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Guest Post: Author Susan Phelan

Susan Phelan is an author of children’s fiction. Her middle grade book Miss Classified, published by Chicken Scratch Books, explores the world through the eyes of a child with ADHD. “I see life through the lens of story. As a little girl my mom would get me to finish dinner by telling me to eat…… Continue reading Guest Post: Author Susan Phelan

A very hard goodbye

My Dad A life of adventure, love and curiosity has come to an end. Ninety-one years of working hard, traveling, raising a family, and learning. Always learning. A farm boy, train-hopper, self-taught electrician/carpenter/roofer/engineer and motorcycle rider. A man of faith acquainted with grief as well as joy. He routinely checked on his neighbours, often lending…… Continue reading A very hard goodbye

Author spotlight: Elizabeth Raum

Elizabeth Raum is a prolific writer of history in both fiction and non-fiction. Her most recent title, A Kidnapping in Kentucky, 1776, is available from Chicken Scratch Books. Q: Where did you get the idea for your most recent book, A Kidnapping in Kentucky, 1776? A: I’ve always been fascinated with our country’s history. I…… Continue reading Author spotlight: Elizabeth Raum

Jeff Pennant’s Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents

Every time Jeff tries to make his parents happy, disaster inevitably follows so he decides to turn his life into a science experiment. The results aren’t exactly what he hopes for but along the way he learns a lot and discovers even parents sometimes make mistakes. Available now from Chicken Scratch Books, Jeff Pennant’s Field…… Continue reading Jeff Pennant’s Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents

Beyond the veil of grief

Our society prizes the young, youthful beauty, supposed innocence, unlined and unmarked faces. But, if you look into an old person’s eyes, if you wait and if you have patience, there beyond the drooping lids, missing eyelashes, unruly brows and crows feet, if you look deeply you’ll find that person, that soul, is still there.…… Continue reading Beyond the veil of grief

Searching for Letters in the Woods

Story time at the Cochrane Public Library What a perfect backdrop for Letters in the Woods! The Cochrane Public Library hosted a story time this morning and everything from the mural behind me to the faux tree slice cushions the children sat on complemented the story. We had a great time searching for the letters…… Continue reading Searching for Letters in the Woods

A “Perfect” Read

Perfect, a new middle grade novel by Kiri Jorgensen, combines mystery and wonder with a compelling protagonist to create an unforgettable adventure. Sal’s carefully constructed world keeps her classmates at a distance and that’s where she wants them. Then she discovers snowflake science and suddenly she has to decide whether to let some of them…… Continue reading A “Perfect” Read

The Gatekeeper’s Daughter: in revision

When I first started writing, I naïvely thought that once the manuscript had been accepted for publication, the hard work was done. Now that my middle-grade fantasy, The Gatekeeper’s Daughter, has found a place at Chicken Scratch Books, I’m learning that the hard work is just beginning. My editor’s letter set out the changes that…… Continue reading The Gatekeeper’s Daughter: in revision