Simon Rose - Author Writer Presenter www.simon-rose.com

School Programs - Study Guides and Classroom Resources

2012-01-31T03:14:00.001-07:00

Each of my novels can provide teachers with a wide variety of ways to explore projects in the classroom with their students. Check out the study guides and classroom resources for my novels here on my website.

The Fun Stuff and Puzzles page features word searches related to the text and character names in each novel, plus you can also access The Super Scavenger Search, where the answers to a series of mind boggling questions are hidden in different pages all over my website. Class sets of books are also always available from me directly at discounted prices, depending on the number of books ordered.

Online Writing Workshops for Children and Young Adults

2012-01-30T06:03:00.001-07:00

With my Online Workshops for Children and Young Adults, through a series of e mail assignments, details of which are available here, we explore where ideas come from and how to turn them into stories, basic story structure, plot development, creating characters, developing dialogue and more to help develop writing ability. A set of workshops can be started at any time. Following registration, all assignments are sent by e mail and are completed at your own pace, to be sent to me by return e mail. There is no time limit and participants may take as long as they wish to complete their full set of workshops.

Check out Online Workshops for Children and Young Adults today.

What's it all About? The Historical Background to The Alchemist's Portrait

2012-01-29T01:35:00.001-07:00

Magic, Mayhem, Murder - The Alchemist's Portrait is a time traveling thrill ride for young readers.

'A school trip to the art gallery at the city museum leads Matthew into an eerie meeting with Peter Glimmer, imprisoned inside his own portrait by his villainous uncle in 1666. Entrusted by Peter with recovering the one object that can save the world, Matthew is sent hurtling over 300 years into the past. Encountering magic, mayhem and murder, Matthew also has to contend with Peter's uncle, the ruthless and seemingly immortal Nicholas Van der Leyden, at every turn, in a desperate race through time to save the future.'

On my website, you can learn more about the historical periods depicted in the novel, including seventeenth century Amsterdam, the French Revolution, the American Civil War and the Russian Revolution, as well as links to the history of alchemy and to the famous paintings and portraits mentioned in the story.

The Alchemist's Portrait is available at most online bookstores which you can link to here. Autographed copies are also always available directly from the author.

Writing Classes for Children in North Calgary March/April

2012-01-28T19:49:00.005-07:00

Time Travel Tales - Classes with Northern Hills Community Association in Panorama Hills and at Cardel Place - March 3 to April 7, 10.00 am to 11.30 am

In these classes, children create their own short time travel stories, complete with a time machine, method or device. We will discuss their time travel methods, the time period chosen, the story premise and see how much attention they have paid to accurate historical research to make their story more authentic and to crafting a plausible means of traveling in time. They will then create a title for their story and a concise, attention-grabbing back cover for their potential book. We also explore how to write gripping fiction, in terms of attention grabbing back covers, page turning beginnings and cliffhanger endings.

Classes run from March 3 to April 7 from 10.00 am to 11.30 am. Classes are held on March 3, 10, 17 and 24 at Panorama Hills E-community Center, 88 Panamount Hill NW, Calgary AB and on March 31 and April 7 at Cardel Place, 11950 Country Village Link NE, Calgary AB.

Call 403 226 6422 to register over the phone. Costs are $50 for Northern Hills Community Association and $75 for non members. Payment is due at the time of registration.

Writers - Help and Advice: Coaching Program for Writers

2012-01-28T03:20:00.000-07:00

Writing is by nature a solitary profession and can be a lonely business, without the benefit of hordes of cheering fans on the sidelines. A professional writing coach is someone with who you can consult, ask questions, send your work to and receive constructive feedback, a guide to help you with your writing as you attempt to build your career as a professional writer. A writing coach can help you conquer a stumbling block, assist you in regaining momentum and getting back to your writing or making a start on a new project.

My coaching program is designed to help you progress as a writer. You decide what you want to work on during a personalized, one on one relationship. For example, I can be your coach for just one month or we can establish a month-to-month arrangement, depending on your schedule and expectations. Just a few examples of topics we can cover during the coaching period are point of view, creating characters, developing dialogue, story structure, editing and revision, marketing and promotion and submissions to publishers. However, I am very flexible and happy to discuss your own unique requirements and areas where you feel that you may need the most help.

In addition to coaching, on my website you can learn more about my other services for writers, such as online workshops for adults, manuscript evaluation and online workshops for children and young adults.

Author Readings at simon-rose.com

2012-01-27T04:53:00.000-07:00

People are always interested in hearing an author read from their own work. Children in particular, especially those who have read and enjoyed the novels, are usually captivated when an author reads from their own book during a personal appearance at a school, library, literary festival or other event.

Here on my website, you can listen to interviews and readings from The Alchemist's Portrait, The Clone Conspiracy, The Emerald Curse and The Heretic's Tomb, recorded on Calgary's CKUA radio network, plus a reading from The Sorcerer's Letterbox, recorded during my appearance at the Winnipeg International Writers Festival.

Writers - Help and Advice: Manuscript Evaluation and Editing Services

2012-01-26T03:30:00.001-07:00

Have you written a novel, picture book or short story? Have you shown it to every one of your family and friends, who have all given their wholehearted endorsement? Are you now wondering if your work will appeal to a publisher, looking to take that next step but in need of professional advice?

I offer a variety of services to writers, such as online workshops for adults, online workshops for children and young adults and manuscript evaluation. I will evaluate both full manuscripts or just a short synopsis of your story, along with the opening chapter. Having your work independently evaluated gives you an unbiased opinion, helping you to tighten your manuscript and fix problems you may have overlooked.

Having your entire manuscript reviewed by a professional can be pricey, especially if your novel comprises hundreds of pages, but my manuscript critique service is very affordable. For my basic service, I review the first chapter of a piece of work, double spaced, not to exceed ten pages, plus a synopsis of up to three pages. For picture books this may include the entire text, depending on the length of the story.

The evaluation will include a written report of up to three pages, as well as suggestions and comments on the text itself, unless you object to that. I am also happy to answer any specific questions in relation to what publishers may or may not like to see in the story. Based on this, you may then decide to have the entire piece evaluated, to help you prepare for submissions to publishers. Examples of fees and more details on my editing services are available here on my website.

Writing and Publishing Your Children's Novel - University of Calgary, Saturday February 25

2012-01-25T03:04:00.003-07:00

Each year, the Continuing Education department at the University of Calgary serves over 20,000 lifelong learners and offers thousands of courses taught by more than 1,000 instructors – all experts in their fields.

Writing and Publishing Your Children's Novel - Saturday, February 25

This workshop deals with getting started as a writer for young readers and the subsequent path to publication. You will examine the writing process from initial concept through to the finished manuscript, including how to turn ideas into stories, story structure, developing characters, the creation of outlines and the importance of editing and revision. You will also examine ways to research publishing houses where you can submit your work, cover letters, synopses and sample chapters.

Learn more about the Writing and Publishing Your Children's Novel workshop and how to register here

Writers - Help and Advice: Ghost Writing and Collaboration

2012-01-24T03:26:00.000-07:00

Is there a book you desperately want to write? Maybe you’re an expert in your field, well respected by your colleagues, who are all convinced that you should become an author. Yet there’s no time in your busy schedule to actually sit down and write. Perhaps you’re a performer or artist, eager to commit your experiences to paper? Or you have a great idea for a self-help book, a how-to manual, a cookery book, a tourism or restaurant guide? Or are you wanting to write your autobiography or the biography of someone else in your family?

Whatever the subject, fiction or non-fiction, for adults or children, I am available for collaboration on your next project. Visit my website for further details or contact me directly for rates and fees at info@simon-rose.com.

School Programs - Virtual Author Visits by Video

2012-01-23T02:49:00.000-07:00

Children are almost always inspired when they meet a real life author or illustrator, but it may not always possible to have an author visit your school. However, why not put technology to work for you? Now you can arrange a virtual author visit via video using Skype. These can be conducted with large groups in a library or gym or with individual classes. You can get an idea of what a virtual visit looks like by viewing the video below, or by checking out the videos on my website or on YouTube, in which I talk about my books, my workshops for adults and schools, plus my various services for writers.

Ideally, in preparation for a virtual author visit, students should have read at least one of my books prior to the visit, but can also familiarize themselves with my work by undertaking the Super Scavenger Search. You may also wish to download the word search puzzles related to each novel. Study Guides and Classroom Resources are also available for all my novels. Each book can provide teachers with a wide variety of ways to explore projects with their students and class sets of books are available.To host a virtual author visit, you will need to download Skype, which is available for both Windows and Macintosh, and have a webcam. Mac users may also be able to set up a virtual author visit using iChat.

You may contact me directly at sorcerersletterbox@gmail.com for details on technical requirements and all about exactly how a virtual author visit works. A technical run through a few days prior is also advisable, to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the visit.

The Heretic's Tomb and the Black Death - Medieval Medicine Part Five

2012-01-22T02:42:00.001-07:00

Despite their skills and knowledge, for diseases and ailments beyond their abilities, medieval doctors fell back on solutions which seem bizarre to the modern reader. Ringworm was treated by washing the patient’s hair in a boy’s urine. Gout could be relieved by a plaster of goat dung mixed with rosemary and honey. Blood letting was also popular as a cure for just about everything, with many different parts of the body used. For example, the two veins in the neck were to be tapped for leprosy, while the basilic vein, just below the elbow was said to clear the liver and spleen of any impurities.If everything failed, charms, sacred relics and incantations were used to ease the pain of childbirth, help contraception, cure toothache, remove boils, and even mend broken arms and legs. Medical knowledge eventually improved, but not straight away, and for centuries to come, doctors were still very much influenced by superstition in the performance of their duties.

You can learn more about The Heretic's Tomb and the historical background to the novel on my website.

School Programs - Author in Residence

2012-01-21T03:04:00.000-07:00

A week in residence can be designed however you would like, to best meet the needs of the students. Here's what a week could look like, based on a school where I spent five days working with students from grade one through seven. However, this is just an example and I am very flexible and happy to discuss your schools unique requirements with you.

K/1/2 Story Creation

This highly interactive presentation explores story structure relating to the creation of a well-defined beginning, middle and end. Using a series of seemingly unrelated objects, students participate in creating a story in what is always a lively and fun filled session. Although this exercise is done as a group, afterwards students are so enthusiastic that they want to create their own illustrations to go with the story and expand on the narrative that we have created together. In the weeks after my visit, some schools have added the children’s pictures to the story, as they create their own books and design covers for them. These have often been displayed in the classroom or sent home to parents.

Grade 3 Fantasy Realms and Creatures

In two sessions, we discuss the elements of fantasy and the many creatures and characters that inhabit the fantasy realm. In The Emerald Curse, the main villain has created monsters in his laboratory, combining some of the most fearsome creatures on earth. Most students are very familiar with monsters and strange creatures from mythology, books and movies and really enjoy the workshop where they get to invent their own unique mythological creature along with its powers, enemies, diet, habitat and the fantasy kingdom where it lives.

Grade 4 Superheroes

The Emerald Curse involves a young boy who is propelled into a strange comic book dimension, to save his grandfather, the world's greatest comic book artist and writer. The novel was influenced by the comic books and superhero adventure stories I read whilst growing up. In two sessions, we explore the superhero genre, before students create their own superhero, complete with costumes, powers, secret identity, headquarters, friends, family and one or more archenemies. They are also encouraged to draw their creation and some may even write a short story.

Grade 5/6/7 Time Travel, Historical Fiction and Writing Strategies

The Heretic's Tomb, The Sorcerer's Letterbox and The Alchemist's Portrait are time travel stories. These sessions look at where ideas come from and how writers turn them into stories. We examine how history has served as inspiration for authors and filmmakers and learn about the importance of historical research. Students will then invent their own time machine or device, paying attention to detail and to the need for authentic historical settings. We also explore how to write gripping fiction and cliffhanger endings.

Grade 8 The Shape of Things to Come

The events described in The Clone Conspiracy may be science fiction, but cloning has become very much science fact in recent years. These sessions examine how much technology has developed in the last one hundred years, how the pace of change has rapidly accelerated in recent decades and challenges students to contemplate what types of technology we may expect to see in the century to come.

Grade 9 People Plotting: Creating Memorable Characters

Without people there is no plot and characters are at the heart of any story. In these workshops, we explore where writers get ideas for the people in their stories, the many methods of creating strong characters and how to use descriptive language to build them. Students invent their own unique characters and also learn how to write effective and engaging dialogue for their creations.

The the above scenario is merely a guideline as to what a week in residence could look like and I am very happy to discuss your school’s unique requirements with you. Contact me directly for details of fees and availability for Author in Residence at info@simon-rose.com.

The Heretic's Tomb and the Black Death - Medieval Medicine Part Four

2012-01-20T02:40:00.001-07:00

Surgery was practiced in the Middle Ages, although it was seen as a last resort. It is known to have been successful in the treatment of breast cancer, gangrene, hemorrhoids, and other conditions. There are illustrations showing medieval surgery, but naturally they give no sign of the pain suffered by the person on the operating table.
Anesthetics were used, but many of the concoctions used to relieve pain or induce sleep were also potentially fatal. ‘Dwale’, for example, consisted of gall from a cow or castrated boar, lettuce, briony, opium, henbane and hemlock juice mixed with wine. The opium, alcohol and hemlock would have made patient incapable. Henbane and briony would have quickened the passage of poisons out of the body. However, it must be noted that hemlock was particularly dangerous, too much being a death sentence.

You can learn more about The Heretic's Tomb and the historical background to the novel on my website.

School Programs - Author Visits, Workshops and Presentations

2012-01-19T02:59:00.000-07:00

An author visit to a school can be highly inspirational, inviting children to unlock their own creative potential, whatever form that may take, and encouraging them in their own writing. Younger students especially are almost always thrilled to meet a published author, particularly if they have read their books.

I offer a wide variety of presentations for grades three to eight, but can work with grades one and two as well. I cover such topics as where ideas come from, story structure, editing and revision, character development, time travel stories, history and research, plus many other aspects of the writing and publishing world. I will present to around one hundred students at a time, although the smaller the audience the more participation from children, as a rule. We can also look at workshops with smaller groups or individual classes. I am very flexible and able to modify material in consultation with teachers and librarians.

For my Author in Residence program, I can be at your school for a week or longer. This allows me to cover certain topics in much more depth than would be possible during a regular author visit. I have also worked on playwriting with the Calgary Arts Summer School. Each of my novels can provide teachers with a wide variety of ways to explore projects in the classroom with their students and you may find some suggestions on the Study Guides and Classroom Resources page and class sets of books are also always available from my online store.

For a list of available presentations, visit the Presentations and Workshops page. However, please note that this list is by no means exhaustive and I am very adaptable. I am always pleased to work with teachers and librarians to build a group of sessions best suited to your students. Contact me directly for details of fees and availability for school and library presentations at info@simon-rose.com.

Writing Classes for Children in North Calgary March/April

2012-01-18T19:38:00.013-07:00

The Heretic's Tomb and the Black Death - Medieval Medicine Part Three

2012-01-18T02:39:00.001-07:00

As far as medicines were concerned, many medieval concoctions were little more than witch’s brews. One of the best known medicinal drugs of the Middle Ages was ‘treacle’ or theriac, a blend of sixty four different drugs in honey. Sold as a cure all, it was claimed to cure fevers, prevent internal swellings, clear skin blemishes, help heart trouble, dropsy, epilepsy, palsy, help you sleep, aid digestion, strengthen limbs, heal wounds and of course, cure plague. Doctors at the time did make use of herbal remedies too. However, here again astrology had a distinct influence. The genuine medical properties of some plants were also related to how, and by who, they were collected. Betony had to be picked by a small child in August before sunrise, and marigold when the moon had entered the house of Virgo. A herbalist also had to recite the proper designated prayers when preparing the medicine.
And yet, medieval doctors were also skilled at a variety of medical procedures. They could set broken bones, extract teeth, take out bladder stones, remove cataracts, and restored a scarred face by skin grafts from the arm. They knew that apoplexy and epilepsy were related to the brain. Urine samples, feces and pulse rates were used to analyze ailments, and doctors were aware of which substances were diuretics and laxatives. It was also firmly believed that prevention was better than cure, and great emphasis was placed on a healthy lifestyle, in which diet, exercise, mental attitude and reduced stress all played a part.

You can learn more about The Heretic's Tomb and the historical background to the novel on my website.

The Heretic's Tomb and the Black Death - Medieval Medicine Part Two

2012-01-16T03:37:00.002-07:00

The Middle Ages are often seen as a shadowy period of limited medical knowledge and great superstition. But many ideas from the classical medicine of the ancient Greeks and Romans survived into the medieval period relatively intact. Medical knowledge also arrived in Europe from the Arab world over the centuries, and doctors were familiar with the medicinal properties of some plants. However, treatments and cures were often as much to do with magic and superstition as they were to do with real medicine.
Doctors were very much guided by astrology in the Middle Ages. The Church, which influenced so much of medieval life, strongly disapproved of astrology, but found it difficult to stamp out. During the worst period of the Black Death, astrological charts became even more important for doctors. As the illness reached a noticeable crisis point, after which a patient either recovered or died, the time of recovery and the position of the stars and planets were seen as very significant. Even Guy de Chauliac, physician to three popes in succession, and author of the leading work on medieval surgery, was a firm believer in astrology. For operations, he would use recognized anesthetic potions, but also recommended bleeding and other procedures based on the position of the planets. Illnesses were also determined to be serious or not depending on whether they were under the sun’s or the moon’s influence.

You can learn more about The Heretic's Tomb and the historical background to the novel on my website.

Online Writing Workshops for Children and Young Adults

2012-01-15T02:52:00.001-07:00

Check out Online Workshops for Children and Young Adults today.

The Heretic's Tomb and the Black Death - Medieval Medicine Part One

2012-01-13T04:36:00.001-07:00

Creating The Heretic’s Tomb and establishing an authentic setting in 1349 meant learning about the types of medicine practiced in Europe during the Middle Ages. Again, online sources played a part, but I also read books on topics such as the medieval way of life, diet and nutrition, living conditions, doctors and their treatments, the large role played by superstition and the position of the church to get a feel for how Lady Isabella might have gone about her work as a healer and medical pioneer during the devastating epidemic of the Black Death. The causes of the disease are now well known, but in the mid fourteenth century, not only were people largely ignorant of the source of the dreadful sickness, they also had limited means to either treat or cure its victims.

You can learn more about The Heretic's Tomb and the historical background to the novel on my website.

Author Readings at simon-rose.com

2012-01-12T03:52:00.003-07:00

The Heretic's Tomb and the Black Death - History as Inspiration

2012-01-11T02:34:00.001-07:00

The story of The Heretic's Tomb takes place in the mid fourteenth century, when England and the rest of Europe was in the grip of the deadly plague known as the Black Death.
The first cases of the Black Death in England occurred during the reign of Edward III in the summer of 1348, and the disease spread quickly. By autumn, the plague had reached London, killing nearly half of the city’s 70,000 inhabitants. Over the next two years, between thirty and forty percent of the English population, or approximately two million people, died of the plague. In Europe as a whole, it is estimated that at least twenty-five million people died between 1347 and 1351. Outbreaks continued to occur periodically for centuries and the plague did not disappear from Europe until the eighteenth century.
You can more about the Black Death here and also on these websites
EyeWitness to History Black Death: Path of the Plague The Black Death: Bubonic Plague
Maps depicting the path of the plague across Europe can be found here and here.
Learn more about The Heretic's Tomb and the historical background to the novel on my website.

Writers - Help and Advice: Manuscript Evaluation and Editing Services

2012-01-10T03:29:00.000-07:00

Vintage Ice Cream Trucks - The latest article at Dark Roasted Blend

2012-01-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest article at Dark Roasted Blend, entitled Vintage Ice Cream Trucks.

The original idea of the ice cream truck was relatively simple, that the delicious tasty treats of the ice cream parlor are coming directly to you. We still see them during the summer months at public events, parks, beaches anywhere where crowds of people are likely to gather, as well as driving down residential streets hoping to entice customers. The examples at Dark Roasted Blend may not be the cream of the crop, but they’re certainly some pretty cool pictures.

Vintage Ice Cream Trucks is now published at Dark Roasted Blend, among the finest locations online to find the weird, the wonderful and the fantastic, crammed with great articles, stunning photography, plus fabulous new content which appears daily.

Writing and Publishing Your Children's Novel - University of Calgary, Saturday February 25

2012-01-09T01:04:00.001-07:00

Writing and Publishing Your Children's Novel - Saturday, February 25

Learn more about the Writing and Publishing Your Children's Novel workshop and how to register here

Writers - Help and Advice: Ghost Writing and Collaboration

2012-01-08T03:23:00.000-07:00

Writers - Help and Advice: Coaching Program for Writers

2012-01-07T03:20:00.000-07:00

School Programs - Virtual Author Visits by Video

2012-01-06T02:48:00.000-07:00

School Programs - Author in Residence

2012-01-05T03:03:00.001-07:00

K/1/2 Story Creation

Grade 3 Fantasy Realms and Creatures

Grade 4 Superheroes

Grade 5/6/7 Time Travel, Historical Fiction and Writing Strategies

Grade 8 The Shape of Things to Come

Grade 9 People Plotting: Creating Memorable Characters

School Programs - Author Visits, Workshops and Presentations

2012-01-04T02:59:00.000-07:00

Writing Classes for Children - North Calgary January/February

2011-12-29T04:03:00.001-07:00

Fabulous Fantasy Realms - Classes with Northern Hills Community Association at Cardel Place - January 7 to February 11, 9.30 am to 11 am

In these classes, we examine the elements of fantasy and the many creatures and characters that inhabit the fantasy realm. You will create your own fantasy kingdom, complete with its system of government, myths and legends, magical objects, currency, culture, different races, wildlife, major landmarks, maps, natural features such as mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, deserts, oceans and more. You will also invent your own unique imaginary creature, along with its powers, enemies, diet, habitat, the land where it lives and so on.

You'll design a flag or banner for your country and explain why it was chosen by the rulers. What is the type of climate in your country? What are the people like? What is the system of government? What is the economy like? Does the country have any natural resources and if so, what are they used for? What about the currency? What is it called and what do the coins look like? You'll need to create a unique culture for your country too. Does it have a distinctive type of food? What about music or the instruments on which it is played?

These sessions are designed to enable you to unleash your own incredible imagination to create a truly unique fantasy realm. Classes run from January 7 to February 11 from 9.30 am to 11 am. Classes are held at Cardel Place, 11950 Country Village Link NE, Calgary, AB.

Call 403 226 6422 to register over the phone. Costs are $50 for Northern Hills Community Association members and $75 for non members. Payment is due at the time of registration.

Author Readings at simon-rose.com

2011-12-28T04:51:00.001-07:00

Writing and Publishing Your Children's Novel - University of Calgary, Saturday February 25, 2012

2011-12-18T02:02:00.003-07:00

Writing and Publishing Your Children's Novel - Saturday, February 25, 2012

Learn more about the Writing and Publishing Your Children's Novel workshop and how to register here

Autographed Books - Ideal for Christmas

2011-12-17T02:01:00.003-07:00

Ideal for Christmas. In addition to bookstores across Canada and around the world, you can also obtain signed copies of my books directly from me. I am always happy to sign books for my readers and to inscribe a special message.

Full details of all my novels - The Doomsday Mask, The Heretic's Tomb, The Emerald Curse, The Clone Conspiracy, The Sorcerer's Letterbox, The Alchemist's Portrait and The Time Camera - can be found here on my website.

Individual books are just $10 and discounts are available for those purchasing a full set of books. Complete the order form at www.simon-rose.com or contact me directly by e mail at sorcerersletterbox@gmail.com.

The Other Space Race - The latest article at Dark Roasted Blend

2011-12-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest article at Dark Roasted Blend, entitled The Other Space Race.

Back in the early sixties, John F. Kennedy declared America’s intention of putting a man on the Moon, a dream that was fulfilled with the Apollo 11 lunar landing in July 1969. The space race featured the USSR and the USA, vying to be the first each time mankind took another step forward in the exploration of space, following the launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957.

These days, lots of countries have active space programs and this article at Dark Roasted Blend takes a look at the other space race.

The Other Space Race is now published at Dark Roasted Blend, among the finest locations online to find the weird, the wonderful and the fantastic, crammed with great articles, stunning photography, plus fabulous new content which appears daily.

Online Writing Workshops for Children and Young Adults

2011-12-15T02:51:00.001-07:00

Check out Online Workshops for Children and Young Adults today.

Author Readings at simon-rose.com

2011-12-13T02:49:00.000-07:00

Autographed Books - Ideal for Christmas

2011-12-12T02:59:00.004-07:00

Copywriting Services for Brochures, Direct Mail and Sales Letters

2011-12-11T02:19:00.003-07:00

Despite the proliferation of websites, blogs and e-commerce, the traditional brochure or catalogue remains an important part of the modern marketing process. Whether you're just starting a new venture or are looking to revamp your corporate image, I can assist you in creating an effective advertising package for your business. I can also create new content for your direct mail campaign, sales letters or rewrite your existing marketing materials. Visit my website or contact me directly for rates and fees at sorcerersletterbox@gmail.com.

School Programs - Author Visits, Workshops and Presentations

2011-12-10T02:56:00.001-07:00

Writing Classes for Children - North Calgary January/February

2011-12-09T04:02:00.002-07:00

Copywriting Services for Blogs

2011-12-08T02:16:00.001-07:00

These days, more and more people make use of blogs for their online presence. Companies and corporations also recognize the importance of blogs in keeping in touch with both their existing and potential customers, delivering fresh and updated content on a regular basis. Others still use newsletters, distributed by e mail. However, actually finding the time to communicate with your clients several times a week can be a challenge. Why not hire a professional to compose the blog entries or newsletters for you? Visit my website or contact me directly for rates and fees at sorcerersletterbox@gmail.com.

Writers - Help and Advice: Manuscript Evaluation and Editing Services

2011-12-07T03:27:00.001-07:00

Autographed Books - Ideal for Christmas

2011-12-06T03:58:00.002-07:00

Writers - Help and Advice: Ghost Writing and Collaboration

2011-12-05T03:22:00.000-07:00

Copywriting Services for Newspaper and Magazine Advertising

2011-12-04T02:22:00.001-07:00

The various forms of advertising used to promote your business all require different approaches and different types of copy. What might be ideal for a newspaper ad might not work at all for your local phone book. Your magazine ads will most likely be very different from the script used in any radio commercials you may run. I can help you create professional ads that target your market with high impact headlines, copy that captivates the reader and effective calls to action. Visit my website or contact me directly for rates and fees at sorcerersletterbox@gmail.com

Writing and Publishing Your Children's Novel - University of Calgary, Saturday February 25, 2012

2011-12-03T03:01:00.000-07:00

Writing and Publishing Your Children's Novel - Saturday, February 25, 2012

Learn more about the Writing and Publishing Your Children's Novel workshop and how to register here

Words4TheWebwise – Copywriting and Website Design and Development: The Teacher of All Things?

2011-12-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

People may be visiting your website to learn something. They might want to find out what you've written lately, or find out where your next book signing is. They might want to contact you and need your email address, or they might have stumbled across your site via a search engine and have a lot to learn. Most people on your site want to learn. But the real trick is not to just give the information and let the visitor go about their way. Ideally, they will stay and learn more. Read more. Find out more.

Does your website have to be so dry? Why can't people experience your website and learn while they enjoy the site, rather than seeing it as nothing more than a catalogue of information? Some sites do need to be tables of statistics. If I'm looking for a definition of a word, I want the website to be easy to use, quick and concise. Experience isn't much of an issue on dictionary.com.

On your site, however, where you want to engage potential readers and draw them in to the plots and characters in your novels, for example, you want them to experience the website in the same way they might experience the book. How this is done is going to vary from one author to the next and from one demographic to another. One way that experience will always teach more is by using video. Instead of having excerpts on your website, post a video of you reading the book. If your book is well illustrated, use the images as stills while you provide the voice over.

Your online video doesn't have to be just book readings. Imagine your book was a movie - how would you sell it? What kind of experience do you want people to have when they read it? Whether you use live action, motion graphics, animation, or some form of interaction like Flash on your website, it is important to make it an experience. It is the experience that people will remember and probably share with others.

How are people experiencing your website at the moment?

I can be reached by e mail (contact at nburmandesign.com) and Twitter (@nburmandesign). NBurman Design can be found online at www.nburmandesign.com and you can also visit my blog LifeImitatingDesign.

Copywriting Services for Websites, Blogs and Business Communications

2011-12-02T02:56:00.010-07:00

This service examines what works best when creating or upgrading websites and creates editorial content to get you noticed. We explore what’s right for you and the most effective means to promote you around the world.
Websites for which I acted as copywriter include Weldex Energy Services, Seema Eye Care Centre, Harbison Dental, the Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference, plus you can see writing samples at Dark Roasted Blend, Ezine Articles, and of course right here on my blog, where new content is posted on a regular basis.

Please contact me for rates and fees with regards to your next writing project at sorcerersletterbox@gmail.com.

Writers - Help and Advice: Coaching Program for Writers

2011-12-01T03:16:00.001-07:00

The World's Largest Ship Propellers - The latest article at Dark Roasted Blend

2011-11-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest article at Dark Roasted Blend entitled The World's Largest Ship Propellers.

In the past Dark Roasted Blend has featured several different aspects of ocean-going vessels, including figureheads and ship’s sterns. This article takes a look at propellers, from a variety of ships, all of different types, but all considerable in size.

The World's Largest Ship Propellers is now published at Dark Roasted Blend, among the finest locations online to find the weird, the wonderful and the fantastic, crammed with great articles, stunning photography, plus fabulous new content which appears daily.

Online Writing Workshops for Children and Young Adults

2011-11-30T02:27:00.000-07:00

Check out Online Workshops for Children and Young Adults today.

Copywriting for Menus - Food for Thought

2011-11-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

Whether you operate a sophisticated restaurant, a small cafe, a coffee shop or specialize in traditional home cooking, your menu is a marketing tool, not just a description of the appetizers, entrees, desserts and drink selections that you offer. The best menus are well set out with easy to read copy that will always whet the appetite of your customers. I can assist you in creating menus that will spice up your business.

Visit my website or contact me directly for rates and fees at sorcerersletterbox@gmail.com

Naming My Characters - The Sorcerer's Letterbox

2011-11-29T02:43:00.001-07:00

In The Sorcerer’s Letterbox, Jack is the name of the hero, since I needed a name that could also be used today for a boy of around twelve, but which was also in keeping with the Middle Ages. Other characters in the novel, such as Richard III, Edward V and Tyrell, are of course real historical people, leading players in the mystery of the Princes in the Tower. Meg, who becomes Jack’s accomplice in 1483, is a fictional character but Meg, a variant of Margaret or even Mary, was a common female name of the period. The leader of the band of outlaws to which Meg belongs in the novel is called Will Tyler. Again, the name Will or William would have been commonplace in 1483. The name Tyler would have been an occupation surname, such as Miller, Carpenter or Cooper perhaps, but was also inspired by Wat Tyler, one of the leaders of England’s Peasant Revolt in 1381.

You can learn more about The Sorcerer's Letterbox and my other novels here.

School Programs - Virtual Author Visits by Video

2011-11-28T02:47:00.002-07:00

Autographed Books - Ideal for Christmas

2011-11-27T02:56:00.002-07:00

Ideal for Christmas. In addition to bookstores across Canada and around the world, you can also obtain signed copies of my books directly from me. I am always happy to sign books for my readers and to inscribe a special message.

Full details of all my novels - The Doomsday Mask, The Heretic's Tomb, The Emerald Curse, The Clone Conspiracy, The Sorcerer's Letterbox and The Alchemist's Portrait - can be found here on my website.

Individual books are just $10 and discounts are available for those purchasing a full set of all six books. Complete the order form at www.simon-rose.com or contact me directly by e mail at sorcerersletterbox@gmail.com.

School Programs - Author in Residence

2011-11-26T03:02:00.001-07:00

K/1/2 Story Creation

Grade 3 Fantasy Realms and Creatures

Grade 4 Superheroes

Grade 5/6/7 Time Travel, Historical Fiction and Writing Strategies

Grade 8 The Shape of Things to Come

Grade 9 People Plotting: Creating Memorable Characters

Writing Children's Books - Classes for Writers with Chinook Learning Services in Calgary, December 2011

2011-11-25T01:48:00.000-07:00

The Calgary Board of Education provides adult and continuing education through Chinook Learning Services. This fall, I am pleased to be offering the following classes in Calgary.

Writing Children's Books - Saturdays, December 3 &10

Examine the writing process from initial concept through to the finished manuscript, including how to turn ideas into stories, the creation of outlines, story structure, character development, the role of research and the importance of editing and revision, as well as examine ways to research and submit to publishing houses.

New Book Release and Book Launch - The Time Camera

2011-11-23T23:49:00.000-07:00

The Time Camera, my latest novel for middle grade readers, is now available. I will be signing copies of The Time Camera this weekend at the Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference, on November 26, from 10 am to 4 pm.

The Time Camera - Synopsis

The massive explosion in which Eleanor Chamberlain died at her research laboratory was widely seen as a tragic accident. Or was it the perfect crime? Two years later, Jake and Lydia discover a mysterious camera, capable of taking pictures of the distant past and more ominously, of the future. As they uncover the shocking truth and learn of secrets that someone will kill to protect, Jake and Lydia are soon propelled into a deadly and desperate race against time in order to save the future.

At the Children's Book Fair, I will also be signing copies of my other novels, The Doomsday Mask, The Heretic's Tomb, The Emerald Curse, The Clone Conspiracy, The Sorcerer's Letterbox and The Alchemist's Portrait. I look forward to seeing you there this weekend.

Writing Classes for Children - North Calgary January/February

2011-11-22T04:01:00.001-07:00

The Historical Background of The Doomsday Mask - Part Four

2011-11-21T02:11:00.003-07:00

Ancient Cities of the Americas

Some of the ancient cities of Central and South America served as an inspiration for parts of the story in The Doomsday Mask. The city of Tenochtitlan was established in 1325 and became the capital of the Aztec Empire, until it was conquered by the Spanish invaders in 1521. Teotihuacan is located thirty miles north of Mexico City and is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico. Chichen Itza was built by the Mayan civilization in Yucatan peninsular in Mexico. The mysterious ruins of Tiahuanaco are located near Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. Machu Picchu, often called the lost city of the Incas, is located high in the Peruvian Andes.

Autographed Books - Ideal for Christmas

2011-11-20T02:54:00.001-07:00

Ideal for Christmas. In addition to bookstores across Canada and around the world, you can also obtain signed copies of my books directly from me. I am always happy to sign books for my readers and to inscribe a special message.

Full details of all my novels - The Doomsday Mask, The Heretic's Tomb, The Emerald Curse, The Clone Conspiracy, The Sorcerer's Letterbox and The Alchemist's Portrait - can be found here on my website.

Individual books are just $10 and discounts are available for those purchasing a full set of all six books. Complete the order form at www.simon-rose.com or contact me directly by e mail at sorcerersletterbox@gmail.com.

The Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference - November 26, 2011

2011-11-19T14:27:00.001-07:00

The Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference, featuring local children's authors and illustrators, will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Centre in Calgary’s northwest. This event is a fabulous opportunity for children to meet local writers, chat with them about their work, and get an autographed copy of a favourite book. Opportunities for exhibitors are now available and registration details can be found here on our website.

All participating authors will read from their own work, followed by a short question and answer period, throughout the day. Topics covered in last year’s event included character development, science fiction and fantasy writing, the art of illustration, marketing and promotion, methods of research and publishing your novel. This year’s agenda promises to be just as impressive.

The Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference will also once again feature the Children's Fiction Writing Award. Children in four age categories will unleash their own incredible imaginations to create a truly unique story, in the genres of science fiction, fantasy or mystery. The winning entries, to be announced at the Book Fair and Conference on November 26, will then be published in an anthology.

The Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference - Inspiration, imagination and invention, right here in your own backyard. Visit www.calgarybookfair.com or contact me directly at sorcerersletterbox@gmail.com for further details.