Authors’ Booking Service is pleased to announce that author Lesley Anne Cowan is now scheduling visits in the Greater Toronto Area. 
 
Lesley would be delighted to visit to your school or library. Her rate is $250 per session, or $450 for a full morning. Plus travel costs.

Lesley’s writing has been described as “bold-faced”, “unflinching”, “gritty” and “emotional”. Her novels, As She Grows and Something Wicked are the first two instalments in a hard-edged series about the challenges facing urban youth.

 

Published Works

Something Wicked, Penguin Books, 2010

As She Grows, Penguin Books, 2009 (published as YA fiction)

As She Grows, Penguin Books, 2003 (published as adult literary fiction)

 

Awards and Nominations

Nominated White Pine 2012. Something Wicked

Short-list for Chapters/ Robertson Davies First Novel Contest, 2001. As She Grows

3^rd place prize Canadian Author’s Association / Niagara Short Fiction Contest, 2001. Short story: “Immaculate Conception”

Placed within top 40 in Writer’s Union of Canada contest, 1995. Short story: “Hair”

PRESENTATION 1:  GUEST AUTHOR VISIT

Age range: grades 9 - 12 

Max number: Any number

Program: (60 minutes include Q&A)

I work well with older teens, grades 9-12. The more reluctant or apathetic readers – the better! I am also a teacher of behaviour youth and have solid experience in communicating with a broad range of teens. I am comfortable engaging dis-engaged youth. There is no topic in young adult fiction that I can’t discuss – my novels explore many controversial issues challenging young people today. Teens tend to enjoy my frank approach.

I prefer to send an email to the teacher/ host with a list of possible topics students would enjoy hearing about. The teacher would share this list with his/her students who then choose their preferences. The list of topics relate to both of my novels, as well as general writing life / author questions. Catering the talk to student interests seems to work best in this age group.

Possible topics include my life as a writer (process & journey), the editing/ publishing process, publicity, book cover developments (including samples), and inspirational advice to teens who want to make their ‘hobbies’ into ‘careers’.

Other topics can include provoking questions that challenge myself as a writer. Things such as: What is the difference between young adult fiction and adult fiction? Should there be a difference? How honest should an author be in portraying the hardships of a teen? Should we censor the experiences in order to ‘protect’ the vulnerable reader? Is swearing and vulgar language in young adult fiction okay?

Of course, I am happy to discuss As She Grows or Something Wicked, if students had read the novels and have questions.

PRESENTATION 2:  GUEST AUTHOR VISIT & WRITING WORKSHOP

Age range: grades 9 - 12 

Max number: Up to 60

Program: (60 minutes include Q&A)

The first part of the talk covers the topics mentioned in PRESENTATION #1. The second hour will be a hands-on writing workshop providing a variety of short writing activities that are grade appropriate. Again, teacher input would be welcomed in terms of what students are struggling with in their own creative works. Topics can range from metaphor, simile, imagery, voice, theme, authentic characters, etc.