I’m honoured that the AEP enjoyed the second book in the Max Finder Mystery trilogy as much as it liked the first. The AEP seal of approval means a lot because it more librarians will purchase the book and more kids will get to read Max & Alison’s mysterious adventures.
To celebrate my recent completion of my Bachelor of Education from OISE/UT, I decided to have a little fun and re-open the World of Warcraft account laying dormant on my hard drive. Part of this decision was to kick back and have some well-deserved fun, but it was also to help me with my latest (top-secret) writing project about mmos, avatars and all that online fun stuff. When I rolled up my toon, I thought I would be a warrior, rogue, or shaman. I never thought I’d become a scientist. But that is exactly what happened.
I’m running out the door to sign at Book Expo, but I have to put up this assortment of voices denouncing Bill C-61, the new copyright law proposed by the Conservatives earlier this week. Overall, I agree that it’s bad for Canadians and fantastic for Hollywood and the American record labels. Jesse Hirsh appeared on CBC radio and explains why it’s bad in the video below:
Michael Geist has a barrel full of reasons why it’s bad and what you can do about it.
Digital Copyright Canada is on top of the recent developments and Appropriation Art has even put together 51st State, a comic book explaining the real reasons why the minority Conservative government is so eager to ram this bill through Parliament just weeks before it breaks for summer. The pdf comic is fully linked with sources that will debunk the myths about Canadian copyright that the right are using to frame this issue (like how Canada has weak copyright laws, even though Canada is ranked in the top 10 for the best Intellectual Property laws.)
But mostly, the thing that stinks about this bill is the way it’s being introduced: right at the end of this year’s session and with no consultation with ordinary Canadians.
If you own an ipod, surf the web or plan on accessing culture (ie watching movies) in the future. This bill concerns you.
Okay, not the entire weekend. But Book Expo Canada is here and I’ll be out tonight at the CCBC Children’s Gala, (which I’ve stated before, is neither for children or a gala, but is always fun) schmoozing with fellow writers and editors who I normally only email with.
Last night, I got my beta invitation to Kingsisle Entertainment’s new mmo for kids: Wizard 101 and although I’m still a mere Novice Conjurer who hasn’t explored much beyond Unicorn Way, I am impressed with the game so far.
Speaking at the National Conference on Media Reform, Bill Moyers outlines the dismal landscape that is mainstream media today, while encouraging all viewers, listeners and readers to demand that the media tells “what we need to know.”
I’ve been quiet around here, but that’s because I have been busy, busy, busy. First off, I’m finally finished my Bachelor of Education course at OISE/UT and will be graduating on June 20th! This means that in addition to being a kids author, I’m going to be a teacher too! Most authors do it the other way around – become a teacher then an author, but I’ve never really done things the way I’m supposed to (just ask my mom!)
While I’ve been finishing up my studies, I’ve also had a sneak peak at the colour pages of Ramp Rats, the next book in the Graphic Guide Adventures series. The pages look great and once again Michael Deas has turned my words into totally amazing illustrations that’ll have kids reading all night long. Hopefully I’ll be able to post some images from the book very soon.
“With summer jobs in short supply, more young people are pursuing money-making opportunities in Web fantasy worlds.” Another reason why teaching 21st century skills to teens is so important.
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Award-winning children's author and educator specializing in creating curriculum relevant media for young minds.
Visit the books & graphic novels page to see everything I've written.
Not only was yesterday Canada Day, but it was also the day I learned that Max Finder Mystery Collected Casebook Vol. 2 won a 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Educational Publishers in the United States.
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