Seasonal Suggestions for Teens -- December 2

But wait! I hear you cry. Teens don't read -- at least my teen doesn't! Give me another suggestion!



Here's the scoop. Even if your teen doesn't generally read for pleasure, they still read. They might read magazines or comic books or the backs of cereal boxes -- but they still read. And most of 'em need to read in school.








If you truly have a reluctant reader, why not make the experience less intimidating? Orca Books out of Victoria, BC has a great imprint for reluctant readers called Orca Soundings. These books are fast-paced, fun reads that are usually short and snappy.



My favourite Orca Soundings book these days is the last one I just read -- FIRST TIME, by Meg Tilly. It's the story of sixteen year old Haley and the issues and worries that surround growing up, hanging out with guys and making choices. And when her mother's new boyfriend starts making unwanted advances, Haley doesn't know which way to turn.

It's a great read -- sweet, funny and poignant. I highly recommend it!

You can CLICK HERE if you'd like to look at other books in the Orca Soundings Line.

And remember -- leave a comment if you'd like to add your own seasonal suggestion for your favourite teen. You could win an autographed copy of MS.ZEPHYR'S NOTEBOOK.

Happy holidays!

~kc

The One I forgot to put a title on...

Collection of thoughts.

I'm very glad I took this shot yesterday, up the mountain above the village hall where I take my gym class.

Today the snow is obscured and the colours are gone as we go through the reality of a typical Howe Sound rainfall. Walking outside is like walking under water, and I've had to postpone my weekly dog walk with my friend Meg and her dog. When she is not walking dogs with me, she becomes the famous author Meg Tilly, and next week marks the start of a new tour (she's doing the Canadian Children's Book Centre's tour this fall -- hooray!) AND a book launch for her new story FIRST TIME.

I'm excited because I haven't read her new book yet, and a new book by Meg is something to be celebrated. This one is for the Orca Soundings series, so she'll be launching with other Orca authors, including Sarah Harvey, Kim Denman and the most wonderful Shelley Hrdlitschka.

I can't wait!

Things are hopping for my own upcoming book, A WALK THROUGH A WINDOW -- I got a glimpse at the new cover last week, and this week will take a final look at the galleys and make my suggestions for the cover copy. It's getting closer!

As for writing, I've got two main projects on the go right now -- the sequel to the adult mystery satire I finished this year, and the first of what I hope will be a five book series, set in the UK. I need to find a word for this -- don't like Quintology... how about a Quintych? I also have a new Darby book due before next summer.

So in the end I guess, rainy days are the best, because they keep me inside, writing -- in body, anyway...

~kc