Kudos to Nadja, Jennifer, and Evangelene!

If you’ve had a story (or a book!) published, if you’ve won or placed in a writing contest, if you’ve gotten yourself an agent, or if you have any other news, send me an email so I can share your success. As writers, we’re all in this together, and your good news gives us all a boost. 

Also, be sure to let know if you're looking for a writers' group or beta readers; a notice in Quick Brown Fox, will help you find them. 

Email me at: brianhenry@sympatico.ca

Hi, Brian.

I'm delighted to share with you the cover art for my upcoming board book, When Stars Arise,  illustrated by Martyna Czub and published by Orca Books. 

Although this title releases on April 11th 2023, its story stretches back to April, 2021 when I attended one of your workshops. As it was my first time EVER attending a creative writing event, I was nervous. So nervous that I didn't realize you're based in Toronto. Didn't realize the difference in time zones in the meeting link. When I finally clued in, I was already more than an hour late. For a shameful moment, I considered skipping the workshop altogether, but I pushed past my awkward shyness and logged on to Zoom.

Luckily, I hadn't missed the scheduled talk with editor Liz Kemp from Orca. I learned a lot, but everybody was talking about picture books. I had no experience writing them. All I had written and submitted were board books. They seemed too humble. Too small. Too insignificant. Nobody had asked about them, so I had to know: what about board books? Were they just as worthy as picture books? Could I submit one? Liz Kemp said absolutely, and if it wasn't a fun, silly manuscript, then perhaps a lullaby....

When Stars Arise is a gentle lullaby to rival the age-old classic, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. 

As the river gently flows along, the world grows dark and restful. All tucks in, ready for sleep. But before the closing of your eyes, before the yawns, and then the sighs, wait to see the stars arise. 

Thanks again, Brian! 

Evangelene 

E.G. Alaraj

Our next online Writing for Children and for Young Adults workshop is Sunday, March 5 with Rachel Orr, a literary agent with Prospect Literary Agency. Details here.  

And don't miss our upcoming Online Writing  Kid Lit weekly course, with two children' authors as guest speakers, Sunday afternoons, April 2 – May 28, 2023. Details here.

For information about submitting to Orca Books, see here. 

 

Hi, Brian.

I am writing to let you know that my latest article, “A Taste of Superior: the East Shore” that was published in the December 2022 issue of Canadian Yachting magazine is now available online here.

I’ve had two other articles published by Canadian Yachting: one in April 2021, “A Bucket List Cruise to the North Channel”  here, and another in the June 2022 edition, “West Side Story” here.

As I’ve mentioned to your students when I do a guest appearance in your memoir classes, magazine articles pay much better than book royalties (at least until Reese Witherspoon comes to her senses and endorses Green Ghost, Blue Ocean). 

I have another article for CY on the topic of a new engine installation in the works and they have also asked me to write up our experience with painting the hull last summer. 

We’re hoping to cruise to Chicago this summer and I plan to write up something on sailing in Lake Michigan. The thrill of seeing your name in print as author never gets old.

All the best,

Jennifer

Jennifer M. Smith

Author of Green Ghost, Blue Ocean
Winner of the 2019 Pottersfield Prize for Creative Nonfiction

www.jennifermsmith.com

Enjoy a short author’s reading here.

Read reviews of the book here and here.

Note: Our next online Writing Personal Stories, weekly course runs Tuesday afternoons, April 11 –  May 30, 2023. Details here.

Hi, Brian.

Happy, healthy and peaceful New Year to you and to your loved ones!

I am delighted to start off this year with my newest essay published in The Boston Globe (online and in print.)

As always, feel free to share.

Nadja Halibegovich

See Brian Henry’s upcoming weekly writing classes, one-day workshops, and weekend retreats here.