When schools closed in March, and students suddenly engaging in remote learning, I decided to read my novel, ALIENATED: GROUNDED AT GROOM LAKE, on YouTube, chapter-by-chapter. A type of “virtual class reader.” It’s a fun, funny middle-grade story, perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson. Star Wars, and Men In Black. All of the […]
Ever since I was little, I loved space. I was awestruck in first grade when my school packed us into the library to watch the Columbia take off. I was equally devastated in 1986 in middle-school, I watched the Challenger launch with the first civilian astronaut on board, only to tragically explode moments after lift-off. […]
OTHER TITLES IN THE SERIES
This evening I’ll be participating in the weekly twitter discussion, under hash-tag #UKMGchat. It’s organised by the awesome Miriam & Lorraine for the benefit of all book-loving twitter folks around the world. I usually miss out because the 8 pm (British time) start time coincides with putting my kids to bed, and I have to […]
I’m fascinated by the intersection of character & setting. It’s the nature vs. nurture phenomenon of shaping compelling characters, begging the question does the setting shape the character or does the character exist independently of the place? Think of some of your favourite characters from books or films, they are inextricably linked to their place… Luke Skywalker […]
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” That’s what we’re told. And yet, what do people actually do? Of course they do. We’re visual thinkers and take cues from book jackets to guide our decision making. Books are actually a lot like fashion (or a fashion accessory); readers have to want to be seen reading […]
With just over two months until OCD-suffering Adam Meltzer rises from the grave to appear on bookshelves, I’m delighted to reveal the cover for my new book MEMOIRS OF A NEUROTIC ZOMBIE. This book has been a true labour of love and I’m so excited that the Faber team has embraced it and given it […]
Last night I was invited by the Canadian High Commission, along with two wonderful Canadian writers, to share perspective and inspiration on writing for young people. I’ve noticed that in the UK people don’t tend to think of Canadians in literature. Sure, we’ve got Margaret Atwood and Alice Munro, but beyond the big prize winners […]
Today my new book debuts to the world….well, to the publishing world at least. The real world still has to wait until the 7th of August. Right now, in Bologna, Italy, the children’s publishing world is meeting up for the annual Bologna Children’s Book Fair. And my publisher, Faber, is showcasing their new and upcoming titles…including my […]
I’m delighted to share some huge news; my newest book, Memoirs of a Neurotic Zombie, has been acquired by Faber.
