After a career as an intrepid high school reporter with the Beamsville Express and St. Catharines Standard, Frayne acquired an Honours BA in Visual Art and English Literature, a B.Ed. with specialization in Intermediate/Senior Visual Art and English, and an M.Ed. in Curriculum Writing. Her adventure as a High School teacher and Elementary administrator lasted more than 3 decades. The vanished former Niagara Courthouse and Jail was the setting for her debut novel, 'Caught Between the Walls.' Her YA novel, 'The Sound of a Rainbow' won the 2020 Muskoka Novel Marathon Contest, and was published by Latitude 46 Publishing in Spring 2023. As a board member of the NOTL Writers' Circle, and the Niagara Branch of the Canadian Authors' Association, she actively connects with other writers and presents workshops for writers. She's the past Editor of the CAA annual Anthology (15 Stories High), and has appeared as guest speaker at numerous arts festivals. As a reader for the CBC, she was featured in a televised production of 'A Christmas Carol.'
Her award winning short stories were recognized by: DarkWinter Literary Press, the Canadian Authors Association (TO), Simcoe Arts Council, NOWW, Stratford Rotary Club, and NOTL WC. She's published by DarkWinter Literary Magazine, CommuterLit, Uproar, Agnes and True, the Ekphrastic Review and local media. For more information, go to http://www.sharonfrayne.com
1. Discussion/talk about the writing life. What personal qualities does an author need?
or
2. Open presentation on YA novel 'The Sound of a Rainbow'. This novel is set in an inclusive Performing Arts Summer Camp in Northern Ontario. The protagonist is a 16-year-old former 'pop star' who has been destroyed by social media. How she learns to rebuilt her self confidence, and develop empathy for other special needs campers is an uplifting story of hope.
or
3. Open presentation on YA hybrid non-fiction/fiction novel 'Caught Between the Walls'. This novel shares the perspective of 10 people, between 1820 - 1920, who spent time in the former NOTL Courthouse and Jail. It includes tales of Indigenous people, early colonialists, an escaped American slave, and 'Home Children' who were sold into indentured servitude. Thoroughly researched, engaging stories of the people whose lives affected current Canadian laws and attitudes.
Seven Steps to Successful Short Stories
A highly interactive Powerpoint Presentation on writing Short Stories. Students will review the essential elements of a Short Story, and seven steps to better writing. This is an engaging, fun and focused presentation. We'll also explore how to generate ideas, and create characters. Following the presentation and discussion, there will be time for guided personal writing.
1. Discussion/talk about the writing life. What personal qualities does an author need?
or
2. Open presentation on YA novel 'The Sound of a Rainbow'. This novel is set in an inclusive Performing Arts Summer Camp in Northern Ontario. The protagonist is a 16-year-old former 'pop star' who has been destroyed by social media. How she learns to rebuilt her self confidence, and develop empathy for other special needs campers is an uplifting story of hope.
or
3. Open presentation on YA hybrid non-fiction/fiction novel 'Caught Between the Walls'. This novel shares the perspective of 10 people, between 1820 - 1920, who spent time in the former NOTL Courthouse and Jail. It includes tales of Indigenous people, early colonialists, an escaped American slave, and 'Home Children' who were sold into indentured servitude. Thoroughly researched, engaging stories of the people whose lives affected current Canadian laws and attitudes.
OR
Seven Steps to Successful Short Stories
A highly interactive Powerpoint Presentation on writing Short Stories. Students will review the essential elements of a Short Story, and seven steps to better writing. This is an engaging, fun and focused presentation. We'll also explore how to generate ideas, and create characters. Following the presentation and discussion, there will be time for guided personal writing.
