Larry McCloskey

Readings

I have a young adult mystery series featuring Dani and Caitlin, two feisty 12 year olds who meet a ghost who just happens to be a recognizable historical figure. In 2007, the newest addition will be Mackenzie King in Murder Fit for a King. Dani and Caitlin being kids must always solve the mystery themselves because adults don’t believe in ghosts. In the process the girls take a risk, use their instinct and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary. Along the way, the girls are able to show a few serious adults how to think like a kid and play again.

I have written a Christmas novel called A Christmas Dragon featuring two brothers who meet a fascinating witch, and are sent 40 years into the future in order to fix a problem, help a friend, and slay their owns dragons. This novel exemplifies a constant coming of age theme in my work which places young people who lack experience and confidence into situations where they are able to surprise themselves and everyone else with courage.

My newest novel Mic & Max features Max a scrawny mutt who narrates a story about street people in trouble during a cold snap in Ottawa in February. Max and Mic, a 70 year old woman with nerves of steel must find out if one of their street folks has been murdered. It then falls to this unlikely pair to protect others on the street and figure out how to solve a series of crimes by people with money and power. Even though there is danger at every turn, Max always serves up the story with large doses of humour and heart.

Book Sales:

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

Workshops

Writing workshops provide a careful blend of inspiration, information and practical exercises. And while the inspiration piece is important, I reference Mark Twain who once said that writing well is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.

Workshops always begin with ice-breaker exercises in order to create group cohesion, which sets the stage for the work to follow. A number of focused writing exercises engage workshop participants in the basics of elements of story development: character, plot, setting and mood. Exercises are fun and challenging. Participants are then encouraged to read their work to the entire group, with the understanding that they are doing so in a safe environment. Again, the group cohesiveness that is established at the beginning of the workshop is critical in order to achieve maximum writing potential. While it is true that what can be achieved in a two hour writing workshop is limited, I emphasize that the most important step is getting started.

Throughout the workshop the theme is always: you can do it. Young people need to understand that while something may be difficult, they have great unrealized potential. This theme of young people being given opportunities and being tested exists throughout my novels, and is reinforced in the workshops with much success.

Book Sales:

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

Biography

One evening during a marathon reading session with one of my three daughters I decided that I would write a young adult novel. For better or for worse I haven’t stopped writing since. My daughters have been my inspiration and harshest critics about writing, so in addition to giving me endless material they keep me grounded.

When I give a presentation I also like to include life balance issues and particularly the value of exercise. I have worked with university students and been a competitive runner for over 20 years. I often see students who have lost the ability to play and have fun. I try to show children ways that can help with school and home while allowing them to maintain something of their childhood. Growing up doesn’t mean they have to give up fun.

Giving presentations and workshops compliments very well my professional aspirations with the interests I have developed throughout my life. I live in Ottawa with my daughters and my wife Cara, who is a Grade 5 teacher.

OTHER PRESENTATIONS:
I have made many PD presentations for teachers and librarians. Please contact for details.