About the Author

About J.L.Scharf
J. L. (Joyce) Scharf was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and moved at an early age to Montreal, Quebec. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Graphic Design from Concordia University. She entered the world of publishing and advertising straight out of school and went on to be an Art Director and eventually a Creative Director with Montreal advertising agencies. In 1993, she opened her own shop with her husband, Ian. Joyce’s flair for art and copy writing has earned her awards not only in Canada but also in New York, Chicago, and London. This is her first novel.

On Writing
I have always known that there was a book inside me–I just didn’t know what it was. Over the years there were a few attempts, but none felt right. It was only when I needed a break from writing advertising did I sit with poised fingers at my keyboard ready to search my brain for what to write. We’ve all heard this a million time, “Write what you know.” And what did I know? The year of stories I told my daughter when she was five.
Oh, how I wish I could remember them all.

On Getting Published
First of all, finish your manuscript. Then edit, edit, edit. Give a copy to someone you trust who will give you an honest opinion. Then edit, edit, edit. Research publishers that produce the genre of your manuscript. There’s no point in sending a fantasy ms to a publisher who only produces historical novels. Follow guidelines to the letter, then send, send, send it out. Expect rejection letters. I have about twenty-five. Perseverance is the key.

Helpful Resources
The Children’s Writer’s Market
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre www.bookcentre.ca
The Writer’s Union of Canada www.writersunion.ca
Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers www.canscaip.org

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