Jessica Transparent

Fiction for Young Readers

Considered an authority for middle readers and early chapter books, I am fascinated by tree forts, volcanoes,  rockets, monster lobsters and creepy graveyards. I support new writers by delivering tailored presentations at conferences and workshops as well as appearing at literary festivals, library events and schools.
I also offer mentorships and regularly jury national writing competitions. In addition to fiction, I freelance for travel magazines about my family’s sailing adventures aboard our boat, Cape Fear. More information about me can be found in my really short bio or my compilation of interview questions.

My Services

Schools and Library Events

My visits include props, audience participation, writing exercises, short readings and video clips sure to keep students engaged and glued to their seats.

Literary Festivals and Presentations

I support new writers by delivering tailored presentations at literary conferences, teachers’ in-service days and creative writing events.      

Writing Workshops

I offer writing workshops for adults and for children on a variety of topics including cultivating story ideas, character development, and how to write a series.

Judging

I serve as a judge for many national and Atlantic Canadian writing competitions, including the prestigious Governor General's Literary Award.

Mentoring and Editing

Do you seek coaching and feedback on your manuscript for children's fiction? I offer expertise for picture books, chapter books and middle readers.

Freelance Articles

I accept freelance assignments (fiction and non fiction) for children's, travel and sailing magazines.

Selected Books

Recent Appearances

TD Canadian Children’s Book Week

TD Canadian Children’s Book Week

Livres Babar, Quebec

Touring Montreal and surrounding towns, I delivered 11 presentations to over 600 students from grades 3 to 6 in less than five days. I provided tips on how to spot and develop great story ideas, as well as the process of writing from the first draft to publication.

Grande Prairie Children’s Literature Roundtable

Grande Prairie Children’s Literature Roundtable

Grande Prairie, Alberta

In January, I visited 10 Grande Prairie elementary schools, the Grande Prairie Regional College and the Grande Prairie Public Library, and over the course of my one-week tour, I presented to over 2,700 students! Thanks to the Roundtable for organizing this tour as well as the Canada Council for financial support.

MASC Young Authors/Illustrators Conference

MASC Young Authors/Illustrators Conference

Ottawa, Ontario

The MASC Young Authors and Illustrators Conference turned 25 this year and I participated as one of the writing workshop leaders in April! I spoke to 150 students from grades four to eight who had a passion for writing. The conference took place in Ottawa at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum. Learn more by watching this video.

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My clients

Dear Reader

Happy animal

Dear Rateriios, What a lovely collection of personality traits you’ve given to your imaginary animal. I especially like that it can run in a perfect circle. Circles are so hard […]

Child's drawing of a trick bike park

Bike tricks

Hi Ethan, I suppose if you wear all the right protective gear and take some lessons from an expert about how to properly execute some cool bike tricks, you might […]

child's drawing of an empty swiming pool

Poolside

Dear Jahsia, Oh boy would I like to jump in that pool you’ve drawn. It is unbearably hot here in Halifax right now. Even my puppy doesn’t want to go […]

See fan mail

Kind Words

All of the students begged me to read more each day as I read one of Jessica’s novels. Jessica has a way of writing that gets into the minds of young readers.

Springvale Elementary, Halifax Regional Municipality

A lively, interactive presentation highlighting the importance of reading and writing for pleasure. Passionate, personable, and creative, Ms. Kerrin used visuals and humour to engage students meaningfully in learning about the writing process!

 

(A.B.) LaSalle Elementary School, Montreal

Jessica was informative and friendly. Our school is a special needs school, but they remained interested to the very end.

Dr. Oakley School, Calgary

Jessica Scott Kerrin gave a wonderful presentation to our grades 4/5 English classes. Informative and enjoyable, it gave our students a wonderful view of just how an idea can flourish and become a novel.

St. Lawrence School, Montreal

To Date…

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