Lori Weber

Biography:

Lori has been writing since childhood and she has the school scribblers to prove it. She did a Minor in Creative Writing at Concordia University, while majoring in English Literature, and began publishing short stories and poems in her twenties. In between obtaining a Masters Degree in English, becoming a college English teacher and a mother, she continued to pursue her writing, eventually focusing mainly on teen fiction.

In 2004, her first young adult novel, Klepto, was published. It was soon followed by three more: Split, Tattoo Heaven and Strange Beauty. From 1991 to 1993, Lori lived in St. John's Newfoundland, where she and her husband taught at Memorial University. It was a trip back to Newfoundland that inspired her latest young adult novel, If You Live Like Me.

When asked why she writes young adult fiction, Lori doesn't always know; all she knows is that she likes teens: they are spunky, full of life and angst, all good grist for the mill. She is also a huge reading fan of the genre. Being able to combine teaching literature to teens and writing books for teens means she is acutely aware of the important role that stories can play in young people's lives. In her own Creative Writing classes, she tries to encourage students to tap into their creativity and to tell their unique stories.

Lori has been back in Montreal for fifteen years now. As a third generation Montrealer, she is strongly attached to the city, and it often features prominently in her books, even when the book is set elsewhere. Setting is something Lori loves to develop in her writing and she encourages new writers not to ignore it. Much of the texture and symbolism in her books comes through setting. Lori is currently working on her first verse novel for teens. She lives in Pointe-Claire with her husband, daughter, and two cats, who both love to sprawl over her papers. She dreams of teaching them to read. Oh, what editing (and marking) they might do!

Presentation Information:

Show Not Tell Workshop
In this hands-on workshop, the author works with students to teach them how to use concrete language in order to show and not tell in their writing. The focus is on description, dialogue and character. Students learn how to write in a way that will grab the reader. The author shares excerpts of her own writing where she paid particular attention to concrete details in order to capture a mood or emotion. Students write and share their own work.

Becoming a Writer
In this presentation, the author talks about her five published books; what inspired her to write them and the journey from conception to publication, with an emphasis on helping young writers begin their own writing careers. Getting started, finding mentors, sending out material, dealing with rejection, staying motivated. Students have the opportunity to ask questions throughout. Lori shares her rejection letters in order to inspire young writers to persevere!

One True Thing
In this presentation, Lori talks about her books, focusing on how each one is based on one true thing. She shares what that thing is, then shows how she took that kernel of reality and turned it into fiction, building a narrative around it. The intent is to inspire young writers to dig deep into their own lives looking for that special moment, that kernel of reality that can sprout and become the basis for a work of fiction. The session can end with an opportunity for students to write about something that really happened to them.

Writing for Teens
In this presentation, which is geared to adults, the writer shares her insights on some of the particular joys and challenges of writing young adult fiction, covering topics such gathering story ideas, capturing the teen voice, and dealing with risky material. The author will share some of her own writing along the way!

If You Live Like Me
In this presentation, the author talks about how living in Newfoundland inspired her to write her newest book, the only one of her books set in that province. The talk branches out to the importance of capturing a strong sense of place in one's writing. Being an English author in Quebec will be addressed, along with the particular challenges this entails. Lori will read from her book and answers question on any aspect of writing or being a writer.

A combo of the above
Lori can also combine speaking about writing and becoming a writer with some hands-on activities for students to improve their own creative writing.

Book List / Discography:

If You Live Like Me (Lobster Press, 2009)

Strange Beauty (James Lorimer & Company, 2006)

Tattoo Heaven (James Lorimer & Company, 2005)

Split (James Lorimer & Company, 2005)

Klepto (James Lorimer & Company, 2004)

Awards:

Klepto
Shortlisted ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults 2006

Split
Canadian Children’s Book Centre Our Choice 2006 selection

Tattoo Heaven
Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books for Kids & Teens 2008 selection

Strange Beauty
Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books for Kids & Teens 2008 selection

Praise for Lori Weber:

"Lori Weber led a writing workshop for a group of our students from several grade levels. The students enjoyed the various writing activities and we all felt it encouraged our budding authors to continue to write using new strategies. Ms. Weber also conducted a workshop for our literacy class. This is a group of students in grade eight who either have difficulty reading or don’t read because they don’t like to. The experience of meeting a published author motivated this group of students. As a result of this encounter, we noticed these students borrowing Lori Weber’s books from the library."

Dayle Cushen, Librarian
Lindsay Place High School

"Lori Weber has made a number of dynamic and engaging presentations to students at Vanier College. She has always been able to provide students with valuable insights into the creative process and both the joys and challenges of writing. Many students tell me that they see reading in a completely new light after Lori has talked to the class."

Ron Curtis, English Teacher
Vanier College

"Your discussion of setting was of great value to me. While I'd always known that you should choose a setting you know a fair deal about and one that is in keeping with the nature of your story, I'd never considered just how effective setting can be in the story-telling process. In future, I'll definitely make my setting as effective as possible, and I might even try my hand at your concept of creating image patterns."

Julia Wagner, student
Marianopolis College

"My 'Writing for Children' class at Marianopolis College loved Lori Weber's recent visit. They enjoyed her straightforward down-to-earth style and her very practical tips for getting started on a story and for making the most of setting. Students also benefitted from Lori's insightful critiques of their work.

Monique Polak

Craft:

author

Genre:

YA fiction, teen fiction

Ideal Audience Size:

20 – 30 for students; 40 for adults

Maximum Audience Size:

40 for students;
no max. for adult audiences

Grades:

7 – 12

Special Equipment:

PowerPoint

Website:

Lori Weber’s Site

School Reading Fee:

$150.00 per reading

Public Reading Fee:

$250.00 per reading (four readings covered by the Canada Council)

Book Week Tour Contact:

Gail Hamilton
Tel: 204.654.3721
manitoba@bookcentre.ca