Edmonton-based author Joe Simons is retired from a satisfying career in special ed programs with ECSD. He is currently working on the the sequel to Under A Living Sky which he looks forward to sharing someday! Joseph is offering both in-person and online sessions for 2022-23 and he is open to travel.
For more than thirty years, Karen Gummo has performed far and wide as a creative storyteller, probing her Scandinavian heritage, seeking to learn and decipher world wisdom, and undertaking many school residencies. Please check back in August for Karen's touring availability.
A former elementary and junior-high teacher, Karen is the author of eight middle-grade and young adult novels. Her books feature relatable kids and teens working through contemporary problems and are often set in Edmonton, where Karen has lived for many years. Please check back in late August for Karen's touring plans and availability.
Kate A. Boorman is an Edmonton-based author who was born in Nepal and raised in Rimbey, Alberta. Kate has participated as a guest and presenter at a variety of festivals and conferences in Western Canada, has been artist-in-residence within EPSB, and has been a member of YABS since 2015. She will not be available for Taleblazers 2022 due to prior commitments.
Edmonton-based Katherine Koller writes for stage, screen and page. She has taught in the Department of English and Film Studies at the University of Alberta, and at Maskwacis Cultural College. She has given talks about writing, especially on dialogue, across the country. For Fall 2022, Katherine is offering both in-person and virtual sessions, and she is open to travel.
For over twenty-five years Kathy has brought her stories and popular writing workshops to schools, libraries, concerts and festivals across Canada and internationally. Kathy is offering both in-person and virtual sessions for 2022 and is open to travel.
A former teacher, Lois Donovan is the author of two Young Adult, time-travel historical novels. In addition to reading and writing, Lois enjoys sharing her passion for Canada’s stories, and her love of writing at schools, conferences and conventions. Lois is currently a non-touring member and will not be available for Taleblazers bookings in Fall 2022.
Lorna Schultz Nicholson is full-time writer who divides her time between Edmonton, Alberta and Penticton, British Columbia. She has published children’s picture books, middle grade fiction, YA fiction and non-fiction sports books. Lorna’s books are about family, friendships, and, well, the ups and downs of life. For the 2022/23 school year, Lorna is offering all of her sessions both in-person and online. She is open to travel.
A vagabond of writing genres, Edmonton author Marty Chan has written for theatre, television, radio, and kids publishing. Marty will be offering virtual visits exclusively for the 2022-2023 school year.
Passionate in her craft, Mary Ann’s present day intergenerational storytelling is an evolving art form that blends an engaging educational experience with animated entertainment. For Fall 2022, Mary Ann will be considering in-person sessions with limited availability on a case-by-case basis.
