Blog | Liam O'Donnell

Canada fails on adult literacy

by liam | May 25, 2006 | literacy

Probably the biggest focus of my writing is creating stories that encourage reluctant readers to get hooked on books. This is usually done with high interest/low vocabulary books or more recently graphic novels, like my first book System Shock or my upcoming title...

Real World of Pirates

by liam | May 18, 2006 | writing news

Real World of Pirates book covers One of the best things about writing a book (besides the worldwide celebrity it brings) is seeing the artwork and covers for the first time. When youre writing a book or an article or anything really, you only see it as a plain old...

Way to go Mel!

by liam | May 15, 2006 | life

Yesterday may have been Mothers Day, but around here it was Mississauga Marathon Day. I had the pleasure of watching Melanie achieve a very big goal in her life: running a full half marathon. For those non-running lard-butts, like me, thats 21 km. Running. Non-stop....

Standing Room Only at Holy Family Literacy Night

by liam | May 12, 2006 | appearances, writing news

All I can say about my recent visit to Holy Family is: Wow! What a turn out. Several hundred people packed themselves into the schools gym to celebrate their Family Literacy Night and by all accounts the evening was a success. Unfortunately, I didnt bring my camera...

Heading to Holy Family

by liam | May 10, 2006 | appearances, writing news

Tonight, Ill be on the road again, but this time my journey wont be too far. The good folks at a local school, Holy Family Catholic School, have invited me to their Literacy Night festivities, and Im really looking forward to it. This time, itll be a bit...

Top tips for teen writers

by liam | May 8, 2006 | writing news

As Ive mentioned earlier, one of my favourite parts of a school visit is the Q&A session with students. In addition to being asked about pinball machines in my office, Im often asked to give advice to young writers. My answer involves the usual tips: write...

Free comics for all!

by liam | May 5, 2006 | comics

Its that time of year again: Free Comic Book Day is tomorrow! From Conan to the Transformers, with Donald Duck and Bart Simpson sandwiched in between, there are plenty of great comics to choose from. I always enjoy FCBD because its another step toward opening up the...

Talking comics at C.E. Broughton

by liam | May 4, 2006 | appearances, writing news

Yesterday, I hit the road once again and headed to C.E. Broughton Public School in Whitby, to talk comics as part of their Authors Night. Also appearing on the night was Heather Whaley, who entertainined the younger kids with her stories and songs. In the run up to...