COLLEEN TAYLOR MCCUBBIN

BIOGRAPHY

Colleen Taylor McCubbin has extensive experience with the English language through teaching, writing, singing, editing, and publishing. She holds two Master's degrees (regent College and Briercrest Seminary), has written and produced two CDs, edited and published three children't books and two books for adults. Colleen is a member of The Word Guild and she works as the Bookstore Manager Ambrose University in Calgary. She is married to Kevin, step-mom to Stephanie, and is active in Bible quizzing and worship at Okotoks Alliance Church. Learn more at her website:  www.siretona.com.

EDITING

Desparate. That is the condition of too many published books.  I once read a little novel in which a tornado devastated a ranch, leaving "scattered bales scattered around." Oh dear. Not only did that tornado deliver fast destruction, someone delivered fast publication. Too fast. Was it the author? Editor(s)? Publisher? We will discuss the roles and responsibilities for each of these in giving due care and attention to reviewing, rewriting, and releasing a well-crafted product to your reader.

WRITING BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

"It is said that the effect of eating too much lettuce is 'soporific'" (Beatrix Potter, The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies).

Children’s books are generally short, but that doesn’t make them easy to write. Rather than defining “soporific” directly, Beatrix Potter engages her readers in a tiny drama to show them the meaning.  From ABC board books to chapter books, how can we produce stories for children that charm, inform and nurture children intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually without being overly didactic? This session will explore ways of crafting excellent writing for children.