L.E. Sterling (also published under pen names L. E. Vollick and Erin Vollick) is the author of multiple novels spanning contemporary, fantasy, science-fiction, dystopian and romance genres. Her hit Young Adult series, the True Born Trilogy (Entangled Teen) was optioned for television by Glamazon Pictures. True Born, the first novel in the trilogy, was recognized internationally with the 2017 Athena Award® in Young Adult literature. Sterling has appeared at several international literary events, including Book Con (NYC), the LA Times Festival of Books, and Science Fiction/Fantasy convention Ad Astra (Toronto).
L. E. Sterling holds both a B.A. (York University) and M.A. (Concordia University) in Creative Writing, as well as a Ph.D. in Literature (McGill University). A former CEGEP and University instructor of Creative Writing, English Literature and English Composition, Sterling has more than twelve years of experience in leading both small and large classes, including Creative Writing workshops. Additionally, she has both founded and led communications portfolios for not-for-profits, including ten years in senior communications roles at the University of Toronto. For more than five years, she was editor-in-chief of the internationally admired alumni magazine, U of T Dentistry.
YA Through the Ages
YA continues to take the book world by storm! In this presentation, award-winning YA author L. E. Sterling breaks down what makes YA so compelling for so many (hint: YA is not just for young adults) and will stroll audiences through a short history of the YA story. Beginning with Shakespeare and culminating with the contemporary era (with The Outsiders and Catcher in the Rye) and the absolute explosion of popularity in YA after Twilight and into the current era, with The Hate U Give, this presentation will touch on some of the themes of YA novels, and why the Young Adult market continues to resonate with readers - young and old - around the globe.
FICTION WRITING: THE NOVEL
This workshop is designed to teach participants the nitty-gritty of successful novel writing. From iron-clad structures and story tropes to how character motivation pushes a great plot, this 8-week intensive course will impart professional tips and tricks of the trade essential to producing novels that get attention.
General concepts to be covered during the workshop will include but are not limited to: initial idea development; novelistic structure; character development and motivation; the perfect plot; and how to handle tertiary characters.
Each week, participants will: learn one or more essential theories; participate in short writing exercises. As elements of successful novel writing are mastered, participants will also have opportunities to develop and workshop their own, original novel concepts.
YA Through the Ages
YA continues to take the book world by storm! In this presentation, award-winning YA author L. E. Sterling breaks down what makes YA so compelling for so many (hint: YA is not just for young adults) and will stroll audiences through a short history of the YA story. Beginning with Shakespeare and culminating with the contemporary era (with The Outsiders and Catcher in the Rye) and the absolute explosion of popularity in YA after Twilight and into the current era, with The Hate U Give, this presentation will touch on some of the themes of YA novels, and why it continues to resonate with readers - young and old - around the globe.
