Karen Krossing

Readings

The purpose of Karen’s book talks is to promote literacy. Her talks usually include how she evolved as a writer, the writing life, an introduction to the work, a short reading, a discussion of issues raised by the reading, an oral storywriting exercise involving the audience, and questions and answers.

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed, if requested.

Workshops

Customized writing workshops are available for all ages – children, teens, and adults. In her workshops, Karen encourages participants to express themselves through writing in a positive, fun environment while learning writing techniques and concepts. Her workshop technique involves intuitive writing exercises using a variety of stimulating activities, such as word games, masks, story dice, photos, and/or character games. Workshops themes can include:

• how to create stories from real-life experiences
• how to create a believable fantasy or science-fiction world
• villains and heroes – characterization and scene development

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed, if requested.

Biography

Karen Krossing grew up in Thornhill, Ontario, with a family who loved to read. What could she do but read too? Karen began to create stories and comic books when she was eight, and she continued this habit by writing poetry in high school. By then she was hooked on books, so she studied English at university then became a book editor and a technical writer. After Karen had kids, she began writing fiction for children and teens.

Karen believes that writers' groups and workshops are an excellent way to nurture creative growth and innovation. She’s led workshops at the 2003 Canadian Children’s Book Camp in Toronto and went on tour with TD Canadian Children’s Book Week 2005. She’s a writing instructor at Centennial College and she teaches an after-school writing program for kids and teens through Pegasus Studios. Karen lives in Toronto with her husband and two daughters.

OTHER PRESENTATIONS:
Karen is available for small group writing workshops with exercises and feedback on writing.