I Value Canadian Stories: The Podcast

Canadian author, Norma Charles, has 21 books to her name, including Runner, Last Chance Island and Run, Maro, Run. Her latest is Tree Muskateers and its that book that grounds our conversation into Norma's writing life, tips for young writers and a special reading. Find out more about Norma Charles at https://normacharles.ca

Debbie Ridpath Ohi is an author and an illustrator who, among others, has worked with Judy Blume and Michael Ian Black. Debbie's vibrant and generous personality shine forth in what she offers the public, and in what she offers in this conversation. Find out about what Debbie is working on now by visiting her website: https://debbieohi.com

Kevin Sylvester is a Canadian author, illustrator and broadcaster. In this conversation, we set out to explore all three. We'll allow you to be the judge of how well we did or how far we got. A delightful discussion of live radio, treehouses, Kevin's work and the value of Canadian stories.You can find out more about Kevin by visiting his website: https://www.kevinsylvester.online/

Arthur Slade was born in Moose Jaw and raised on a ranch in Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan. With two miles between neighbours and even more into the nearest town, Arthur talks about how the vast space he was afforded impacted his imagination an his writing.In this conversation, we also talk about his fascination with fantasy and science fiction, his take on Canadian stories—even as a fantasy writer, and his love of writing on treadmill desk!Visit Arthur's website at arthurslade.com

So, are you one of those readers that likes to be frightened or even scared out of you boots? Whether it's sitting around a campfire at night or hiding under the covers with a flashlight at night, Canadian author Joel A. Sutherland is the writer for you. Joel is best known for the Haunted Canada series of non-fiction ghost stories, as well as Haunted, a series of fictional accounts of horror and suspense set across Canada.Find out more about Joel A. Sutherland by visiting his website: https://www.joelasutherland.com/

Award-winning Canadian author, Kenneth Oppel joins us today to speak about his current work, his life as a writer and his perspective on the importance of Canadian stories. Kenneth Oppel is the author of The Airborn Trilogy, The Silverwing Series and, most recently, the Bloom Trilogy. You can find out all about Kenneth at https://kennethoppel.ca

Today on the podcast, I'm happy to welcome highly acclaimed writer, story lover and story teller S. K. Ali. Many listeners will know Sajidah for “Saints and Misfits", but we were thrilled to find out that, pandemic lock downs notwithstanding, her newest partnership, Once Upon An EID, stories of joy and hope by 15 muslim voices, is now available for purchase. As you'll hear in the conversation that follows, Sajidah and I ventured into some fairly new territory that may have taken us both a little by surprise. It's an important conversation about who gets to tell the story—today on I Value Canadian Stories.Find out more about S. K. Ali by visiting her website at https://skalireads.com

Tim Wynne-Jones writes a lot, and does so across a number of categories: picture books, novels for children, young adults and adults. He's written for CBC's Fraggle Rock and has even penned a children's musical and the libretto for an opera. But as you'll hear in this delightful conversation, Tim also loves to talk about writing and is very generous with advice, reflections and insight.Stick around to the end and you'll hear Tim read from his soon-to-be-released book, "War at the Snow White Motel and Other Stories" published by Groundwood Books (House of Anansi Press)

Tom Ryan is a highly acclaimed author for young readers. Three of his young adult novels, Way to Go, Tag Along, and Keep This to Yourself, were chosen for the ALA Rainbow List, in 2013, 2014 and 2020. In this conversation, we talk about the transition to mystery writing, Tom's tendency toward being a plotter and some of his writing habits and sources of personal motivation. You can read more about Tom's work at http://www.tomryanauthor.com/

Darren Groth is an award-winning YA author, born in Australia and currently living in Vancouver. His novels include include ‘Kindling' and the acclaimed YA works, ‘Are You Seeing Me?' and ‘Munro vs. the Coyote'.In this conversation, we discuss the issue of perspective in disability literature, Darren's writing practice and the value of Canadian stories from the point of view of an Australian-Canadian.

Jennifer Dance is an award-winning author and playwright whose passion for and commitment to social justice and equity is inscribed into her work. The three books of her White Feather Collection - RED WOLF, PAINT and HAWK address the issue of racism, both past and present, against Indigenous people in North America. These novels are fiction, but they present the truth in a way that creates compassion and understanding, joining the dots between the colonial policies of the past and the rift of mistrust that still exists. They open the door to reconciliation. The three books of her White Feather Collection - RED WOLF, PAINT and HAWK address the issue of racism, both past and present, against Indigenous people in North America. In this conversation, we are joined by co-host Luke Hurley and talk to Jennifer about Hawk, a book that he is currently enjoying.Find out more about Jennifer's work at jenniferdance.ca

Hannah Mary McKinnon was born in the UK, raised in Switzerland and now resides in Ontario. She is an adult fiction novelist and writer of short stories, with her latest book, Sister Dear, due out at the end of May 2020. Learn more about Hannah Mary McKinnon's work by visiting her website: https://hannahmarymckinnon.com/

Lee Kvern is an award-winning author of short stories and novels. In this conversation, we talk about the unique structure of the short story, Lee's habits as a writer and some reflections on the importance of Canadian stories.You can follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeKvern

Canadian author, Heather Smith lives in Waterloo, Ontario but a special part of her still lives in Newfoundland. We talk about the impact of Newfoundland hospitality on her world-view, the question of trigger warnings and the value of Canadian stories. A delightfully poignant conversation!

Paul Covello is an author, illustrator and designer best known for his collection of board books dedicated to things Canadian: "I Am a Beaver", "I Am a Polar Bear" and "Canada ABC". In this conversation, we discuss his writing, his illustration work and how all of that comes together in some of the best-loved books for younger children.Visit Paul's website at https://paulcovello.com

Canadian children and teen author, Robin Stevenson has over 25 books to her name, including Pride Colours, Ghost's Journey - A Refugee Story and Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle. In this conversation, we talk about Robin's diverse body of writing, the development and impact of books that include LGBTQIA+ characters, as well as some writing tips for young authors.Learn more about Robin's work at https://robinstevenson.com/

Shane Peacock is an author, playwright, journalist, and screenwriter. His writing takes us into unfamiliar worlds, stories and even parts of ourselves that we didn't know about. In this conversation we talk about Shane's approach to writing, some of his creative habits and his take on Canadian storiesFind out more about Shane Peacock at https://shanepeacock.ca

Lana Button is a children's author and an early childhood educator. This powerful combination of perspective allows her to notice and shine a light on the things in the life of a child that may seem small to big people, but so big to small people! A heart-warming approach to writing, education and the life of children. Learn more about Lana at http://lanabutton.com

Today on the podcast, we head to Victoria, British Columbia to meet up with award-winning chlidren's author, Monique Gray Smith. Monique's titles include Lilly, a Story of Hope and Resilience ( Burt Award for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Literature, 2014], My Heart Fills With Happiness, ( Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize, 2017) and Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation Finalist for the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, 2018)A beautiful conversation about our important connections to the land and to the stories.

Susin Nielsen is an award-winning YA author who began her writing life on the set of Degrassi Junior High. Although she still finds herself writing for the world of TV, she has become a favourite of the adolescents and young adults with books like, Word Nerd, Dear George Clooney: Please Marry My Mom, We Are All Made of Molecules, and No Fixed Address. A lively and grounded conversation with a prolific and grounded author. Find out more about Susin at https://susinnielsen.com/

Today on the podcast, its Quebec-based teacher, journalist and author, Monique Polak. Mnique is the author of 25 books and you won't need to listen long to understand how that has happened. She's got energy, she's got imagination and she is here to share both with us today. Oh, and if you stick around to the end, you'll hear her read from her newest Princess Angelica book.FInd out more about Monique's work by visiting her website: http://www.moniquepolak.com/

If your children have ever complained about a cow in their bed, or a goldfish in their shoe, chances are they know the work of today's guest, Valerie Sherrard. Valerie has written a number of award-winning books for young readers, including Tumbleweed Skies, Out of the Ashes, Kate, Sam's Light, and The Glory Wind. Join us in this kitchen table conversation with New Brunswick's Valerie Sherrard. Follow Valerie on Twitter: @valeriesherrard

Canadian author, Ishta Mercurio, has been an an environmental activist, a barista, a behavior therapist, an actor, and an author. We talk about how some of those roles come together and how that experience has impacted her writing and her view of the world.Visit Ishta's website at https://ishtamercurio.comFollow Ishta on Twitter: @ishtawrites

Today we head to Toronto to visit with Melanie Florence, a YA author who is, herself, steeped in both Cree and Scottish heritage. In much of her work, Melanie that has shone a light into some of the shadow side of indigenous stories, drawing attention to aspects of those stories that we still need to hear. At the same time, however, Melanie looks ahead to a times when indigenous characters are portrayed as regular people doing regular things We talk about that vision and much more on this episode of I Value Canadian Stories. Find out more about Melanie's work at https://melanieflorence.com

Today on the podcast, it's Canadian author (by way of New Zealand) Nicola Winstanley. Nicola's belief in the comforting power of story has led to among other books The Pirate's Bed, A Bedtime Yarn and my favourite, How To Give Your Cat A Bath, Nicola lives in Southern , Ontario, with her family and one dog. No cats. Or is that fake news? Hmmm.Find out more about Nicola's work by following her on Twitter: @NicWinstanley

A delightful interview with dreamer, dabbler and determined author, Jennifer Maruno. Listen as Jennifer talks about her path into writing, some tips for young authors, the importance of Canadian stories and even a reading from her newest book, Until Niagara Falls.Learn more about Jennifer's work at http://jennifermaruno.com

if you visit the twitter profile of today's guest you'll notice the flags of 3 countries Australia, Indonesia and Canada. Michelle Kadarusman has lived in all three countries and we'll explore a little of what that means in her life and in her writing. Michelle Kadarusman is an award winning author of fiction for children and Young adults and her newest novel, MUSIC FOR TIGERS is due to be released at the end of April 2020

Today on the podcast, Canadian science writer and storyteller, Lindsey Carmichael. This conversation was broadcast live on the day that Lindsey's newest book, The Boreal Forest, was released. We talk about non-fiction narratives, science writing for young people and, of course, the new book!Find out more about Lindsey's work at https://lecarmichael.ca

Today on the podcast, Manitoba-based author David A. Robertson. We talk about the perspective that his Indigenous Cree heritage affords him, his discovery of that heritage and his take on a Canadian narrative. Some great tips for young writers and an excerpt from his first novel, The Evolution of Alice.

On the podcast today, it's YA author and Canadian War Artist, Sharon McKay. Sharon's draws many of her stories from places of war and conflict and, by using history as a character instead of a backdrop, she is able to bring her reader into that history in a vibrant and compelling way. In this conversation, we talk about character development, the question of Canadian stories and we'll even get a chance to hear an excerpt from Sharon's soon--to-released novel, "Yara's Spring".

Today on I Value Canadian stories, its award-winning author, Sylvia McNicoll. Not only has Sylvia enjoyed a long and illustrious career as a much-loved writer for children and young adults, but she continues to act as a mentor for aspiring writers and a strong advocate for Canadian books, their creators and publishers. Also on today's podcast, Liam Hurley, a budding writer himself, and an admirer of Sylvia's writing. Liam joins me in the studio today as we welcome Sylvia McNicoll to the podcast.Learn more about Sylvia at https://sylviamcnicoll.com

Jacqueline writes for a variety of young readers but as you'll hear in this conversation, she is passionate about bringing a sense of story to Canada's history in a way that draws on her Metis heritage and her dogged commitment to continuing weaving a uniquely Canadian story for a new generation of Canadians. Today on I Value Canadian Stories, our conversation with Jaqueline Guest .Learn more about Jacqueline's work at https://jacquelineguest.com

Vancouver-based author Mahtab Narsimhan is an IT professional by day and a writer...well...by early day, Mahtab has a fascinating origin story about her entry onto Canada's writing landscape and brings us some great tips about writing, reading and the connection between the two. And if you stick around for the entire conversation, you'll hear Mahtab read from the first chapter of Genie Meanie, a book due out in the fall of 2020!

Award-winning Canadian author, Natasha Deen brings a unique combination of mystery, action and even creepy to her stories for children and young adults. As you'll hear in our conversation, Natasha's firm belief that stories can change the world is not only an aspiration belief but part of her own poignant and personal story of growing up.You can learn more about Natasha at natashadeen.com

Marty Chan has been working as an Award-winning author, playwright, and, self-identified professional liar and 1988.  His ability to bring, humour, wit and adventure to the page, and the stage, has made him a favourite with students, teachers and librarians across th country and around the world. Alanna King, no stranger to voicEd Radio. Currently an English teacher at Ontario's Centre Wellington District High School, Alanna has a heart for literature of all types, but especially writing that captures the hearts and imaginations of young people. We're happy to bring the energy of both Marty and Alanna together in this special conversation.

Canadian author, screenwriter and actor, Anita Daher, is joined by Manitoba-based educator Tanya Polasek in this vibrant conversation about the connective power of reading and writing. It's Day 2 of our 15-day journey with some of Canada's most prolific children and young adult writers.

Eric Walters is, arguably, one of the most prolific Canadian Middle School/YA authors. From "90 Days of Different" to his current project, "Crime Writer", Eric has delighted young readers all over the world for many years. In this conversation, Lisa Noble and Luke Hurley join Stephen Hurley to explore Eric's sources of inspiration, his writing routines and advice for young authors. And if you listen to the end, you'll be one of the first to hear an excerpt from his still-being-written book, "Crime Writers".