Presentations

Here are a few of my presentations at Schools, Libraries, Festivals, and Conferences across Canada and Internationally.
CANSCAIP's (Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers) annual conference PYI (Packaging your Imagination), November 2012
Culturally Responsive Practices Conference organized by Marsha Forbes, Chair of Anti-racism and Equity Committee, Peel Elementary Teachers’ Local Feb 2015.
AFCC (Asian Festival of Children's Content), Singapore 2014
a) The Importance of Myth and Magic for Imagination and Creativity
b) Canadian Books: Canadian Asian Writers
c) Deconstructing Spooky Yarns (with Cristy Burns)
http://afcc.com.sg/2014/speakers
Surrey International Writers’ Conference, BC 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022
Vancouver Writers Festival 2017, 2025
Sunshine Coast Writers Festival 2019
Word Vancouver 2019, 2023
Whistler Writers Festival 2025
Writing Excuses Podcast Host Season 14 : Worldbuilding Season 14 | Writing Excuses
Writing Excuses Cruise Instructor 2023
Workshops:
Sophie’s Studio at TPL (Toronto Public Library), March and Dec 2011, October 2016
TDSB (Toronto District School Board) Writer-In Residence, 2014-2016
TD/CCBC Book Week (Manitoba 2011), (Virtual Presentations 2022) (British Columbia 2017)

This interactive session pulls back the curtain on how lived experience, research, and folklore become page-turners. Features titles like Ghost Queen, The Tiffin, Mission Mumbai, Valley of the Rats, and The Third Eye, with time for rich Q&A.
- Curricular connections:
  • Ontario Language: Reading (analyze themes, cite evidence), Writing (narrative techniques), Oral Communication (purpose/audience), Media Literacy (purpose and point of view).
  • BC ELA: Comprehend & Connect; Create & Communicate; Core Competencies (Communication; Personal & Social).
  • IB MYP Language & Literature: Objectives A–D (Analyzing, Organizing, Producing Text, Using Language); ATL skills (Communication, Thinking).
- SEL/Cultural: identity and belonging (The Boy and the Banyan Tree), resilience and choices (The Tiffin; The Third Eye), diaspora and Mumbai urban life (Mission Mumbai), folklore and fear (Ghost Queen).
A hands-on writing lab where grades 4-6 learn a repeatable suspense toolkit to apply to their own stories. Mentor texts include WARNED: The Astrologer’s Prophecy, HAUNTED: The Cursed Lake, POSSESSED: The Ouija Board, and Valley of the Rats.
- Students will: craft suspense using sensory detail, pacing, and cliffhangers; plan with a simple story map; draft the opening hook of a story and receive constructive feedback.
- Curricular connections:
  • Ontario Language: Writing (idea development, organization, revision), Reading (genre conventions—horror/mystery), Oral Communication (peer feedback).
  • BC ELA: Create & Communicate (literary techniques, voice, conventions); Comprehend & Connect (purpose/audience).
  • IB MYP Language & Literature: Objectives C–D (Producing Text, Using Language); ATL (Organization, Reflection).
- SEL/Cultural: understanding fear and courage; empathy through character choice; superstition vs. science (WARNED).
A confidence-building session for students that demystifies high-interest/low-readability fiction and gets reluctant readers turning pages. Features hi-lo thrillers such as CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR AND GHOST QUEEN and my inspiration and process for writing these books.
Students will recognize how short chapters, controlled vocabulary, and strong hooks aid comprehension.
Students will learn to choose “just-right” hi-lo books without stigma by using the 100-word test and quick visual cues (white space, line length, font size), building independence and self-advocacy as readers.
- Curricular connections:
  • Ontario Language: Reading (fluency, comprehension strategies), Media Literacy (audience/purpose), Oral Communication (listening/speaking in discussion).
  • BC ELA: Comprehend & Connect (apply strategies to make meaning); Core Competencies (Personal Awareness & Responsibility—goal setting).
  • IB MYP Language & Literature: Objectives A & D (Analyzing, Using Language); ATL (Self-management—goal setting; Communication).
- SEL/Cultural: inclusive representation (Indian settings, diaspora, friendship, fairness/honesty and building confidence through attainable wins) EMBRACE THE CHICKEN and PROJECT BOLLYWOOD.
- For all of the above, please contact me for details regarding the honorarium based on audience size and number of sessions.
- In person visits may be possible based on location and number of sessions. Please reach out to discuss.
Tech needs: stable internet plus audio and video capability to show book trailers; projector/screen and speakers recommended.
  • Recording policy: I prefer that my sessions are not recorded.
  • Rescheduling guarantee: If tech or unforeseen issues arise, I will reschedule at no extra charge.
CONTACT ME
Prominent testimonials:
  • “That was the best author presentation I have ever had!” — Rosemary Renton, Teacher-Librarian, Andrew Hunter E.S.
  • “Two of my reluctant readers asked for Ghost Queen during silent reading afterwards!” — Natalie Mah, Teacher-Librarian, Don Ross Middle School
  • “Over 400 students from 20 classes… you found ways to encourage the kids to engage throughout.” — Laura Van Alphen, School Liaison
  • “Students were trying to read the book before the session even ended.” — Asif-Aly Penwala, Community Educator & Secondary Teacher, Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board (Canada)
For Schools in Canada, Subsidies are available from The Writers Union of Canada with Writers-in-the-Schools Program and Public Readings.

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