What's your background?
One quarter English, one quarter Irish, one quarter Scottish, and one quarter Yorkshire terrier.
Where were you born?
I was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, grew up in the Annapolis Valley, which is also in Nova Scotia, and now live in Toronto, a.k.a. the Centre of the Universe.
You spelled "Center" wrong.
Did I? Well, you're not going to like how I spell "favourite" then.
What's your favourite book?
It's whatever I'm in the mood for at any given moment. But you know how there are some books you'll just open to a random spot and start re-reading? Mind include: Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery; Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen; High Fidelity by Nick Hornby; One Day by David Nicholls; In the Shadow of Man by Jane Goodall; Angel Square by Brian Doyle; and the poems of Dennis Lee. I'm forgetting a whole bunch, so this list will get longer over time...
Where do you get your ideas?
As my mother says, I pull them out of my pancreas. Which is to say, I don't always know. Sometimes from my own experiences or someone else's. Sometimes they just pop into my head. What you learn from working in the book industry is that getting ideas is the easy part. Figuring out how to get them onto paper, that's the difficult bit.
Where does your name come from?
I think my parents?
Can you visit my school or library?
I'd love to! For information about presentation details, fees, and availability, please be in touch via the contact page.
Can you lead a workshop or present at a conference?
I lead workshops on writing and publishing for young readers, and have presented at conferences and other professional events on those same subjects. I can also speak about my work in reading promotion and support for local writers and publishers in Africa. Please query via the contact page to discuss.
Will you read my manuscript?
I'm currently only accepting freelance editing projects through publishers and agencies, but will post information on my web site and on social media if that changes. Consider paying for a professional critique through CANSCAIP's Blue Pencil Mentorship Program.
How do I find a publisher?
Start here. I also recommend that you attend writers conferences and join authors organizations in your home country to make connections with editors, agents, and fellow writers and to gain access to helpful resources.
Will you refer me to your publisher or agent?
In many countries, including the U.S. and U.K., most publishers prefer to receive queries and submissions from agents. My agency is Folio Literary Management. Visit their web site to learn which agents are currently accepting clients, their specific interests, and their submissions process. In Canada, there are a number of independent children's publishers currently accepting un-agented manuscripts. You can purchase a list here.
Will you send me a free book?
If you can't find my books at your local library, consider asking them to order the title(s) for you.
Do you have any siblings?
I have two. One lives a life shrouded in secrecy. The other lives here on the internet.
Wait, are you "Haddy"?
