Aug 2, 2018 Posted by Barbara Haworth-Attard

Irish Chain

 Author’s Notes When I was in school, in the mid-60’s, I remember having older children in my Grade 5 class, boys whose voices had changed. These children were taken out for “remedial reading” as they couldn’t read, and therefore couldn’t pass to the next grade. I know as students, myself included, we called them dumb, or retarded, a terrible label to place on someone. Today it would... read more

Jul 2, 2018 Posted by Barbara Haworth-Attard

Haunted

Winner:  Arthur Ellis Crime Award for Best Juvenile Fiction Dee is feeding the chickens the morning they discover the bones on the mountain. Something doesn’t feel right – and her feeling is confirmed when local police show her a ring that they found with the bones; a ring belonging to Mary Ann Simpson, who had disappeared four years ago. Other girls, Dee discovers, have disappeared too, unusual for... read more

Mar 27, 2018 Posted by Barbara Haworth-Attard

Where Do You Get Those Ideas????

One question I get all the time from school visits or readings is where do you get your story ideas from: My answer is: everywhere! I listen to conversations between people in coffee shops, etc. Yes that is creepy, but I believe it is public domain. Old newspapers give me great ideas. Think we are weird now? We were way weirder back fifty years or so. Every small town museum I go to, I ask if they have any... read more

Mar 6, 2018 Posted by Barbara Haworth-Attard

Beyond the Books Author Spotlight

For those in the London (Ontario) area, I’ll be at Western this Wednesday (March 7 2018) for an author event hosted by Beyond the Books. I’ll be with other local authors, Emma Donoghue (Room), Adrienne Kress, Michael Arntfield & Kelly Armstrong. It’ll run 6:30PM to 8:30PM in the Health Sciences Building, room 40. Admission is free! We’ll each give a brief talk, followed by a... read more

Mar 3, 2018 Posted by Barbara Haworth-Attard

And some more questions and answers

As promised, some more questions from a student and my answers. How much does education or experiences influence her or his writing process? I think everyone needs education! Get an education! I wish I had an education. I am 64 years old. I grew up in a traditional household with four brothers. When I was 17 and had Grade 12, my Mom decided that was enough education…I was also becoming quite... read more