Author
Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Awards – Young Adult / Middle Reader
2002 Recipient
” Winning this award was very important. It helped me to believe in myself and go on to publish two more books with Penguin and now the fourth. When I get discouraged I remind myself that I won this award, voted on by the teens. “
What are you currently doing?
I am close to finishing my fourth teen novel. Since the Award I went back to work at CBC for nine years where I was the executive producer for CBC.ca
What did receiving the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award for Young Adult / Middle Reader mean to you?
It was very important. It helped me to believe in myself and go on to publish two more books with Penguin and now the fourth. When I get discouraged I remind myself that I won this award, voted on by the teens.
What does private arts philanthropy mean to you as a working artist?
Very important. It was lovely that a cheque came with the award and that someone took the time to set out a program to recognize children’s writers. Too often awards come with strings – a week in a school environment or such. I prefer to devote my time to writing. I think this award is very special and is my most treasured honour.