Calgary-based Ginger Mullen has been telling stories in schools, libraries, early childhood centres, and community organizations since 1992. Ginger is currently a non-touring member of YABS and not available for Taleblazers due to prior commitments.
Edmonton-based Tololwa Mollel is a storyteller, dramatist, and an award-winning author of over twenty books for the young and not so young in English and in Swahili, the national language of his native African country of Tanzania. Tololwa will be available for both in-person and virtual presentations for 2023-24.
Research, readings and workshopping tours take Ms Shirlee Smith Matheson across the country to schools, libraries, museums, and organizations, where she relates stories contained in her published books, short stories and articles. Historical aviation and northern-related histories and biographies are her specialties, preserving stories for future generations. Shirlee is a non-touring member with YABS, but she welcomes inquiries from prospective hosts.
Nicole is the author of fourteen SF and fantasy books for young adults. She lives with her family in Edmonton and it is physically impossible for her to go more than three days in a row without writing. Nicole is currently a non-touring member with YABS. Please inquire if you'd like to contact Nicole directly for private bookings.
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. Mary Ann is currently a non-touring member and will not be available for Taleblazers 2023, but she is open to inquiries for private bookings. She can be reached at prmalippiatt@gmail.com or 780-941-3843.
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 2023, Katherine is offering both in-person and virtual sessions, and she is open to travel.
With over fifty picture books and children's novels to her credit, Canmore-based Hazel Hutchins is an experienced presenter who takes delight in sharing her stories and creative writing tips with elementary students across Canada and beyond. Hazel will be available for online sessions exclusively in 2023-24.
Born in Alberta, Calgary-based Faye Reineberg Holt loves tracking down and writing the dramatic stories of our prairie and Canadian past. As a writer, she has published short stories, articles, a poetry chapbook, and fourteen non-fiction books. Faye is available for in-person sessions within 90 minutes of Calgary and online sessions province-wide.
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. Karen is available for in-person Taleblazers bookings during the first week of October 2023.
Joan is an internationally acclaimed author with more than 20 titles, and translations in five languages. She enjoys partnering facts and storytelling to engage young readers in science, engineering, and other STEM topics. She will be available for both in-person and virtual bookings in 2023-24 and is open to travel.
