Vicki Grant
Biography:"Giggling continues to be a problem." I must have driven my teachers crazy. Reading my report cards now makes me cringe but there wasn't much I could do about my behaviour then. I just had a buzzy brain. I couldn't sit still. I couldn't shut up. I couldn't stop laughing. I was lucky I went to school in the brief period between the end of the strap and the beginning of Ritalin because I'm sure violence or drugging me into a stupor must have crossed a number of otherwise decent people's minds. As I got older, my bounciness became as much a torment for me as it had been for my teachers (my parents, my bosses, my boyfriends…) By my mid-twenties, I despaired of ever making anything of myself. I had all these ideas – but also all these unfinished projects, abandoned degrees, impossible schemes. Who knows what would have become of me if I hadn't fallen into advertising copywriting? Somehow I'd found a career where being the class clown wasn't just an asset, it was the norm. All the people I worked with were just like me: jokers, dilettantes, crazies. That's what we got paid for. That's why we won awards. For the first time in our lives, we were top of the class. I eventually left advertising and became a writer and producer of children's television. (I met my share of class clowns there too.) I loved it but after seven or eight years in the business I realized I was ready for something else. One day, it just popped into my head that I’d like to write a book. In a move that would no doubt shock Mr. Spencer and all the beleaguered teachers who came after him, the girl who could barely sit through a single 45-minute period, sat down and wrote a 40,000-word novel. That was The Puppet Wrangler. In the five years since then, I've written seven other books. I'm still flighty and buzzy-brained – but somehow that seems okay now. Presentation Information:Vicki has been an advertising copywriter, a television screenwriter and a YA novelist. She can discuss any of these topics but prefers to focus on what goes into writing comic novels and mysteries for young people. Where do ideas come from? How do you build suspense? How do you make people laugh? Vicki begins her presentation by talking about the winding route she took to become an author. She then reads excerpts from her books and answers questions from the class about the writing process. She adapts the tone and content to suit the grade level. Book List / Discography:Nine Doors (Orca Book Publishers, 2009) Not Suitable for Family Viewing (HarperCollins, 2009) Res Judicata (Orca Book Publishers, 2008) I.D. (Orca Book Publishers, 2007) Pigboy (Orca Book Publishers, 2006) Quid Pro Quo (Orca Book Publishers, 2005) Dead End Job (Orca Book Publishers,2005) The Puppet Wrangler (Orca Book Publishers, 2004) Awards:The Puppet Wrangler Quid Pro Quo Dead End Job Pigboy I.D. Res Judicata Praise for Vicki Grant:“Vicki Grant's presentation at George Harvey Collegiate captivated our students. Her lively reading of passages selected from her novels had broad appeal, reminding all who attended of the trials and tribulations, and the awkward yet amusing moments that come with the journey through childhood. Students were also eager to learn about Vicki's experiences as a writer and producer of children's television shows. Vicki's author visit surpassed our highest expectations.” Michael Kohn, Teacher “We had Vicki Grant at our school recently to speak to our grade eight students. Her wonderful rapport with the students made her a big hit. A quick discussion with the teachers involved resulted in the consensus that they would book her again!" Tracy Hamilton, Teacher "Ms. Grant's visit to our school has had a lasting impression on students who continue to seek out her books and to recommend them to other students. She is an engaging, funny and very personable speaker." Trish Rubin, Librarian “Vicki is an absolute delight to work with from every aspect involved in hosting an author reading. She has a most warm and kind disposition and all ages relish her keen sense of humour. Her readings are well organized and her easy style allows her reading and workshops to make a mark with children and adults too. Vicki has become a friend of our library. Children love her books and both students and teachers often ask us ‘when is Vicki coming back?’” Linda Arsenault, Head Librarian |
 Craft:author Genre:junior fiction, YA fiction, teen fiction, hi-lo books Ideal Audience Size:30 Maximum Audience Size:60 Grades:5 – 12 Website:School Reading Fee:$169.50 per reading (includes HST) Public Reading Fee:$250.00 per reading (four readings covered by the Canada Council) Book Week Tour Contact:Ginger Mullen |