Students and adults in the Drumheller area will have the chance to expand their literary horizons thanks to two of Alberta’s home-grown authors.
Marty Chan, author of a series of mystery novels, and Cora Taylor, who won the Governor General’s Award for her novel Julie, will be in Drumheller April 22 to 26 to present Wordpower.
The program, sponsored by the Young Alberta Book Society and Cenovus Energy, is an initiative to promote literacy by connecting students with Albertan authors. This is the second year of the program.
“The connection between authors and students can often inspire kids to want to read an author’s books, which then can evolve into a lifelong passion for reading. On some occasions, the interactions can also trigger a desire to write,” said Chan.
Marty Chan...
Albertan author tours Drumheller with Wordpower
“I remember going to a school some years ago to teach a writing workshop. One girl was so excited that her hand shot up every time I asked a question. I found out later that this girl was a reluctant reader and a problem student, but because of my visit her attitude changed into a positive one.”
This is the second year Chan has been involved in the program after applying to be a part of the tour. In addition to Chan and Taylor, six other authors/illustrators/storytellers are touring communities in southern Alberta.
In addition to visiting local schools, the two authors will give a presentation entitled “Schemes and Scenes: writing for page and stage” at the Drumheller Public Library on April 23 at 7 p.m. The presentation is aimed at adult writers who want to learn more about writing fiction or theatre. The workshop is sponsored by Cenovus Energy and the Drumheller Public Library.
One connection with a writer or illustrator can ignite a kid’s dreams,” said Chan. “Who knows? Maybe 20 years from now, a successful author will say she pursued her career because of a writer who came to her school and showed her that a writing career was possible.”
While spring has been a long time coming for the valley, local volunteers are gearing up for another Earth Day Challenge this Monday.
