Kristyn Dunnion

Readings

Readings for Grades 5 to 8 would include excerpts from Missing Matthew, a novel about a group of friends who uncover a mystery regarding the adults in their lives and in their small town. There is adventure, suspense and a rollicking sense of humour. This novel also deals with more serious themes including loss of loved ones, grief, friendship trials and betrayals. It has been effectively used as a tool for grief counselling in some schools.

High school readings would include excerpts from Mosh Pit and from other short story collections. These readings may include some mature themes including friendship betrayal, a hostile adult world, exploration of sexuality and recreational drug use. My fiction features strong female characters, female friendships including lesbian relationships, and many stories are set in a marginalized, punk counter-culture.

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed.

Workshops

High school and young adult workshops vary in length, structure and focus. Each workshop is tailored for the particular group depending on the number of participants, the reading and writing skill level, and relevance to the regular school curriculum. Creative writing workshops are generally limited to approximately 25 students, maximum. Workshops include creative writing exercises, take home exercises, in class re-writes of students’ own material, and informal lectures regarding elements of the writing craft. Workshops may also include excerpted readings from various literary texts and from my own work; this is mainly to illustrate the implementation of specific writing techniques.

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed.

Biography

Kristyn Dunnion is the exceptionally talented and totally unique author of the juvenile novel Missing Matthew, the teen novel Mosh Pit, and the speculative novel, Big Big Sky. A self-described saucy tart, her short stories have been published in numerous collections. She is also the trash talking, audacious MC and macho femme, Miss Kitty Galore.

Kristyn studied English literature and theatre at McGill University. Her passion for children’s literature and wigs led her to the University of Guelph, where she completed a Masters Degree in English. A respected performer, she hosts burlesque parties, cabaret evenings, drag king shows and weddings, and her performance pieces are innovative and thought provoking. She also enjoys making school visits, facilitating creative writing workshops with learners of all ages. Kristyn likes to dance. She does not eat animals. She likes big boots, shaved heads and loud music!

Check out Kristyn’s website at: www.kristyndunnion.com

OTHER PRESENTATIONS:
I sometimes address teachers and student-teachers regarding teen/adult relationships, and the roles an educator can play in “at-risk” students’ lives. I like to present my young adult fiction to teachers and future teachers. I explore the ways in which challenging texts can become part of a vibrant course outline. Issues of sexuality, drug use, gang involvement, peer pressure, bullying and poverty are all present in my work, and are increasingly relevant in the classroom. Using a contemporary text written by a Canadian author is an excellent way to begin to address some of these vital topics in a creative way.

I particularly enjoy speaking to groups of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and transgender youth and their allies. Readings, workshops, informal talks and focused lectures are all welcome. Updated reading lists and on-line resources are happily shared with teachers and students alike.

I have been a guest speaker at several University functions including the York University Queer Studies Program, York University Education Department, and the University of Guelph Queer Identities Program.