Feb 12, 2025 Posted by Simon Rose

Writing Fiction for Children and Youth – University of Calgary

My online course Writing Fiction for Children and Youth will be running online in May and June at the University of Calgary. Writing for children and youth is a rich and vibrant global market. The focus is on writing fiction for readers aged 8 to 12 years. Students examine the writing process from initial concept to finished work including turning ideas into stories, story structure, developing... read more

Feb 9, 2025 Posted by Simon Rose

“This book has everything children and this adult love to read about. I could not put the book down.”

Future Imperfect Andrew Mitchell was one of the leading experts in highly advanced technology in Silicon Valley, until he vanished following a car accident, which also injured his son, Alex. When a mysterious app later appears on Alex’s phone, he and his friend Stephanie embark on a terrifying journey involving secret technology, corporate espionage, kidnapping, and murder in a desperate bid to save... read more

Feb 8, 2025 Posted by Simon Rose

The Importance of Book Covers

I’m honoured to now be a Contributing Editor at Write By The Sea, where you’ll find all sorts of helpful resources for writers with new materials added to the library regularly. The latest post is all about the importance of book covers, which is also an excerpt from my book The Children’s Writer’s Guide. You can learn more about the post here... read more

Feb 7, 2025 Posted by Simon Rose

Behind the Story – Super Sonya vs the Woodpecker

My guest today is Mike Plested, here to tell us about his new picture book for younger readers. What inspired you to write Super Sonya vs the Woodpecker? Two things really. On a level of wanting a children’s picture book, I wanted to create a story that encourages young children to be curious, imaginative, and brave. I wanted to craft a character that young readers could relate to and be inspired by.... read more

Feb 6, 2025 Posted by Simon Rose

Winter Writing Prompts

I’m honoured to now be a Contributing Editor at Write By The Sea, where you’ll find all sorts of helpful resources for writers with new materials added to the library regularly. The latest post is entitled Winter Writing Prompts, which you can learn more about... read more