Wildlife Rescue Series!

Diane Haynes

Originally uploaded by Jane Ray’s Wildlife Rescue Series

The CWILL Writing for Children panel happens tonight, Monday February 18, at the Vancouver Public Library from 7-9 pm. Be there … I will!

CWILL stands for the Children’s Writers and Illustrators of BC, and a panel of us will be speaking to an audience of about 100 people (one of them could be you!) about how we got started as authors and illustrators, how our careers progressed, what quirky little ins and outs helped us and might help you. There will be time for questions and to speak with individual authors and illustrators afterward.

That’s the Vancouver Public Library, downtown branch, from 7pm to 9pm, likely downstairs (but watch for signs).

** The VPL will also be announcing a new teen book program!

Hope to see you there!

Yesterday, I visited the BC SPCA Kids’ Camp at Maywood Elementary School in Burnaby. What a warm welcome — thank you! I told the kids — about 15 in all — a few things about myself as an author, read some passages from my books, and led the group in a medicine animal journey which, despite the surprise cell phone interruption, proved very fruitful for everyone. The kids told stories about animals they’d seen or heard about, and asked some excellent questions about caring for or rescuing wild animals in trouble.

Every summer, the BC SPCA holds week-long camps in various regions and neighbourhoods, from June through August. Kids learn about responsible pet care, wildlife, farm animals, animal welfare issues and the environment. And for about an hour each day, campers spend time with companion animals!

If you’re interested in checking out the camps, or know someone who might be, click on the link above — maybe I’ll see you there!

An inspired angel named Joy Gugeler created a summer camp for kids and teens who love to read and write. Magic or what? The week-long camp (full-time hours, mind you! this isn’t for wimps!) features keynote author-speakers, author-presenters and workshop facilitators, time to read, time to write, professional critiques of your work, and publication of your best stuff in an anthology. To top it off, the week ends with a huge gala event that includes one last special author presentation, pizza dinner, and then a chance to read your own words to a riveted audience. All MC’d by yet another author/literary expert.

Now THIS is a camp I would have liked to attend, back in the day.

Lucky for me, I’ve been invited to present at this year’s camp!

I’ll be doing a special presentation, late Friday afternoon, July 13th, at the Vancouver Public Library, for the 100 or so campers, just before the start of the big gala evening. It promises to feature costume, drama, music and maybe even a little magic! One of many great reasons to sign up!

CWILL’s James McCann (Pyre) will be leading workshops, and The Vancouver Sun’s Amy O’Brien will, too. It’s never too early to network! Here’s a list of the keynote speakers for this year:

1. Dennis Foon - Longlight Legacy Trilogy
2. Julie Burtinshaw - The Freedom of Jenny
3. Theresa Lalonde - CBC News reporter
4. Mary Schendlinger - Prepare to be Amazed
5. Carrie Mac - The Beckoners

There are groups for 11-13 year olds, as well as for 14+, and if the $185 camp fee looks a little steep, there are even scholarships available.

CLICK HERE for more information about how to get involved, either as a camper or as a volunteer!

If you’re not from around Vancouver, don’t despair - Joy has “franchised” the Book Camp idea and there are other camps around the country, with local authors as the presenters and workshop leaders.

If you’re interested in setting up a camp in your community, click on the link above and contact the camp director for more information.

Hope to see you on the 9th!

I was housesitting for J&S in Toronto when Craig Rintoul of BookBits came by to interview me about Crow Medicine. I shovelled snow for the first time in my life that week … and the second, third, fourth and fifth times as well. Anyway, the front walk was clear when Craig arrived.

I’d expected him to show up slinging bags of big, black, bulky audio recording equipment, child of the ’70s that I am. Instead, he pulled out what looked like an MP3 player and said, “Okay, ready?”

I have to thank Craig again for doing such a careful and compassionate read of the book, and for making the interview experience (always a bit nerve-wracking for me) so much fun.

No animals were harmed in the recording of this interview, although apparent evidence to the contrary may be heard near the top of the clip. That’s just Jiggy and Pixel, two wily grey tabbies and the house’s real owners, announcing their presence to their adoring public (you).

Enjoy!

Craig Rintoul of BookBits interviews Diane Haynes in Toronto about her latest book, Crow Medicine. Click here to hear their conversation!