what i’m working on…

Tales from the lilypad podcast since 2014

My independent, monthly podcast for kids & family is an ongoing, open-access project. I produce a monthly story. Stories are original by yours truly, or re-written and re-arranged folklore and fairy tales. Some episodes are sleepcasts or mindfulness stories. I cherish this venue that helps me hone my voice and craft and feel connected to millions of kids around the world.

The gnominomicon

Fans of Tales from the Lilypad will recognize some of the characters in my new work-in-progress, a humorous novel for readers 8-11, THE GNOMINOMICON. It’s about gnomes crankily and stupidly ignoring the folksy wisdom of their ancient book of knowledge. It's a story within a story. I often think about how stories need homes. And when you make one for them, they arrive with their baggage and gifts and move in. And the characters start talking. And it's just magic. This is what is happening inside my head right now. I love how perfectly the process is illustrated by Kate Phillips https://www.katemariephillips.com/ [nicked from her Instagram page @kate.m.phillips]

Grateful for support from The Canada Council for the Arts towards the writing of this novel.

folkloric research

I am reading stories and histories to answer the research questions: Where do gnomes come from? Where did gnome stories originate? How did gnomes become the characters we think of today? What are the most impactful types of cultural transfer by which gnomes spread around the world? What sort of cultural sensitivies are important to folklorists developing gnomes for modern audiences? With Gratitude to The Edmonton Arts Council for Exploration & Experimentation research funding for literary artists towards this project.