My Services
Schools and Library Events
Literary Festivals and Presentations
Writing Workshops
Judging
Mentoring and Editing
Freelance Articles
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
My class was enthralled with Jessica’s presentation and keenly interested in what writers do and how they do it.
LeMarchant St. Thomas Elementary
Jessica was informative and friendly. Our school is a special needs school, but they remained interested to the very end.
Dr. Oakley School
Jessica writes with unusual perception about the emotional lives of young people.
Booklist
Recent Appearances
Character and Setting Research for New Manuscript
Reykjavik, IcelandI spent two weeks in Iceland undertaking research for my latest novel. Central to my new story is the late Canadian/Icelandic poet, Stephan G. Stephansson. One of my stops was to visit his monument, located on the northern coast of Iceland where he grew up. Stephansson later emigrated to Southern Alberta. His homestead has been designated as a historic site, and I spent a summer there during my undergraduate degree as an interpreter.
Grande Prairie Children’s Literature Roundtable
Grande Prairie, AlbertaIn 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
Ottawa, OntarioThe 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.
My clients
Dear Reader
Dear Aidan, I did like visiting your school. I had a great time. It was very nice to be invited. You’ve included some unusual details in your forest scene. Let’s […]
How I feel when I am cold
Dear Jackson, Thank you for writing to me. I do hope you are able to save enough money for the game you want to buy, and I’m so glad you […]
Lost in the woods
Dear Hannah, I so enjoyed your story idea and the scene of the woods near your home: the squirrel in the tree, the tire swing, the brook winding its way […]