"Sharing Enthusiasm"

Author Judith Graves

We love seeing things about our authors in print. Especially when it's a rave review. This one was published in The Southern Gazette on January 18, 2011. The author, Leonard Quilty, who is also a teacher, attended Judith Graves' library talk in Okotoks, Alberta, last weekend. Here's some of what he had to say:

"Ms. Graves gave a very interesting talk about writing in general, and what it takes to be a published author. Other than the useful information she shared, what impressed me the most about this young author was the unabashed gleam in her eyes as she was talking about the joys of reading and writing.

"It was obvious to me she had found her niche in life – her magnificent obsession. What a blessing it is to get to that point in your life when you’ve latched onto something so powerful it literally resonates in your being, so much so you just want to share it with others hoping your enthusiasm will inspire them to go out and do the same."

It's wonderful to know that our Leap authors radiate joy. And thanks to Mr. Quilty for brightening our day too.

What Are They Reading for Fun??

According to librarian Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada, in the January issue of  School Library Journal, readers at her library are eagerly awaiting the sequel to Judith Graves' Second Skin. We're not surprised. We can't wait for it to come out either.

BTW, Isn't the library's mascot, Boris the Book Hog, cute??

And if you're wondering what the Second Skin cover will look like... here it is. Be prepared to be scared.

Meet Author Judith Graves

There are several upcoming events where you can meet Judith Graves, author of Under My Skin and Second Skin:

2011 Events

January 17th: Author Visit. Dr. Bernard Brosseau Middle School, Bonnyville, AB. Speaking with the school’s writing club, as well as with several junior high classes. We’ll talk drafts, revision and fiction to DIE for.

February 4-6th: Winter Wordsworth (Young Alberta Book Society). Bragg Creek, Alberta. “Imagine yourself immersed in beautiful Bragg Creek, AB with a group of like-minded peers. You’ll write. You’ll draw. You’ll create. All under the guidance of an inspirational roster of talented — and familiar — Alberta literary artists.” My session blurb: Young adult paranormal author, Judith Graves, explores what makes fiction to DIE for, how to develop characters that ROCK, and how to REVAMP your work, aka revision with BITE! Be prepared for writerly battle as she introduces you to the beasties known as concept maps and character cards. Once tamed these tools can help with plot structure and character development.


February 25th: Highlands Young Readers’ Conference. Edmonton, AB. Presenting sessions to groups of grades 6-9 students. Fiction to DIE for: how to develop characters that ROCK, and how to REVAMP your work, aka revision with BITE!


February 26th: Young Authors’ Conference.  Sherwood Park, AB. Writing workshops – what makes fiction to DIE for, how to develop characters that ROCK, and how to REVAMP your work, aka revision with BITE! Be prepared for writerly battle as she introduces you to the beasties known as concept maps and character cards. Once tamed these tools can help with plot structure and character development.

May 27-29: Alberta Association of Library Technicians Annual Conference: 2011 Get Connected. Edmonton, AB. Author Visits to Die For. Judith Graves offers an overview of what makes a virtual author visit successful, the technology basics, and how to connect students or library patrons with authors willing to provide this wonderfully interactive (and inexpensive!) service.

Congratulations to Jacqueline Horsfall

Cover art by Mary B. Kelly

FOR THE LOVE OF STRANGERS by Jacqueline Horsfall was chosen as a top recommended book and is featured in Bearemy Book Club’s winter spotlight books.

If you aren't familiar with Bearamy Bear's Book Club, it's part of the Build-A-Bear Workshop, "a partnership with First Book®, a national literacy organization that provides new books to children from low-income families. Through the sale of a special bear, Read Teddy®, Build-A-Bear Workshop and First Book hope to put books into the hands of children who would otherwise not have them."

"With the purchase of each Read Teddy, Build-A-Bear Workshop® donates 50¢ to First Book® to provide new books to children from low-income families and 50¢ to the Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation to support other literacy and educational programs and the administrative expenses related to these programs."

Bearamy Bear's Book Club was started to encourage kids to read. It also gives kids a voice in reviewing and rating books. If you've had a chance to read this terrific book, please go the spotlight page to enter your own personal paw rating and leave your comments.

Judith Graves at Okotoks Public Library on Saturday

Author Judith Graves will be presenting a session, YA Fiction To DIE For, at the Okotoks Public Library this Saturday, January 8, 2011, from 1-2 p.m. She'll be giving an overview of her road to publication, a backstage look at the life of a YA author, and insight on the writing process, including how to submit your work to publishers. Judith is the author of Under My Skin and Second Skin, which will be coming out in 2011.

The event will be available live via videoconferencing provided by the RISE Network. “The RISE Network is an innovative project that helps southern Albertans access the information they need, right from their local library. By equipping 78 libraries with videoconference equipment, people in 89 municipalities can gain new knowledge and skills through a wide-range of library-based programs and information sessions.”

Okotoks Public Library
7 Riverside Drive West
Okotoks, AB, T1S 1A6
Tel: (403) 938-2220
Map/Directions