
Maximum size of group/class: I prefer a single class but can meet up to 3 classes at a time.
Areas of expertise: storytelling through images, drawing
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
I can present a variety of workshops that include reading the book aloud with images from the book projected, and some drawing exercises. Materials needed are simple; pen and paper.
Mental health; EveryBody is Different on EveryBody Street.
Town planning/sustainability; City Streets are For People.
Natural world/poem/counting; Two Crows
Place based sketching/getting to know your neighbourhood: Hand Drawn Halifax/ Sketch by Sketch Along Nova Scotia’s South Shore.
About the author:
Emma FitzGerald was born in Southern Africa to Irish parents and grew up in Vancouver. She has studied both art and architecture, and is the author of Hand Drawn Halifax. She lives and draws in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
Emma FitzGerald
Illustration
Frances Nobles
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax Regional Municipality
Travel range for in-person visits: Halifax Regional Municipality
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Fall, winter and/or spring; visits of any length
Maximum size of group/class: Any size
Areas of expertise: Forms: Novels, short stories - Genres: Mystery, true crime - Themes: Courage, death, friendship, revenge, and love
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
I prefer the interactive presentation/workshop style where there can be a free exchange of ideas as well as discussion about and consideration of new ideas. This also allows for timely questions relating to the material at hand.
Description 1: Story and Plot are Two Very Different Things. In this presentation/ workshop, students will learn the difference between the story and the plot; how they differ and why both are necessary.
Description 2: Be a Dialogue Diva. In this presentation/workshop, students will learn how to write realistic, organic dialogue. Dialogue tag do’s and don’ts are also covered. Further students will learn to have multiple characters speaking in a scene without “head hopping” or confusing the reader.
Description 3: Sometimes Backwards is Better. In this presentation/ workshop, students will learn how to create a story outline. Emphasis is placed on starting with the ending and working backwards to create the story which includes the necessary events to reach the logical or not so logical conclusion/climax. A timeline is included with this method to ensure that the development of the story is sound.
Description 4: Story Arcs and Character Arcs, Oh MY! In this presentation/ workshop, students will be introduced to story and character arcs. They will learn the bell arc and the undulating arc. They will be asked to complete a Major Character Profile/Arc based on how they see their main character(s).
About the author:
F. B. Nobles is the author of She-Wolfe in the Shadows, a cozy mystery published by Crystal Publishing, Fort Collins, Colorado. Through this process, Frances was coached by Dr. Patricia Landy who holds a Ph.D. degree and taught languages at the university level. It was a masterclass, not only in writing, but also in publishing.
As a former legal assistant, Frances became a trained MS Word expert. Further, Frances’ duties also included mentoring new hires. Frances enjoyed being a mentor and received some very favourable reviews from those she mentored.
As a small business owner, Frances was a corporate trainer. She is self-taught and understands how both children and adults learn and the difference between the two. Frances understands that the onus is on the teacher to make the information relevant to the student and to present it in a way that the student may grasp.
Frances believes that while she has a lifetime of knowledge to share with the students, she can also learn many things from them.
Frances Nobles
Novels; short stories; mystery; true crime
Geraldine Tuck
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: South Shore, Chester NS
Travel range for in-person visits: all of Nova Scotia
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Sept – June
Maximum size of group/class: 25-30 students
Areas of expertise: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Dress-up Theatre for young children.
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Grades 3-6: This interactive presentation dresses volunteers as book characters, detective, rum runner, and gold miner. The large, hands-on display illustrates the historical research needed to write this series set in the 1930’s in a town on the south shore of Nova Scotia. The author reads exciting passage from each book. An oral exercise demonstrates editing techniques. Drawing for a free book ends the visit. If time permits, younger grades design a pirate map.
Grades 5-7: The fourth book in the Marauders Series is suitable for older grades due to the content dealing with the Halifax Explosion. A power point presentation discusses the explosion and how the author used artifacts and newspaper clippings to plot a story.
About the author:
The first book, Midnight Maraurders, in the Mystery Marauders Series, won a Choise Book award. It’s the 1930’s and eleven year-old amature sluthes Dan and Becky solve mysteries in the quaint coastal town, of Seaport. Geraldine assembles a large display of photographs, reads aloud, the dresses volunteers as book characters. Writing tricks, ‘Show Don’t Tell’ and ‘Artifacts Inspire’, get students thinking about their own writing.
Geraldine Tuck
Historical fiction; public speaking
Habiba Diallo
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax
Travel range for in-person visits: 30 minutes by car maximum travel time
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: All terms, half-day
Maximum size of group/class: 30
Areas of expertise: Fiction, creative non-fiction, journalling
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Presentation style: Interactive. I present workshop to students, get them to read short texts and bring their ideas back to a larger group discussion. They also have the opportunity to create their own short pieces of literature and to develop an appreciation of various literary techniques (applies to the fiction workshop).
About the author:
Habiba Diallo is the author of #BlackInSchool. She is the inaugural winner of the Senator Don Oliver Black Voices prize and was a finalist in the 2020 Bristol Short Story Prize. She was also one of six finalists in the 2018 London Book Fair Pitch Competition. She has offered writing workshops in journalling and fiction through the Cabot Trail Writers Festival and enjoys working with participants in small groups. You can learn more about her work on social media or at: www.habibadiallo.com
Habiba Diallo
Fiction; nonfiction; journalling
Heather Fegan
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax
Travel range for in-person visits: I'm happy to discuss travel across Nova Scotia!
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Half-day or full-day visits, all terms.
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Journalism, publishing, media, communication, non-fiction, memoir, magazine, research
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Reading, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Heather’s workshops run 45 minutes to one hour, with time for discussions and questions. She covers a variety of topics including non-fiction and creative writing, research, communication, journalism, and publishing, inspiring students to share stories with dynamic discussions and writing prompts. Heather can also share insights into the media, book publishing, and magazine industries and career options within them. A q& session, facilitated discussion, and writing workshops are all possibilities!
About the author:
Heather Fegan is a freelance journalist and writer. She is a graduate of the University of King’s College School of Journalism. Heather has been a storyteller since age five, regaling her family with “updates” in her own “Heather Chronicles.” Gutsy, which explores her personal experience of navigating Crohn’s Disease over twenty-five years, is her debut book. Heather also works in book and magazine publishing through the Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association.
She lives in Halifax, NS, with her husband and two daughters. Follow her chronicles at heatherfegan.ca and @theheatherchronicles.
Heather Fegan
Non-fiction; health
Heidi Tattrie Rushton
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: Halifax Regional Municipality
Travel range for in-person visits: I'm willing to travel throughout the province.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: I'm available all terms and for locations requiring more then two hours travel time I would prefer a full-day visit be booked.
Maximum size of group/class: 30
Areas of expertise: Fiction and journalism, with a side of biography. I have a particular interest in animal welfare and empowering youth to share their voice for causes they care about,
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Heidi Tattrie Rushton’s workshops inspire creativity and empathy. Students start with a fun warm-up, sharing ideas to create a collaborative story. Then, guided exercises help them craft pet biographies, blending fact and fiction to explore personalities and adventures. This enhances their writing skills, critical thinking, and storytelling abilities.
She can also offer readings with a Q&A, and is happy to consider creating a custom workshop for a school.
About the author:
Heidi Tattrie Rushton has been a freelance reporter, social media manager, international recruiter, and preschool teacher. She also, like her Pet Tales protagonist, has experience working at an animal shelter, was a kid-activist through her writing, and rides the roller coaster of life with anxiety. She calls Fall River, Nova Scotia, home, along with her husband, two children, and a dog who thinks she’s a cat.
Heidi Tattrie Rushton
Fiction; journalism; biography
Hugh R. MacDonald
Preferred grade levels: Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: Cape Breton
Travel range for in-person visits: 200 kms
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Fall, and spring, and some winter, depending on the weather..
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Historical fiction, mainstream fiction, short story, novel, poetry, songwriting
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Hugh enjoys going into schools to meet with young people and sharing his passion for writing. His presentation includes readings from his work, using his songs and his videos to share thoughts on his writing process, and encouraging young people to try their own hand at writing.
Most often Hugh bring copies of his published novels: Trapper Boy and its sequel, Us and Them, and discusses the genesis of the books, especially pointing out that Trapper Boy began as a song, which he later turned into a novel. The song was also made into a video, and then recorded by the Men of the Deeps on their 50th Anniversary CD.
As mentioned, part of the presentation includes: readings from his novels, and playing the video of the song “Trapper Boy” which will, hopefully, strike a chord with the young people and give them a visual of what many of their fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers had to endure in their younger years. Hugh discusses the importance of reading, explaining that it will help bring about ideas for future stories they may wish to write.
About the author:
Hugh R. MacDonald is a writer of fiction, and a singer/songwriter. Hugh has been a member of the Writers Union of Canada and the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS) for many years. His YA novel, Trapper Boy was published by Cape Breton University Press, and the sequel entitled Us and Them was released in October 2016. Hugh is a graduate of Cape Breton University, and worked in the human services field for 25 plus years, and is now happily retired.
September 2017 — “Trapper Boy” was included in the Reading Nova Scotia publication of “150 Books of Influence” in Nova Scotia
Trapper Boy was selected by Dr. Patrick Howard of Cape Breton University’s Education Department as a novel around which to develop a Teacher Resource. The resource is currently available at no charge for teachers using Trapper Boy. http://cbup.ca/wp/wp-content/Special/Trapper-Boy-Teacher-Resource.pdf
Trapper Boy and Us and Them are available from Nimbus Publishing https://nimbus.ca/product-category/children-and-teen/children12/page/3
Hugh R. MacDonald
Historical fiction; mainstream fiction; short story; novel; poetry; songwriting
Hui Zhou
Preferred grade levels: Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person only
Home region: NS
Travel range for in-person visits: Any distance
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: School year, half-day, or full-day (three sessions)
Maximum size of group/class: better having one class per session (about 25-30 students)
Areas of expertise: Writing: nonfiction stories for all ages, nonfiction photograph-storybooks for children; Natural science: insects and other animals
Curricular skills addressed: Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Hui’s PowerPoint presentation includes
- Nonfiction writing and the difference from fiction writing
- Two main types of nonfiction writing (examples below)
- Story reading from her own children’s photographed nonfiction storybooks, “Puppy Oland” or/and “Running Wild with Bossy Boy”, to show how literary nonfiction tells, educates and entertains
- An introduction to insects (Hui’s scientific expertise), their amazement, their vital roles to the ecosystem and the scientific evidence of human impacts to their survival, to present what informative nonfiction intends to notify
- Hints: 3Rs for nonfiction writing
Based on student’s age (grade), the presentation can also be adapted to more story-telling or to what Hui has learned about self-publishing.
During the presentation, Hui is skillful to develop a good rapport with students and engage their participation.
About the author:
Hui Zhou is a nonfiction writer and a retired entomologist living in Nova Scotia, Canada (Web: From Zhou Hui to Hui Zhou).
Many of her nonfiction stories have been published in print and heard on radio broadcast since the 1990’s. The one titled Grandpa Santa was published in The Chronicle Herald and three other Atlantic daily newspapers on a same day. It was about how her daughter at six excitedly learned about Christmas in her birth country where Christmas has never been a holiday. A piece about how Hui was introduced to the history of the Halifax Explosion, titled The Path from an Old Newspaper, was long-listed for Surrey Muse Art and Literature Awards 2022.
Running Wild with Bossy Boy (2018) is Hui’s first nonfiction photograph-storybook for children about a flock of free-run backyard chickens, focusing on their different personalities, or to them, chicken-alities. Children can easily understand chicken’s personalities, learn the biology through the interesting stories and imagine how happy the chickens are when running freely.
In Hui’s second nonfiction photograph-storybook, Puppy Oland (2023), children will meet the lively dog Oland and discover what Oland liked at his puppy training, if Oland was a good swimmer, how many corn ears Oland retrieved from neighboring campers, whom Oland once badly offended . . .
Dogs are human’s inseparable friends and the earliest domesticated animals not only as pets but also as assistants in human history. They rely on, help and want to be close to us. To Hui’s view, humans have never ever done enough for dogs comparing to their tremendous trust, unconditional love and the immeasurable joy they have brought to us. Hui wrote Oland’s stories, while speaking for all dogs.
The success, in writing, photographing, book design, self-publishing, marketing and much more, encourages Hui’s further works for children and her Literary Nonfiction Collection for all ages.
Hui Zhou
Nonfiction; natural sciences
Jacqueline Halsey
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: Dartmouth
Travel range for in-person visits: One hour from Dartmouth for in-person visits.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Full or half-day visits. All terms.
Maximum size of group/class: 2 classes maximum ie. approx 50 students
Areas of expertise: Historical fiction for elementary children, early grade reading fun.
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
- Grades 3 and up, my presentation consists of a reading of one of my local, historical fiction books, followed by a power point slide presentation of the actual historical event. Students can see for themselves the background and context of the story. I end with an author “Question and Answer” segment.
- For the younger grades, I start with an animated reading of The Terrible Horrible Smelly Pirate, and/or The Terrible Horrible Smelly Beach. There will be a mermaid story telling, some rhymes and riddles and an art activity if time permits. Smelly Beach has an environmental theme and the program also features a fun show-and-tell quiz.
About the author:
Jacqueline is an author, artist and story teller and has written six books. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked for many years in the children’s department of the Halifax Public Library. Her latest book about teen hero Joe Cracker is due to be released in 2025. She recently made a WITS Resource video – “How to be a Research Detective,” and was featured in an episode of Eastlink’s successful author series “Final Draft” which aired nationally in 2022.
Jacqueline Halsey
Historical fiction; research
Jan L. Coates
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: Annapolis Valley
Travel range for in-person visits: In 2024-2025, only half-day visits, preferably afternoon to allow for travel. If you'd like a full-day visit, I can do two consecutive half-days.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: I'm interested in half-day (afternoon) school visits from 2022 going forward. Months I'm available in 2024/25 include: October, November, January, February and possibly April.
Maximum size of group/class: I prefer to work with one class at a time, but I'm open to other situations as required
Areas of expertise: Fiction writing (middle grade novels, books for emergent readers, picture books) I've also illustrated three picture books, and I'm open to doing short art workshops, also.
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Grades P/1: I read one of my picture books, as listed above, then chat about it. This requires 30 minutes for P/1 groups, and I also have relevant activity sheets we do together re wishing, dreaming and/or rainbows.
Grades 2, 3, and 4: Picture book presentation takes about an hour as I have a 20- minute PowerPoint I use to generate discussion of the writing life, and also a hands-on, fun, guessing-game creative writing exercise. Each student chooses either a place or a thing and writes a brief description of it using the “other” four senses (not sight). The students then take turns reading their descriptions to their classmates who attempt to guess what the place or thing is. It’s harder than it sounds! But it’s a great exercise to get kids thinking beyond how things look when they use description in their own writing, and it’s fun! Life is all about communicating!
Grades 4/5-7: I read a bit from Say What You Mean, Talking to the Moon, A Hare in the Elephant’s Trunk, The Power of Harmony, The Hermit or Rocket Man, depending on the age level, or the teacher’s choice. I also use my PPT to generate discussion around the books’ themes (searching for a place to belong, bullying, pursuing dreams, Lost Boys of Sudan) and chat about tools we all possess and use as W.R.I.T.E.R.S. (words, reading, imagination, thesaurus, experience/emotions, rewriting, senses), and I’m happy to answer any and all questions. I use the same writing exercise described above, which works well with all ages, and I’m always open to discussing specific aspects of the writing process, as suggested by teachers.
Grades 2 and up: I am open to suggestions from teachers if there’s a certain aspect of writing they’d like me to address. As well, I sometimes read from one of my current works-in-progress as I’m always looking for feedback from readers.
About the author:
Jan is the author of over 30 books for kids; picture books to novels. Her passions include: reading, writing, art, biking, second-hand shopping, beachcombing, and spending time with her adult kids and new grandbabies!
Visits include a 20-minute PowerPoint presentation/discussion about writing and the writing life, a short reading, and a fun shared writing activity. Sixty minutes please for grades 3-6; thirty minutes for grades P-2. Jan prefers to work with one class at a time, but she’s flexible.
For more info visit: www.jancoates.ca
Jan L. Coates
Fiction; middle-grade novels; picture books
Janice Walsh-Cruddas
Preferred grade levels: Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax County
Travel range for in-person visits: I love to visit schools anywhere in Nova Scotia! In the winter months, however, I'm only available to HRCE schools for in-person visits (virtual elsewhere).
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Fall, winter, and spring availability for half or full-day visits.
Maximum size of group/class: For "Bird's the Word" author reading, any size. For other workshops, a maximum of one class (no more than 30 students), please.
Areas of expertise: Fiction, song writing, and script-writing are my happy places. My author readings involve students in literacy-based music and games, but I have just as happily guided youth in creating scripts and songs based on well-known fables or social justice topics.
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
FABLE FEST! workshops feature a reading of an Aesop fable which is then broken down into its key elements in order to be adapted into a short, original script created by the group. This workshop is available to grades 5-8, is for a maximum of 30 students, and runs 60 minutes.
SING OUT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE! workshops feature the building of an original song about a topic of the class’ choice (to be given to me prior to the visit). The music will be developed on the guitar only. Students will be led in exploring rhythm in language and song, rhyme as a tool in songwriting, and the history of music as an agent for social change. A recording of the finished song and a guitar track will be sent to the teacher after the workshop for class performance purposes. This workshop is available to grades 3-9, is for a maximum of 30 students, and runs for two 60-minute sessions.
About the author:
Janice Walsh-Cruddas
Fiction; songwriting; scriptwriting
Jessica Scott Kerrin
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax
Travel range for in-person visits: In-person visits: schools located within HRM; provincewide for virtual presentations
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: In-person visits can be booked for the fall or spring and must be booked for a full day (which includes 3 class or library/gym presentations plus an optional casual lunch with a student club of your choice). Virtual presentations can be booked year-round.
Maximum size of group/class: Any size
Areas of expertise: Fiction series, Middle Reader, Picture Book, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Adventure, Father/son relationships, Mental health, Coping with Loss
Curricular skills addressed: Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Jessica’s jam-packed primary school visit is a behind-the-scenes look at the everyday experiences that she write stories about. She includes props, class participation, writing prompts and video clips sure to keep students engaged and glued to their seats. There are three “how-to” writing topics from her latest books to choose from:
For grades K-3: SENSES. Her picture book, The Better Tree Fort, features a father/son relationship. She also shares an interest in birding with the characters in this story. She will include a fun mini-lesson about local bird songs during her presentation that encourages young writers to use all their senses.
For grades 4-6: DETAILS. Her novel, Clear Skies, is a historic novel that depicts the 1960s space race to the Moon while exploring the theme of mental health. She will also use this story to demonstrate the importance of including accurate facts and engaging details for better fiction.
For grades 4-6: FUNNY STORY IDEAS. In this presentation, she shares where she comes up with ideas for funny stories and how to write them using her favourite types of humour. She also includes some pitfalls to avoid.
About the author:
Jessica Scott Kerrin is the author of Martin Bridge, a highly acclaimed award-winning adventure series. Her trilogy, The Lobster Chronicles, features the accidental capture of a giant lobster as told from the perspective of three different boys. Her mystery novels, The Spotted Dog Last Seen, and its prequel, The Missing Dog is Spotted, feature a historic cemetery inspired by one in Halifax. Her adventure novel, The Things Owen Wrote, brings readers to Iceland. Her picture book, The Better Tree Fort, features a father/son team-building project. Her newly released historic novel, Clear Skies, is all about the exciting 1960s space race to the Moon.
Jessica grew up on the Canadian Prairies. Today, she lives with her family and their hunting dog in downtown Halifax in a house that is close to 150 years old. The floors slope, and all the balls she tosses to her dog roll into one corner.
Jessica Scott Kerrin
Fiction; historical fiction; mystery; adventure; picture book; mental health
Jo Treggiari
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: Virtual only
Home region: Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Travel range for in-person visits: anywhere in Nova Scotia within 2 hours drive of Lunenburg
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Spring, summer, fall
Maximum size of group/class: 30
Areas of expertise: YA fiction, mysteries, thrillers, writing tips and techniques, writing from life, writing diversity with respect and sensitivity
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Reading, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Using hand-outs and in-class writing prompts I talk about techniques and tools that I’ve found useful when writing. I combine personal experience and examples from my own texts as well as from other YA/ MG authors- focusing on Maritimes authors. I talk about inspiration, how to overcome hurdles, how to plot, how to keep going through the ‘soggy middle’, how to make writing a daily practice and what you can learn about writing just from reading books that you love and books that you hate! I do cover many genres of writing: from poetry to children’s fiction to non-fiction/memoir/journaling or keeping a diary or notebook for inspiration.
Write what you know is common advice but write what you don’t know is also valuable. I talk about research and how fun that can be. I talk about diversity in literature and giving voice to marginalized communities with sensitivity and respect. I talk about the joy of creating a world, fleshing out characters from nothing but your own imagination, and how you can make them live and breathe on the page.
About the author:
Jo Treggiari is the best-selling, award winning author of six books for young adults. Her 2019 novel, The Grey Sisters (Penguin Teen), was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award, a finalist for the Crime Writers of Canada Award and a finalist for the Ann Connor Brimer Children’s Literature Award. Her most recent book, Heartbreak Homes(Nimbus Publishing), a murder-mystery, was the winner of the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence and a finalist for the 2023 Ann Connor Brimer and Dartmouth Book Awards.
Jo Treggiari
YA fiction; mysteries; thrillers; writing diversity
John A. Read
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax
Travel range for in-person visits: 40 minutes
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: all visit lengths; all terms
Maximum size of group/class: n/a
Areas of expertise: Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Exploration
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Will bring telescopes, or will demonstrate astronomy software on the computer.
About the author:
JOHN A. READ is a telescope operator at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory and a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). He holds a degree in astrophysics from Saint Mary’s University, and is currently a Master’s Student at Johns Hopkins University. In 2020 he was presented with an RASC award for Excellence in Science Communication. John cohosted RASC’s series “Explore the Universe Online,” and is the founder of “Stargaze Nova Scotia” a designated stargazing site within the HRM. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
John A. Read
Astronomy; astrophysics; space exploration
Josh MacDonald (he/him)
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: Dartmouth
Travel range for in-person visits: 125 km
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: fall, winter, spring; half day or full day
Maximum size of group/class: app. 50
Areas of expertise: screenplays; plays; short fiction; pop culture; fantastic genres; young adult content
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Josh is deeply encouraging to students — “If I can do it, then absolutely, so can you! You CAN follow a life in the arts!” Josh will engage students in a fun, free-range and interactive discussion about creative writing and the storytelling process, as well as presenting A/V selections from his own work. Special Equipment: Josh needs a HDMI projector to connect to his laptop, or alternately a television, DVD player and remote control.
Josh loves to talk about creative writing with students of any age, and with junior high & high school students in particular. Josh grew up in the N.S. school system (he attended Oxford School & QEHS) and discovered his love for storytelling via supportive teachers and programs similar to WITS! An award-winning short-fiction writer by 16, Josh grew up to be a professional writer & actor for stage, film and television. Josh is a lively and engaging speaker (and a recognizable performer from his acting work). Josh has been a playwriting instructor at Dalhousie University, NSCAD and Neptune Theatre.
About the author:
Josh is the writer of the play #IAmTheCheese, which has won prizes both provincially and nationally. #IAmTheCheese was available to all junior highs and high schools in Nova Scotia in 2022, as a part of the Perform Program and the Nova Scotia High School Drama Festival. Josh has also written the feature film THE CORRIDOR (IFC Films) the comedy-drama feature film FAITH, FRAUD & MINIMUM WAGE (eOne Films; based on his play HALO), and written-directed the scary short film GAME (Crypt.TV).
Trailer for Faith, Fraud & Minimum Wage: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVs5VL2kH8s
Trailer for The Corridor: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pD_7pZm5Cg
Trailer for Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9mqsv6sywI
Josh MacDonald (he/him)
Screenplays; plays; short fiction; pop culture; fantasty
Julian Smith
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Yarmouth County
Travel range for in-person visits: Anywhere in Yarmouth, Digby, and Shelburne Counties. Will travel further, but mileage and/or accommodation may be required.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Year-round
Maximum size of group/class: Any
Areas of expertise: Science Fiction and Fantasy (Speculative Fiction)
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Julian is available to teach fiction workshops that focus on imagination, creativity, and storytelling through the lens of speculative fiction. Many of today’s most popular books, movies, and video games fall under the umbrella of science fiction and fantasy. These genres have a remarkable ability to capture the imaginations of young people, and reading and writing speculative fiction encourages students to think about the world in new and imaginative ways.
In his workshops, Julian introduces students to some important narrative ingredients — such as character, conflict, and setting — and uses examples from literature and pop culture to keep students engaged. Through a series of brainstorming activities and writing exercises students will learn how to generate compelling ideas and turn those ideas into their own stories. By the end of the workshop, students will have the foundation of a work of original fiction.
About the author:
Julian Mortimer Smith has published more than a dozen science fiction and fantasy stories in some of the world’s top speculative fiction magazines, including Asimov’s, Terraform, and Daily Science Fiction. He has also published non-fiction pieces in Saltscapes, Cottage Magazine, and The Skinny. He is a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) and SF Canada.
Julian lives in Yarmouth and spends his days writing copy for a web design company. He previously made a living as a freelance editor, working on projects ranging from romance novels to board games. When he lived in Edinburgh he worked as the books section editor of The Skinny, a Scottish arts and entertainment magazine.
Julian has a bachelor’s degree in English literature from McGill Univeristy in Montreal and a Master’s in Communication and Culture from York University in Toronto. You can find out more about his writing at his website: http://julianmortimersmith.com/
Julian Smith
Science fiction; fantasy
Karen Kelloway
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax Regional Municipality
Travel range for in-person visits: throughout Nova Scotia. if we can plan far enough ahead it could work
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: September to June
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Children's fiction, historical facts mixed with fantasy.
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
In this interactive writing workshop for grades 4-6, Karen gives an overview of the three anchors that shaped her latest novel, Keepers of the Pact, as well as the 3 R’s that she considers when writing a novel: Research, Re-work; Re-write. Students colour a mermaids tail while she talks. She ends with a 10 minute writing exercise which has the students literally putting themselves in the scene as they write their version of meeting a mermaid for the first time. It’s incredible what they come up with.
There are Classroom Discussion Questions aligned with grades 4-6 curriculum at the end of the novel. Keepers of the Pact is on the Approved List of Resources for all NS schools.
Teacher resources including: a pdf of classroom questions with a writing exercise, a printable colouring page, a 60 second video book trailer and a classroom PowerPoint for workshops can be found at https://karenkelloway.com/teacher-librarian-resources/
“Karen, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to come to our school. Your presentation was very enjoyable and professional. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!” – Library Technician
About the author:
Karen’s delivers an interactive writing workshop which has students colouring a mermaids tale while she shares tips on how she blends historical facts, fiction and adds in a supernatural twist, ending with a 10 minute writing exercise.
Please visit Karen’s Educator Resource page at www.karenkelloway.com for the workshop power point, classroom discussion Qs aligned to the grades 4-6 curriculum, a colouring page and 60 second video book trailer. Keepers of the Pact (Nimbus) is shortlisted for the 2024/25 Hackmatack award and is on the ALR for NS schools. A portion of all Karen’s book sales goes to school breakfast programs. She lives in Halifax, NS.
Karen Kelloway
Fiction; history; folklore
Kate Inglis
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: Lunenburg County
Travel range for in-person visits: Will travel to Halifax, the Annapolis Valley, or the South Shore within one hour from Lunenburg.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: All
Maximum size of group/class: Any size
Areas of expertise: Novels, poetry, and creative exploration
Curricular skills addressed: Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Kate has led student experiences from kindergarten to grade 12 across the country, from downtown Calgary to the Inuit outport of Makkovik, Labrador. Workshops include:
(Grades K-3): Childrens’ Poetry—Through imaginative physical play, this workshop encourages young children to become their own storytellers.
(Grades 4-6): The Craft Of Story-Making—This workshop inspires kids to write, illustrate, and share their stories, with creative prompts and media to practice plot, suspense, dialogue, setting, description, and voice development.
(Jr/Sr High) The Creativity Myth—In this workshop, we’ll consider the very different practices of writing and editing, and we’ll explore storytelling as a tool to grapple with (or escape from) life. Students will be encouraged to develop their own voices, and turn reflection into poetry, prose, or stories.
About the author:
KATE INGLIS is an author living on the south shore of Nova Scotia. Her fourth book, Notes for the Everlost: A Field Guide to Grief won the Evelyn Richardson Non-Fiction Literary Award. She also writes children’s fiction, including award-nominated novels — her fifth and most recent picture book, A Great Big Night was awarded a Kirkus star and was nominated for the national David Booth Children’s and Youth Poetry Award. Kate’s work has been featured in poetry anthologies, and she also co-authored a best-selling book on the craft of photography.
Kate Inglis
Novels; poetry; creative exploration
Laura Churchill Duke
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Annapolis Valley
Travel range for in-person visits: 100km from the Kentville region. (Halifax, Annapolis, South shore)
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Winter/Spring is best for me. I teach full time at the university in the fall. If I am doing the 3-part lesson, then I would like classes stacked on the same day, if I am travelling afar.
Maximum size of group/class: Any size
Areas of expertise: Creative non-fiction, historical creative non-fiction, journalism
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
The usual workshop I do is in three parts (three separate visits, each 1 week apart) but can be condensed or modified depending on the need and the schedule.
Historic Creative Non-Fiction Writing: Middle school or high school
This project-based activity will see students engage with their local community to discover some of the local characters and bring their story to life through research and story writing.
In doing so students will have the opportunity to learn and connect with their past, as well as develop new and grade-level appropriate critical thinking, research and writing skills.
Lesson 1: Laura Churchill Duke will come to the school and teach a 30-minute lesson on how to research historical people using internet sources. She will discuss how to take appropriate notes, and how to keep track of sources.
Laura will then provide the students with a list of historical people from that area. Students are then asked to select one of these individuals to research.
Class time: Teachers provide class time over the following week for students to research their chosen historical figure.
Lesson 2: Laura will return to the classroom one week later and teach a 30-45 minute class about taking the research and turning it into creative non-fiction writing. The goal will be to have the students write a monologue about the individual, bringing them back to life, much like in Valley Ghost Walks.
Class time: Teachers provide a week of class time for the students to write their monologues.
Lesson 3: After receiving the monologues from the teachers, Laura will review them and return a week later to present them to the class. This can be done in several ways, in discussion with the teacher. In the past, we have videoed local actors reading the scripts, or we can have students perform each other’s scripts.
According to curriculum outcomes, students will learn about expressions of culture:
- What cultural expressions do I see in my community?
- How can I discover more about my culture through communication forms?
- How can I express my identities and cultures through communication forms?
- How do I see culture expressed in oral communication forms?
They will interact with sensitivity and respect, considering cultural contexts, audience, purpose, and situation; will select, interpret, and combine information from culturally diverse contexts; will be expected to create text, independently and collaboratively, using a variety of types of writing for a range of audiences and purposes; and will explore the concept of culture and demonstrate an understanding of its role in their lives, inclusive of Acadians, African Nova Scotians, Gaels, Mi’kmaq, and additional cultures.
About the author:
Laura is a communication specialist and journalist in the Annapolis Valley. She is currently teaching communication to first year kinesiology students at Acadia University, focusing on writing, research and presentation skills.
Laura is also a freelance journalist for Saltwire Network, writing stories for Atlantic Canada. Her writing also appears in the Acadia Alumni Bulletin. She can also be heard as the Kentville community contact on CBC Radio, Information Morning.
Laura is the author of two creative non-fiction novels, Two Crows Sorrow, and Rooted in Deception. She also wrote the scripts for the Kentville and Bay of Fundy ghost walks for Valley Ghost Walks.
Laura has taught this workshop several times in both KCA (Kentville) and Hantsport middle schools.
Laura Churchill Duke
Nonfiction; history; journalism
Lauren Soloy
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Annapolis County
Travel range for in-person visits: Halifax, South Shore, or Yarmouth. Will consider further trips with overnight stays.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: winter, spring
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: writing, illustrating
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Lauren can do presentations that focus either on writing or on illustrating, or a mix of the two. All presentations are adjusted to match the age of the students.
For a writing-focussed workshop, she will do a reading from one of her books and then talk about what goes into crafting a good story. She will talk about editing and rewriting, where she gets inspiration, and what it’s like to be a professional author. She will include time at the end for questions.
For an illustration-focussed workshop, she will show work from the books and talk about the work that goes into crafting a good illustration. She will talk about the process of revising images, building up from starting small, and where she gets inspiration. She will include time for questions and live drawing requests. *For all virtual visits, Lauren will include a studio tour, and sneak peek into the process of making the next book.
In addition, Lauren can offer a presentation specifically designed around her book, WHEN EMILY WAS SMALL, published in June of 2020. When Emily was Small was inspired by the writings of famed Canadian artist (and honorary member of the Group of Seven), Emily Carr. Lauren can talk a little bit about Emily’s life and work, as well as what it meant to be a Canadian woman painter in the early 1900s. For younger students, there are activity sheets and craft activities. For older students, she can trace the process of being inspired by another artist’s work, and how to incorporate that into your own work in fun and surprising ways.
About the author:
Lauren Soloy is the author and illustrator of When Emily was Small, Etty Darwin and the Four Pebble Problem and The Hidden World of Gnomes. She also illustrated I’s the B’y and A Tulip in Winter: A Story About Maud Lewis. She has lived on both coasts of Canada, always within reach of the sea. She currently lives in a 140-year-old house in the wilds of Nova Scotia with her librarian husband, two curious children, an ever-expanding collection of books, two hives of bees, and one cat. She has a Visual Arts BFA with Honours from the University of Victoria, and a certificate of Fine Furniture from Camosun College. Along the way, she has learned to make a Queen Anne Highboy, a pottery mug, a hand knit pair of socks, a headstand, and a mess.
Lauren has been employed by the Annapolis Valley Regional Library as a library clerk and programmer for several years, and has run programs for all ages – from toddlers to seniors. She specializes in art and craft programs that are fun to make, and provide impressive results!
Lauren Soloy
Fiction; children's writing; illustration
Lesley Choyce
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: HRM
Travel range for in-person visits: Anywhere in Nova Scotia
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Half day visits only, preferably afternoons
Maximum size of group/class: Any size
Areas of expertise: Young adult novels, fiction, history, children's fiction, poetry
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Lesley will read from such kids’ books as Skunks for Breakfast and Far Enough Island, as well as such young adult novels as The Book of Michael, The End of the World as We Know It, Wave Warrior, Smoke and Mirrors or Shoulder the Sky (winner of the 2003 Ann Connor Brimer Children’s Literature Prize). He can talk about the history of Nova Scotia (Nova Scotia Shaped by the Sea) as well. The main focus of the presentation is to get students enthusiastic about writing, imagination and creativity. Lesley also has stories to tell about skunks and ravens and brings along his poetry music videos to inspire non-book kids. He’s guaranteed to entertain, intrigue and provoke. When not writing, Lesley teaches at Dalhousie University, performs spoken word poetry/music and surfs in year round.
About the author:
Lesley teaches at Dalhousie University, runs Pottersfield Press and has published over 86 books for adults and kids. His Young Adult novels concern things like skateboarding, surfing, racism, environmental issues, organ transplants, and rock bands. Lesley surfs year round in the North Atlantic and is considered the father of transcendental wood-splitting. www.lesleychoyce.com
Lesley Choyce
Fiction; children's fiction; YA novels; history; poetry
Lindsey Harrington
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: Dartmouth, NS
Travel range for in-person visits: Willing to travel to any and all regions 🙂
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: All terms, any length
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, memoir, short stories, flash fiction, ekphrasis, prompt, and response poems
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Participatory facilitation style on topics including (but not limited to):
therapeutic writing, developing your personal writing strategy, performing your pieces, authors online, ekphrasis, prompt, and response poetry, flash fiction.
About the author:
Lindsey Harrington is a Nova Scotian writer with Newfoundland roots. Her fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry are deeply influenced by both places and her place within them. She’s a regular organizer and host of the dART Speak monthly writers’ open mic and other fun, local literary events. She’s also a professional facilitator, covering topics such as therapeutic writing, developing your personal writing strategy, performing your pieces, authors online, and ekphrasis, prompt, and response poetry.
In 2023, she was longlisted for the CBC Nonfiction Prize, shortlisted for the Fiddlehead Creative Nonfiction Prize, and received a Canada Council grant to work on her memoir. She’s excited to see what 2024 brings.
Lindsey Harrington
Fiction; nonfiction; poetry; memoir
Lori Weber
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax/Dartmouth
Travel range for in-person visits: Travel within one hour, in good weather; further if it involves an overnight stay
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Fall, winter, spring; half-day or full-day
Maximum size of group/class: Any
Areas of expertise: Young adult and middle-grade fiction; War, LGBTQ, sports, identity, family conflict, bullying
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
1)Writing History: Using my two historical novels, Lightning Lou and The Ribbon Leaf, I talk about the process of using real historical material as a springboard for creation. I share the clip from Hockey: A People’s History which led to Lightning Lou and also talk about my father’s childhood in Germany to talk about The Ribbon Leaf. I share some of his childhood artifacts, like his Nazi-era report cards. I give the students a chance to work in groups, where they name their own historical event, or I can hand out cards. Then they work to create characters, setting, and conflict that could be the basis for story. If the students have read the book, the session can also include an activity on choices, focusing on all the choices characters make in the book, many of which put their lives in danger. Students can write about a time in their lives when they had to make a difficult choice. The teacher’s manual for this book (available on the Red Deer Press site) has many more suggestions for activities.
2) Creative Writing Workshop which focuses on the 3 big elements of fiction (character, setting, symbolism) and takes students through a series of activities designed to teach them to use concrete detail to bring their writing to life. They learn to show and not tell.
3) One True Thing: This presentation is a more general overview of my books and how I used one true thing as inspiration. Using slides, I show what that thing is and talk about how it became fiction. I then encourage students to mine their own histories, choose something meaningful, and write about it. I stress how this could be a big event, or even a smell that evokes memory, the sight of a person that reminds them of someone. For the young writer that pays attention, everything can be fodder for fiction!
About the author:
I write young adult fiction, both realism and historical, which I hope inspires young people to read and think and want to be creative. My 11 books cover a wide variety of topics, from edgy social realism to sports to World War Two. I have decades of experience teaching young people and working with them to foster discussion and to bring out their creativity. I have been on tour twice for Children’s Book Week, participated in MASC in Ottawa, and delivered creative writing workshops to youth in many libraries. I was a member of the Writers in the School in Quebec for twenty years and have recently retired from teaching English and settled in Dartmouth, NS.
Lori Weber
YA; middle-grade fiction; conflict; 2SLGBTQ+ writing
Lynette Richards
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person only
Home region: HRM
Travel range for in-person visits: I hour
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: minimum half day, school year only
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Literary graphic novels, historical non-fiction, creative non-fiction, inspiration and imagination
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Lynette will show original art and read from Call Me Bill, her Young Adult graphic novel. Call Me Bill weaves 2 true local stories together. She will host art-making activities during conversation about panels, pages and spreads . She will chat about the history of storytelling with images and words from Medieval illuminated manuscripts and stained glass windows to pre-digital photography and printing as related to journalism.
About the author:
Lynette Richards is the writer and illustrator of YA literary graphic novel Call Me Bill (Conundrum Press 2022). She is a Craft Nova Scotia Master Artisan, who lives and works in Terence Bay NS, where she operates her business Rose Window Stained Glass.
Lynette Richards
Graphic novels; nonfiction; historical nonfiction
Marcia Harding
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Liverpool
Travel range for in-person visits: Anywhere in Nova Scotia
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: March - June
Maximum size of group/class: 30
Areas of expertise: Theatre and plays; grades 3 - 6 (was an elementary school teacher for 33 years)
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
During my presentation, student will: learn how my childhood fantasy inspired me to write a YA novel, see breathtaking photographs of Sable Island and its wild horses (courtesy of Zoe Lucas), handle artifacts from Sable Island (including a rusty horseshoe, ancient shells, a piece of a shipwreck, a bottle of Sable Island sand, and the skull of a Sable Island horse), hear me read from my novel, listen to Rosalee Peppard’s song The Graveyard of the Atlantic which captures the mystery and tragic/triumphant history of this haunted island, have an opportunity to ask question.
About the author:
Marica Harding grew up in Lockeport, N.S. When she was fifteen, her family moved to Liverpool where she met her future husband, Craig Harding. After completing their university education, they returned to Liverpool where they raised two children and lots of lab puppies. During her 33 years as an elementary school teacher, she enjoyed writing, directing, and producing plays with her students.
Marcia Harding
Theatre; plays
Marjorie Simmins
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Cape Breton
Travel range for in-person visits: In general, 2 - 3 hours, round-trip. Will come to Halifax if given notice. Again, given notice, I am available to travel around the province.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Fall, winter, and spring
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Memoir writing; short and long-form non-fiction; biography; literary essays; coastal perspectives; Western and English horseback riding; harness racing
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
I am happy to offer presentations on all aspects of non-fiction. In particular, I enjoy focusing on memoir writing, biography, short-form life writing, and journaling. Our time together would include writing prompts and exercises for the students, and readings by myself and by the students.
As well, I like to offer some fun games and exercises, in small and large groups, which serve to underscore the different elements of memoir writing, and the many similarities all people/writers share. Take-aways include learning the differences between fiction and non-fiction, and making achievable goals as an emerging writer.
Workshop I: “Memoirs, Autobiographies and Biographies: What’s the Dif?”
Subjects covered: What is the difference between a memoir, an autobiography and a biography? Who writes memoirs and autobiographies? If you are a notable, chances are you’ve had a biography written about you. With memoirs, though, you can be famous or a regular person. But why write a memoir? What’s in it for you?
Writing exercise I, Biography: Using photographs from magazines and online sources that I will provide, students will write short life stories or “biographies” about the people in these. Students will be encouraged to let their imaginations run free! We will share some of the stories by reading them aloud and discuss the story lines and themes that emerge from the readings.
Writing exercise II, Memoir: Students will be asked to write a short “memoir,” on the subject of their earliest memory. When done, I’ll ask for volunteers to read some of these stories aloud. We will discuss how some memories seem to stay with us, vivid and clear, and how others, less distinct, can be teased out by the process of writing.
In consultation with a teacher, I am happy to tailor-make other memoir-only writing workshops for grades 8 – 12. The above workshop is a comprehensive primer of three related genres. Handouts will include a list of current and most popular memoirs for young adult readers, including memoir graphic novels.)
About the author:
Marjorie Simmins is a freelance journalist, author and writing instructor. She is also a memoir specialist, with an M.A. in Research, focusing on memoir studies from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. She has written memoir essays about family, animals, coastal perspectives and aspects of rural and urban life. These have appeared in numerous provincial and national magazines, including Canadian Living, Magazines Canada, Halifax Magazine, Progress, Atlantic Business and Saltscapes, and in several anthologies. Raised in Vancouver, Marjorie now lives in Cape Breton. Her memoir, Coastal Lives, about becoming a Maritimer, was published by Pottersfield Press in 2014.
Marjorie Simmins
Memoir; biography; nonfiction; essays; coastal perspectives; horses
Martine Jacquot
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Annapolis Valley
Travel range for in-person visits: throughout NS
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Sept – June. Full and half day visits.
Maximum size of group/class: 30
Areas of expertise: children’s lit, Acadian culture, French-language, Francophone countries and their culture, fiction, non-fiction, young adult, journalism, poetry, writing and publishing industry
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
With little ones, I use a PowerPoint presentation to play a game with them: they feel that they create a story when they are actually learning words and rhymes. With P1-2, I use some of my novels for young readers and we turn the story into a play full of magic as each child is assigned a part based on the story. This way, they memorize some phrases and create their own and feel they are part of an artistic event. With P3-6, I use my novels for young readers to show them what “ingredients” I use to create a story. Depending on the novel they chose, they learn about Mi’kmaq, Acadians or French cultures while having fun.
With grades 10-12, I can talk about Acadian or French cultures, or about the culture of different countries where I spent time. I can also explain how those places inspired me and became part of my stories. This is specially appreciated by teachers who teach them social studies. We can also talk about my novels for older readers, depending on their choice. Since I am also a journalist, I can offer a workshop in journalism. With all age groups, I love spending time to answer questions and explain what it is to work as a writer. I prefer groups of 30 students or less and a computer and/or a projector are useful for showing PowerPoint or pictures.
About the author:
Martine Jacquot has studied and lived in France, England, Switzerland and Canada. Martine writes poetry, novels, short stories, essays, articles, and travel writing in both English and French. Pour plus d’informations cliquez ici.
Martine Jacquot
Children’s literature; Acadian culture; Francophone cultures
Megan Coffin
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person only
Home region: Pictou County
Travel range for in-person visits: 2hr
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Spring
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Children's Stories, Wildlife, Adventure
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Introduction
Interactive Reading: Read from one/both The Adventure of Sneaky the Snake books.
Character Creation: Guide students in creating their own original characters. Discuss character traits, appearances, and backstories. Encourage students to draw and/or write about their characters
or
Storytelling Workshop: Lead a collaborative storytelling session where students work together to create a short story. I can start with a basic plot outline and have students contribute ideas for characters, settings, and conflicts.
Book Cover Design: Have students design their own book covers for one of my books or for a story they’ve created during the workshop.
Q&A Session:
About the author:
Megan Coffin, a proud resident of Nova Scotia, is an accomplished author known for her captivating children’s books. It was after her beloved father’s passing that Megan decided to honor his memory by sharing their favorite stories with their loved ones. Inspired by his handwritten versions of Sneaky the Snake’s adventures, Megan took on the challenge of revising and expanding these tales, completing her highly admired series, “The Adventures of Sneaky the Snake.” These stories take readers on captivating journeys, filled with thrilling twists and heartwarming moments, all set against the backdrop of Megan’s childhood experiences in Nova Scotia.
While Megan’s writing has yet to receive notable awards, her dedication to preserving her father’s legacy and creating charming tales has earned her a growing readership. The illustrations in her books hold a special significance as they are all based on the cherished places she grew up in. Each detail, from her grandmother’s fields and home to the family tractor and the local farm where she and her brothers played, adds an authentic and nostalgic touch to her stories.
As a Nova Scotia resident her whole life, Megan has an inherent understanding of the region’s natural beauty and rich landscapes. She weaves these elements seamlessly into the fabric of her stories, creating a sense of familiarity and fondness for readers of all ages.
Through her engaging storytelling and heartfelt narratives, Megan continues to enchant audiences young and old alike. Her ability to transport readers to a world of imagination, while honoring her father’s legacy, showcases her passion and talent as a writer. Megan’s books remind us all of the power of cherished memories and the importance of preserving our roots for future generations.
Megan Coffin
Children's stories; wildlife; adventure
Melanie Mosher
Preferred grade levels: Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person only
Home region: HRM-Eastern Shore
Travel range for in-person visits: all of Nova Scotia
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: year around, weather permitting
Maximum size of group/class: 30
Areas of expertise: picture books, middle-grade, fiction
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Visits are made up of a reading, a Q & A, and a discussion of the who, what, where, when, and why of writing. See how changing any one of these can create a new story. Imagine if Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web was an elephant. What if Little Red Riding Hood took place during a blizzard?
About the author:
In grade two, Melanie won an essay contest, and has been writing ever since. She lives on the Eastern shore in a tiny green house with a bright orange door. She is the mother of two grown girls, and a grandmother to one.
Melanie Mosher
Picture books; middle-grade; fiction
Michelle Robinson
Picture books; early chapter books; rhyme; humour
Michelle Wamboldt
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: South Shore
Travel range for in-person visits: Prefer to travel within mainland Nova Scotia. Some visits may require overnight accomodation.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Available year round for full or half days.
Maximum size of group/class: Any size.
Areas of expertise: Fiction, Historical Fiction,
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Michelle Wamboldt offers a unique opportunity for students to explore strategies for representing ideas and themes within literature, drawing from her own novel Birth Road, which is set in Truro, Nova Scotia.
Working individually or collaboratively students will read, interpret and analyze passages from Birth Road and engage in discussions to promote an understanding of literary techniques, word choices and the role of research.
Birth Road is on the NS Dept. of Education’s Approved List of Resources for English 12. Having Michelle in the classroom provides students with direct access to a local author who went to high school in Nova Scotia, just as they do. Michelle attended Cobequid Educational Centre, and graduated in 1987.
About the author:
Michelle is a former journalist and communications writer who now focuses on writing fiction.
Her publications include – Birth Road (Nimbus Publishing) an historical fiction novel inspired by her own grandmother’s life in Truro, Nova Scotia as well as short stories which have appeared in The Dalhousie Review and Moose House Publication’s, Blink and You’ll Miss It, Vol II.
Michelle’s lengthy career as a communications specialist with the Government of Canada, her years of conference presentations and her public appearances as an author have honed her writing and public speaking skills.
With a diverse background of work and writing experience, Michelle brings a rich and balanced portfolio to the classroom that encourages students to engage, write, appreciate the written word and dream of possibilities.
Michelle Wamboldt
Fiction; historical fiction; research; public speaking
Mireille Messier
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Annapolis Valley
Travel range for in-person visits: 100 km
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Fall/Winter/Spring, full day only (max 4 50-minute presentations/day)
Maximum size of group/class: Max 3 classes (approx. 75 students) per group
Areas of expertise: FRENCH, fiction, non fiction, poetry, animals, environment, art history, weather, self confidence, resilience, humour,
Curricular skills addressed: Reading, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Grades JK – 1:
(In French or bilingual, 30 min.) Mireille introduces herself and her books. She then introduces the students to the French vocabulary of her book «Une bestiole à l’école» (an insect-themed picture book). This is follwed by a reading of said story in her special giant book and a short book-related activity.
Grades 2 – 4:
(In French or bilingual, 40-50 min.) Mireille introduces herself and her books. She then reads from one of her picture books. If presenting “Ma branche préférée”, Mireille will talk about the real events that inspired the story. If presenting “Fatima et les voleurs de clémentines”, Mireille will explore the story’s vocabulary and, season permitting, a clementine peeling activity will follow. Both presentation offer a Q&A period.
Grades 2 – 6:
(In French or in English, 50 minutes) Mireille introduces herself and her books. She then present her historical picture book “Sergeant Billy”or “No Horses in the House/Pas de chevaux dans la maison”. The reading is followed by a fun, interactive presentation about the true events that inspired her to write these stories. If time permits, the presentation is followed by Q&A period.
About the author:
Mireille Messier is a Montreal-born, Ottawa-raised and now Nova Scotia-based children’s author with a background in theatre and broadcasting. She has published over thirty picture books and chapter books, some in French, some in English. When she is not writing books, Mireille works in children’s television as a scriptwriter. On average, Mireille gives one hundred in-person and virtual school presentations per year to French, French immersion and English groups across Canada to students from JK to grade 6.
Mireille Messier
French-language; fiction; nonfiction; poetry
Nancy Rose
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: HRM (Hubley)
Travel range for in-person visits: Preferably within an hour of HRM, and further if accommodations are provided for schools more than a couple hours away. Virtual is a better option for distances.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: I am retired so all days are generally available but fall and spring are best for travel.
Maximum size of group/class: Any size. Smaller is better so everyone can see the pictures in the books as I read, and can see the miniature props I bring along and ask questions. I have a slide show for large groups.
Areas of expertise: Children's Picture books and illustration using photography and craft miniatures
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
My presentation is paced for the age group I am speaking with. I like to read one or more books to the students after discussing how I went from being a photographer to the author. I bring a big tote box filled with some of the miniature props I have made for my books, which inspire students to think about how they could make their own props and take photos for the stories they write. We discuss fiction and non-fiction and the challenges of writing a story using real photos of ‘wild’ animals, versus drawings. Older students are intrigued with the craft and photography aspects of the process and I talk about the role of the editors and publishers and how a book goes from “backyard to bookstore”. I invite students to “write the next book” about Mr. Peanuts and think about how they would make the props and get the squirrels to participate.
About the author:
Nancy is the author/photographer of 4 picture books in the Secret Life of Squirrels series, and two board books featuring Oakley the Squirrel. She is a retired high school Family Studies teacher and Guidance Counsellor. In 2010 she started making squirrel size props (a barbecue, mailbox, washer and dryer, etc) and dioramas, and she captured photos of backyard squirrels when they explored her sets to find the hidden nuts. Her humorous photos of the squirrels appeared online and in newspapers and magazines world-wide. In 2014 her first children’s book, The Secret Life of Squirrels, was published in Canada, U.S., Japan and South Korea.
For classroom visits, Nancy brings along a big tote box filled with a variety of her homemade props and she talks about the challenges of writing a story that is illustrated with photos of her backyard squirrels as well as the fun of creating her props with found, recycled and dollar store materials. She invites students to think about what the next adventures of her squirrels could be if they were writing the next book.
Nancy is available for live classroom presentations and also for Google Meet/ Zoom sessions, which went over very well in the 2020-2022, and with schools in other provinces.
Nancy Rose
Picture books; photography
Natalie Corbett
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: HRM
Travel range for in-person visits: Up to three hours outside of Halifax (with notice)
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Sept - June; preferably Monday and Friday, but can do Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday with notice
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Fiction, writing from personal experience, Young adult (YA)
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
I love talking to readers and writers of all ages; besides writing, talking about writing is my favourite part of the job. My novels are fiction, based on personal experiences, a process that is important to teach young writers. I am committed to developing a workshop based on the needs and interests of the students attending.
I have given workshops in the public libraries, and in high schools in NS, BC, Sask, and Ont. Workshops provide direct instruction on topics including, Maintaining Point of View, Effective Grammar (yikes on the adverbs!), Outlining and Details, Dialogue, World and Character development. I include writing activites to emphasize and practice important points in those areas that can be accomplished through individual or group work. I strive to provide a supportive, comfortable atmosphere for an interactive workshop experience. I am also happy to talk about my personal publication journey and read from my novel if that is desired by the students and/or teacher.
About the author:
I live in Hatchet Lake with my husband and four school age kids. My day job is a private practicing SLP. I have published four novels, Game Plan, a YA story about teen pgcy and adoption, Aptitude, a YA dystopian story about creativity and individuality, It Should Have Been a #GoodDay, a story about perspective, bullying and high school and Take These Broken Wings, a story about families and growing up. I have two more novels in process, one scheduled to be indie-pubbed in February and the second in the development stage. I keep an active online presence on Facebook, Twitter, Wattpad, and my blog: www.NatalieCorbettSampson.com
Natalie Corbett
Fiction; YA; writing from personal experience
RC Shaw
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax
Travel range for in-person visits: Flexible
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: All
Maximum size of group/class: Any size
Areas of expertise: Non-fiction, travel memoir, travelogue, adventure travel.
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Travel Writing Workshop for Young People
When we think of travel writing, we often conjure up tales of exotic, far-away lands. The reality is that some of the best adventures happen in our own backyards! Why not write them down?
Welcome seasoned English teacher and travel writer, RC Shaw, as he takes your students on an energetic writers’ workshop journey, from note-taking to planning to crafting a unique and personal travelogue. He will share tips and tricks from his own practice, and challenge students to write in a low-stakes series of travel-based prompts. Students will walk away with a fresh perspective on how to capture their own adventures in words.
RC Shaw has taught middle and high school English and science for over 15 years. He has experience crafting activities that meet a diverse array of curriculum outcomes, and he looks forward to tailoring his workshop to meet your students’ needs.
About the author:
RC Shaw is a writer and seasoned English teacher with over 15 years of middle- and high school classroom experience. He holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from King’s University College. In 2023, he delivered a successful, online Travel Memoir class through the King’s MFA program. His most recent book is Captain Solitude: One Surfer’s Search for the World’s Greatest Sailor, published by Goose Lane Editions. He lives in Cow Bay, Nova Scotia, with his partner and two middle school-aged daughters.
RC Shaw
Non-fiction; travel memoir; adventure travel
Sal Sawler
Preferred grade levels: Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: HRM
Travel range for in-person visits: Primarily HRM. Willing to travel to South Shore of Nova Scotia. Can travel elsewhere in Nova Scotia, but only for a multi-day booking (can be shared between schools, as long as they are in the same region
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Fall, Winter, Spring
Maximum size of group/class: 30
Areas of expertise: Environment and Climate, Community Building, Collaboration, STEAM, Non-Fiction, Fiction, YA, Picture Books, Graphic Novels,
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Elementary (Pre-Primary to 2):
Presentations will include a story-time reading of When the Ocean Came to Town, along with a brief discussion about tide pools and other beachy habitats OR helping our communities (teacher’s choice), plus an age-appropriate craft or game.
Elementary (Grades 3-6): Presentations will include a discussion on research methods, fun readings and interactive trivia (with a prize!) and a hands-on activity.
Junior High/Middle School: Presentations will include a discussion on research methods, including the importance of critical thinking, readings, interactive trivia, and a hands-on activity.
About the author:
Sal Sawler is the award-winning author of three non-fiction books: 100 Things You Don’t Know About Nova Scotia; 100 Things You Don’t Know About Atlantic Canada – For Kids; Be Prepared: The Frankie MacDonald Guide to Life, the Weather, and Everything,and one picture book: When the Ocean Came to Town (illustrated by Emma FitzGerald).
Be Prepared was nominated for both Hackmatack and Forest of Reading Awards, and won a Moonbeam Children’s Award. 100 Things You Don’t Know About Atlantic Canada – For Kids was also nominated for a Hackmatack Award.
Sal Sawler
History; picture books; children's fiction; graphic novels; journalism
Sarah Butland
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Pictou County
Travel range for in-person visits: 1 hour
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Half day
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: fiction
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
For younger grades, I typically host an interactive story time focusing around my children’s book Sending You Sammy and it’s message of healthy eating. Dressed as BananaGirl, I delight and inspire children to eat healthier and be more active. Inspired by competing headlines in a provincial newspaper, Sending You Sammy was written to encourage the increase of childhood literacy rates, especially in boys, by being different and fun. The other headline screamed about the high childhood obesity numbers, so BananaBoy was my solution.
I am eager to present to older grades about freelancing and journalism, as well as thinking outside the genre when it comes to writing what you love. I will discuss all the avenues of writing there is, including when to get started and how.
About the author:
I am a successful artist, a wonderful and thriving mother of one, a reacher towards both people and dreams despite all of the turned backs and obstacles in my way. I am a thriving freelance writer and reporter, an author loved by enough readers to make it worthwhile and a discombobulated conundrum who loves to hear new music, tell new tales and meet new authors. And I’m doing something I always dreamed of doing – reviewing books to support others as well as myself and family.
Sarah Butland
Fiction
Sarah Mian
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Queensland, NS
Travel range for in-person visits: Maritimes
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Any/all
Maximum size of group/class: Any
Areas of expertise: Fiction, Screenwriting, speculative fiction, humour writing, family drama
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Reading, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
As a Writer-in-the-Schools, I engage students in the creative process and share the journey of how I achieved my childhood dream to become a published novelist.
I am passionate about inspiring young writers and have developed a variety of creative writing exercises suitable for all grade levels.
I possess a BEd in Secondary School Education and have extensive classroom experience as a substitute teacher. I have given creative writing workshops at the Afterwords Literary Festival, the ‘Writing on Fire’ Teen Writing Experience and have taught adult fiction courses at the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia.
About the author:
Sarah Mian’s debut novel, When the Saints (HarperCollins), is about a dysfunctional family in rural Nova Scotia. It won the Jim Connors Book Award, the Margaret & John Savage First Book Award, and was a finalist for the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. After completing the film adaption, she is currently working on a second novel, a ghost story titled, The World in Awful Sleep.
Sarah Mian
Fiction
Sarah Sweeney
Preferred grade levels: Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: Halifax Regional Municipality, South Shore
Travel range for in-person visits: aprox. 1 hour each way
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: all school year, preferrably full day
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: fiction, non-fiction, newspaper, storytelling, interviewing, fantasy, science, dinosaurs, space, endangered animals
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
I present myself as a storyteller. I show students the first book I wrote when I was around 5 or 6 years old. I compare it to other children’s books and we discuss what the students think about it.
I show them my books, and talk about how many revisions the books have had. If appropriate for the age group, I will read one of the Misfit books, and then ask students which character they liked the most. We will do some discussion about the book and characters and I will invite them to come up with new characters and write their own stories about them, or brain storm other things that the animals can do.
I will also go over what is important to remember when you are writing. In general, I get students excited about getting their thoughts down on paper and creating their own stories.
About the author:
Sarah’s passion is writing and it has been since she was a young child. She has worked as an elementary school teacher for 20 years and knows how to motivate children. She introduces herself as an expert storyteller, because she can tell a story about anything and she loves getting students excited about telling their own stories. She talks to them about how books are put together, and how normal it is to make mistakes and re-write things. Sarah likes to make her presentations relevant to the children’s interests and what they might be doing at school, so she welcomes teachers’ input before hand if there is a topic they’d like extended. Sarah’s visits involve discussions, storytelling and sharing, and sometimes writing or drawing.
Sarah Sweeney
Request author Preferred grade levels: Grades 7-9, Grades P-6 Preferred...
Shelley Thompson
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Kings County
Travel range for in-person visits: Annapolis Valley, Halifax
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: All
Maximum size of group/class: Some presentations are great for a large class, some work best (short film creation from script to screen - with smaller groups.t
Areas of expertise: Screenwriting; Short and feature films; Creating story outlines for novels; Developing a character
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Screenwriting – short and feature length structure
Telling a long story – structure and how to build it.
Telling a short story – impact, structure and learning what’s important.
Creating a character and character history and giving them a distinct voice.
Human rights, queer and trans expression. and rights, international events (processing the news).
Creating short films ‘from dream to screen’.
Writing problems into solutions.
About the author:
Shelley Thompson is a writer/actor/director with a particular interest in screenwriting and novels focusing on women in rural environments: women of all ages, marginalised by virtue of age or sexual/gender expression and/or preference.
Strong areas of interest: Screenwriting, Creating a character and character history and giving them a voice. Human rights, queer and trans expression. and rights, international events (processing the news).
Shelley Thompson
Screenwriting; fiction
Sherry D. Ramsey
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Cape Breton
Travel range for in-person visits: within Cape Breton and Strait Regions, further if accommodations are arranged.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Fall, winter, spring; Full and half days; only Wednesdays for the remainder of 2021, Tuesdays or Thursdays for early 2022
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Fiction, Non-fiction, Creativity, Poetry, Editing and Publishing, Science fiction & Fantasy
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
For grades P-3, Sherry often offers interactive visual presentations on storytelling or how books come into being. This includes a brief storytelling session or reading. For older students, she often offers an interactive session with students where they brainstorm story ideas from student input. Her talks generally revolve around at least one of the following topics: how to build interesting stories and characters; discussion and practice creating vibrant backdrops for stories; discussing the different stages of writing as they apply to students and professional writers. She also often addresses topics that revolve around writing speculative fiction and poetry — definitions of “speculative”, finding ideas, and what makes a strong story within or outside various genres.
For elementary grades Sherry can manage two classes together (if they are not too large); for junior high and high school she prefers no more than one class at a time.
About the author:
Sherry D. Ramsey writes science fiction and fantasy for both adults and young adults, and is one of the founding editors of Cape Breton’s Third Person Press. She has published over thirty short stories nationally and internationally, and her award-winning debut novel, One’s Aspect to the Sun, launched in 2013 from Edmonton’s Tyche Books. The sequels, Dark Beneath the Moon and Beyond the Sentinel Stars (Tyche Books) followed in 2015 and 2017, and a fourth book in the Nearspace series is forthcoming. She has also published the YA fantasy The Seventh Crow (Dreaming Robot Press, 2015), and the middle grade science fiction adventure, Planet Fleep (2018). Some of her short stories are collected in To Unimagined Shores (2011) and The Cache and Other Stories (2017). A collection of stories for young readers, Beacon and Other Stories, came out in 2019. She’s currently adding more titles to her urban fantasy Olympia Investigations series and working on a comic fantasy novel, as well as teaching English courses as a sessional instructor at Cape Breton University.
Sherry has co-edited six anthologies of regional short fiction with Third Person Press and conducted numerous writing workshops in person and online. A member of the Writer’s Federation of Nova Scotia Writer’s Council, Sherry is also a past Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Web Administrator of SF Canada. She is an active participant with Writers In The Schools and loves talking to students about writing and creativity. You can visit Sherry online, read her blog, follow her on Twitter and Instagram @sdramsey, and find some free fiction and sample chapters on her website.
Sherry D. Ramsey
Fiction; nonfiction; poetry; science fiction; fantasy
Steve Vernon
Preferred grade levels: Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person only
Home region: Halifax
Travel range for in-person visits: I am not able to drive, so it either has to been a Halifax bus route, or you will need to arrange a drive for me.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Fall, Winter and Spring
Maximum size of group/class: 35
Areas of expertise: Fiction, storytelling, history and folklore
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
I’ve been collecting, writing, and telling stories for over four decades. I’ve stood at campfires and lecterns from one end of Canada to the other, for audiences ranging from 5 to 5000 eager listeners.
My presentations are low-tech. I need a whiteboard, blackboard, or a flip chart just for a couple of sketches, and enough room at the front of the class to stomp around without trampling small children.
My workshop is basically a cross between stand-up comedy and storytelling. I cover the basics of to write or tell a story, starting with story structure, using vivid description and choosing a voice. I guarantee that a good percentage of your students will leave that room wanting to write.
About the author:
Born in the woods of the North Canadian Shield and living in Nova Scotia for the last 35 years, Steve Vernon learned the story telling tradition from his grandfather. He has read on CBC radio, Breakfast Television, Global Noon and at schools and libraries across Nova Scotia. Steve’s high voltage storytelling production, Word of Mouth, was written under the auspices of the now dissolved Nova Scotia Arts Council and presented two years running at the Halifax Fringe Festival.
Steve is Nova Scotia’s most entertaining writer and collector of ghost stories – and I guarantee that even the most relaxed student is going to sit up and listen when they find out that a writer of ghost stories and horror fiction is in the classroom. Steve’s energetic and down-to-earth approach towards teaching storytelling and writing reaches school kids from grades 2 to 12. They listen and enjoy and ultimately learn from his entertaining presentations.
Steve has written several ghost story collections for regional publisher Nimbus – including the bestselling Halifax Haunts: Exploring the City’s Spookiest Spaces – as well as a very popular novel for young readers Sinking Deeper and a children’s picture book Maritime Monsters. Steve has a brand new ghost story collection coming out in the fall of 2011 entitled The Lunenburg Werewolf And Other Stories of the Supernatural.
Steve Vernon
Fiction; storytelling; history; folklore
Sylvia Gunnery
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: South Shore
Travel range for in-person visits: For virtual WITS visits: throughout NS For non-virtual WITS visits: Throughout NS. When travelling more than 90 minutes each way, it may be necessary for the school to provide overnight accommodation.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Virtual: throughout the year In-person: throughout the year (weather permitting)
Maximum size of group/class: presentations: up to 75 students; writing workshops: up to 25 students
Areas of expertise: Fiction (chapter books for ages 6 to 8, juvenile for ages 9 to 12, teen from ages 12 to 16); picture books (non-fiction guided reading books for primary and grade one); teacher resource books on writing
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Reading, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Sylvia offers presentations/readings as well as writing workshops. The Story Behind the Cover is a PowerPoint presentation adapted for grades P through 12. Students will hear excerpts from her books, find out what inspired her story ideas, and learn some behind-the-scenes details about how a book develops from an idea to a publication. In writing workshops, students will be active writers, creating their own fictional characters and making them walk and talk on the page. High school teachers may be interested in booking a series of writing workshops with a specific group (or groups). Topics for all workshops may be planned with input from teachers to fit with their current curriculum goals.
About the author:
Sylvia Gunnery has published over 25 books for teens and children as well as professional resources for teachers of writing. A recipient of a Prime Minister’s Teaching Award, she has presented at conferences, libraries, and schools across Canada. Sylvia lives at Crescent Beach, on the South Shore of Nova Scotia where she’s working on a series of linked YA stories, what I know about next. https://sylviagunnery.ca
Sylvia Gunnery
Children's fiction; YA fiction; picture books
Tiffany Morris
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: Virtual only
Home region: Nova Scotia
Travel range for in-person visits:
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Any season, half-day
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: Poetry - climate, literary, speculative; Fiction - speculative (sci-fi, horror, fantasy)
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Generative workshop with ekphrastic element (listening to stories, illustrating)
About the author:
Tiffany Morris is an L’nu’skw (Mi’kmaw) writer of speculative poetry and fiction from Nova Scotia. She is the author of the horror novella Green Fuse Burning (Stelliform Press, 2023) and the horror poetry collection Elegies of Rotting Stars (Nictitating Books, 2022). Her work has also appeared in Uncanny Magazine, Nightmare Magazine, and Apex Magazine, among others.
Tiffany Morris
Poetry; fiction; sci-fi; horror; fantasy
Tina Capalbo
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: Dartmouth
Travel range for in-person visits: HRM or anywhere in NS
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: fall, winter, or spring; half-day or full-day
Maximum size of group/class: one class at a time, up to 30 students
Areas of expertise: Fiction, Poetry, Picture Books, Journaling, Memoir Writing, Social Media Marketing
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Pre-Primary to Grade 4:
Interactive Storytelling for elementary kids includes readings of Ari and the Very Loud Bird! which is a funny, rhyming, picture book about Ari, an upbeat, non-binary (character diversity) kiddo who accidentally makes things worse before their problem gets solved. After reading, Tina leads a book chat about characters and themes. Then, students create a songbird of their own (drawing/colouring sheets provided), invent a bird call (added to their songbird art), and join the noisy chorus of birds in a second, lively reading of Ari and the Very Loud Bird!
Grades 10-12:
Creative Writing Workshops at your request could include: Plotting Your Story Arc, Creating a Compelling Character, Bouncy Poetry: Writing in Rhythm and Rhyme, Leaning Into Literary Elements, Dialogue that Rings True, Writing a Personal Monologue, Journal Writing, Blogging, Social Media Marketing
About the author:
Tina Capalbo is a teacher, writer, avid walker, mom, and life-long dabbler in the arts. In addition to lesson plans, blogs, and stories, Tina has written everything from corporate architectural proposals to social media marketing content, volunteer manuals, and educator packs for music and film festivals.
Tina completed Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees at Western and a Master of Arts degree in English at Dalhousie. Over the past thirty years, Tina has taught in Tokyo, Toronto, London, Halifax, and online. She has been a high school English and Drama teacher, online writing teacher, social media marketing consultant, communications coordinator, proposal writer, co-founder and artistic director of a youth theatre company, and mom to her sons.
Tina Capalbo
Fiction; poetry; picture books; journaling
TP (Tom) Wood
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: North Shore
Travel range for in-person visits: 75 km or 1 hour
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: winter, spring, half day
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: fiction, poetry, magical realism; developing a personal writing style and finding the voice within
Curricular skills addressed:
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
1. So, You Want to be a Writer? – This 40 minute interactive session examines how to diffuse the voice that keeps writers from writing. And how to tap into that inner creativity.
2. Creating Memorable Characters – A roadmap to creating memorable people in stories. Examines Hamlet, Forrest Gump and Scrooge.
About the author:
TP Wood graduated from McMaster University with an Honours degree in English and History. He has been an Editor for three weekly newspapers and two corporate publications, has written executive speeches, screenplays and 30 years of private journals. He is an active member of the Canadian Authors Association, The WFNS and The Writers’ Union of Canada. His poetry has been published in the Niagara Poetry Anthology, the Banister and Gravitas, and his debut novel,77° North (Mosaic Press) was released in May 2023.
TP (Tom) Wood
Fiction; poetry; magical realism
Vivian Zhou
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Halifax
Travel range for in-person visits: Maximum 1 hours travel time by car. I'm willing to travel further for additional travel compensation/accommodation.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: Available Fall, Winter, and Spring. Minimum half-day visit.
Maximum size of group/class: Presentations are suitable for any size. Drawing workshops are suitable for max. 30 people at a time due to visibility.
Areas of expertise: Fantasy, slice of life, coming of age, immigration, friendship, adventure, magic. Middle grade graphic novels.
Curricular skills addressed: Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
My graphic novel workshop includes two parts, the first part is a presentation on the behind-the-scenes of making a graphic novel, and the second part is a draw-along demonstration.
For the presentation, I will be going through the inspirations and the process of making a graphic novel, with focus on how everyday life can inspire stories. I will be using sketches and artwork from my own graphic novel in the presentation, and introducing comics as a way of communicating and storytelling.
For the drawing demonstration, I will be showing the class how to draw the main characters from my graphic novels, and encouraging them to follow along the process.
There can be a mini Q&A afterwards if there is interest.
About the author:
Vivian Zhou is a Chinese-Canadian cartoonist and story artist. She is a graduate of Sheridan College’s Bachelor of Animation program. After working on a multitude of animated shows and award-winning short films as storyboard artist and occasionally director, she is now following her dream of making her own comics. Her debut graphic novel duology includes “Atana and the Firebird” (2023, HarperAlley), and “Atana and the Jade Mermaid” (2025, HarperAlley).
Vivian Zhou
Request author Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9 Preferred...
Wanda Baxter
Preferred grade levels: Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person (but can accommodate virtual if necessary)
Home region: Lunenburg County, South Shore, Southwest Nova, Truro - Amherst region
Travel range for in-person visits: I will travel as far South as Shelburne and Liverpool, north to the valley (Caledonia, Digby, Kentville, Wolfville, Middleton, Windsor, etc.). Going east I am willing and interested to do visits in Hubbards, St. Margarets Bay, Chester. In special cases, by request, I may be able to travel further.
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: I am available throughout the school year beginning in November, and am open to half-day visits (I can do full day visits, but not full day workshops).
Maximum size of group/class: any size for general presentation, though one classroom at a time for hands-on workshop is best
Areas of expertise: I write about nature, home and wildlife in vignettes or short pieces of story for children. As both my published works are illustrated (by other people), I can also teach how to write stories with illustration in mind (or storyboarding). This is also a relevant skill for students interested in writing graphic novels. My new book, She is Hope for Wildlife is about rescuing wildlife, and I can talk knowledgeably about Nova Scotia's wildlife, endangered species, how to use INaturalist citizen science app, etc. I have a background in environmental design and planning, so I bring deep environmental awareness and knowledge to my workshops and writing. As I have written She is Hope for Wildlife based on interviews with Hope Swinimer, I can also talk about writing stories about real people, and can engage students in storytelling about their life and people they know. I am absolutely open to designing workshops according to the interest of teachers and their students, as time allows.
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Workshop Option 1: Reading and Question and Answer about
She is Hope for Wildlife: the story of real-life wildlife rescuer Hope Swinimer
Outcomes: listening, critical thinking, wildlife, nature, how to tell real life stories
I adapt my workshops and teaching material to the classes I am invited to, as much as I can, and I am open to preparing specifically for your class and what you are working on. My background includes curriculum development, and I will work to ensure that my workshops fulfill learning outcomes. A lifetime performer with a youthful spirit, I am an energetic, entertaining and attentive presenter. I really enjoy and respect children, and I love hearing and encouraging ideas.
As my new book She is Hope for Wildlife is brand new (October 15, 2024), I am already receiving requests to visit classes to read from the book, and answer questions about writing it, about wildlife rescues, wildlife behaviour, how to write stories based on real people, etc. If you would like to book me to do a presentation about writing about wildlife in Nova Scotia and Hope for Wildlife, and read from She is Hope for Wildlife, please get in touch.
Workshop Option 2: Learning to tell stories about real life and nature, and how to create storyboards
Outcomes: reading, observation, critical thinking, visual presentation, nature awareness, research for writing
I adapt my workshops and teaching material to the classes I am invited to, and I am open to preparing specifically for your class and what you are working on. My background includes curriculum development, and I will work to ensure that my workshops fulfill learning outcomes. A lifetime performer with a youthful spirit, I am an energetic, entertaining and attentive presenter. I really enjoy and respect children, and I love hearing and encouraging ideas.
Workshop approach:
1: Introduction and example
I begin the presentation by showing the class my books (if you want), passing them around and/or reading a bit from them, and telling students a bit about how I came up with the ideas for writing them, and how I wrote the stories with illustration in mind. If your class is especially interested in She is Hope for Wildlife, and telling stories about wildlife and/or animals, I am happy to focus on that.
2. Come up with a story idea
(things to think consider: what makes a good story, why are some stories memorable and you want to tell them to someone? what does a good story need to be? – students provide the answers, not me)
We will spend a few minutes to think about an idea, just a few minutes, and then jot them down. Prompts for thinking about ideas: What story do the students want to tell, what something or someone or animal or event do they know in real life that they want to write about (ie: not Taylor Swift)?
3. Write the bones of the story
Option: we can tell and write a very short story together as a class (younger grades may want to do this), or the students can write a very short story on their own.
3. Learn how to break the story into pieces, or prepare text for a Storyboard:
With a limited amount of time, we may only fill in one or two storyboard sections, but the idea is to learn how to tell stories with visuals in mind. Thinking about why and how to tell a story is the first key piece to writing non-fiction. Deciding how to tell the story in pieces, and think about how and what to draw to illustrate each piece of the story is a fun and different way to think about storytelling. It provides a skill, and is useful for storytelling especially if a learner is more visually-oriented.
4. Storyboard the story – and begin to illustrate if time (likely there won’t be, but if someone is super keen, then can work to their own pace)
encourage writing stories that include drawing and colouring, and/or writing stories with images in mind (i.e. storyboarding). This approach is useful if students want to make their own illustrated stories, and learn how to break down parts of story to go with drawings. We will work from a basic template for storyboarding, and learn first to write a very short story about something they know well, and then how to break it apart into pieces to illustrate.
Learning how to “storyboard” is a basic skill used for laying out/formatting illustrated chapbooks and picture books, graphic novels, music videos, television and film.
Students will finish workshops (ideally, depending on student ability, of course) with knowledge of how to write a story about something they know (home, their neighbourhood or family, animals and nature, a favourite trip, etc.), and break their story into pieces over numerous pages. If time permits, students can also work to illustrate their stories.
Essentially, learners will learn the basics of visual story telling, storyboarding basics, and how to shape stories about real life subjects.
My background is interdisciplinary, so I can cover a range of curriculum links and topics from nature and wildlife awareness to developing writing and storytelling skills (especially based on real life topics).
Workshop Option 3: Writing about Butterflies, Bees and other native species
I have done presentations for children about my first hand knowledge of Monarch Butterfly migration, breeding, and their lifecycle from tiny egg through numerous phases until it emerges from its chrysalis as butterfly. The presentation is based on the Monarch support project I have been working on for the past 6 years on our farmstead, and I am more than willing to guide workshops focussed on learning and writing about butterflies and wildlife. I have first hand knowledge of rescuing wildlife, and providing wild habitat and gardens for ground bees and other native bee species, butterflies, frogs, snakes, birds, etc. A key element of writing about and supporting wildlife is learning about them through observation and research. These things are the basis of my writing and projects, and I shape presentations to encourage curiosity and active observation of nature.
About the author:
Wanda Baxter lives and works on an old farmstead in Lunenburg County with her long-time partner, Randy, their gregarious cat George, and an ever-changing assortment of wildlife. They grow a range of organic vegetables and fruit for their own use, and Wanda has been stewarding Monarch butterflies and numerous species of native ground bees for nearly a decade.
She is the author of If I had an Old House on the East Coast, and She is Hope for Wildlife, the story of real life wildlife rescuer Hope Swinimer and founder of Hope for Wildlife.
Wanda is a lifelong musician and singer, a keen runner and rollerblader, and is both a wildlife and environmental activist.
Wanda Baxter
Short fiction; nonfiction
Wendi Stewart
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades 7-9
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: Annapolis Valley
Travel range for in-person visits: 300 kms
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: all
Maximum size of group/class: any size
Areas of expertise: weekly newspaper column for 13 years (consisting of 800 essays); podcast regarding my Cree heritage "catching frogs"
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Writing development and exercises in general with specifics as to character development, point of view, plot, etc, in workshop format.
About the author:
- professional writer for 17 years
- Meadowlark (a novel) published by NeWest Press in 2015, published by Nagel & Kimche in 2016 translated to German and released in Switzerland
- weekly newspaper column for 14 years – Wendi With An Eye
- judged Atlantic Writing Competition
- writer-in-residence at Berton House Dawson City, Yukon
- grateful recipient of grants from Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and Nova Scotia Arts Council
- created podcast from Canada Council for the Arts, re-examining the history of Canada during the fur trade (catching frogs is available on Spotify, Apple, and google podcasts) from research to find my Cree grandmother (Nahoway) 5 generations back, born at Fort Prince of Wales
- blog -www.wendistewart.wordpress.com
Wendi Stewart
Nonfiction; fiction
Whitney Moran
Preferred grade levels: Grades 10-12, Grades P-6
Preferred visit type: In-person or virtual (no preference)
Home region: HRM
Travel range for in-person visits: Anywhere in NS
Seasonal and/or sessional availability: anytime
Maximum size of group/class: groups of 20–30 max.
Areas of expertise: writing, editing, publishing, storytelling, brainstorming, imagination, community-building, acceptance
Curricular skills addressed: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing, Writing, Representing
Presentation style/workshop ideas:
Whitney is available to lead young students in grades primary–2 in workshop presentations of her debut children’s picture book, I Want to Build a Seahouse. This quirky, rhyming read-loud is a poetic ode to the childhood yearning for freedom, sprinkled with new-sibling jealousy. A heartfelt story of family and independence, and a celebration of imagination and the natural world, it explores the following topics:
- Self-determination and independence
- Friendship, family, and community-building
- Learning to accept change, i.e. a changing family dynamic
- Imagination and play
- Sea life, seafood, and our relationship with the ocean
WORKSHOP PART I (30 minutes)
Whitney will offer an interactive presentation that introduces herself and explains some of the inspiration behind the book, while offering clues and asking questions to get students invested and involved early on.
Afterwards, we’ll have a reading of the book (complete with parrot puppet!) that encourages students to think about the topics covered in the story. Time will be allotted to pass around the puppet (always popular!) and ask questions.
Following this, students will work on an art project.
Each student will be provided with art supplies and a paper handout, a template for drawing their own seahouse. During this time, Whitney will interact one-on-one with students about what they feel are important aspects of their seahouse, allowing each student to respond to the key messages of the book, exploring individual emotional responses to community and family dynamics and their relationship to nature, while showcasing their individual personalities and interests. The key in this activity is exploring creativity and imagination, while also considering independence and our relationship with the natural world (in this case, the ocean).
Students will be encouraged to share their seahouse creations with the class, with Whitney responding and encouraging dialogue between students.
Students will be able to keep their seahouse drawings, and reflect on what the concept of home, and family, means to them.
About the author:
Whitney Moran is the managing editor of Nimbus Publishing and Vagrant Press, Atlantic Canada’s largest independent publishing house. She has over ten years’ experience reviewing, critiquing, and acquiring submissions for publication. She also regularly produces developmental, substantive, line, and copy edits for hundreds of books.
Whitney is also the author of a children’s picture book, I Want to Build A Seahouse, illustrated by Josée Bisaillon (2023), and co-author of the non-fiction book East Coast Crafted (2017).
She has delivered dozens of workshops to writers of all ages and writing abilities, from university-level courses to teen writing camps to daycare play groups. She is personable, enthusiastic, and passionate about championing local stories and writers.
Whitney Moran
Fiction; nonfiction; editing & publishing; storytelling
