When her writing for children instructor encouraged the class to draw on their childhoods and write about the child they knew best, Teresa Toten knew she had to tell the story of moving from the Jewish markets to the suburbs.
“I was 10 years old and remember wanting to fit in … but with a mother who had an accent, I also wondered how much of your soul do you sell to belong,” says the Croatian immigrant.
The novel, The Onlyhouse, was published in 1995. It has earned numerous kudos, including Canadian Library Association Honour Book and Canadian Children Book Centre’s Our Choice Award.
Toten studied political economy at university and wrote and broadcast for Radio Canada International, but never considered writing for children until she became a mother. She enrolled in the introductory writing for children class offered by George Brown College in Toronto.
Her picture book, Bright Red Kisses, will be published next year.
“I probably read it in class 10 years ago. It took that long to get it right. It’s about 470 words. Do the math,” she says.
You’ll find writing for children courses at numerous colleges and universities, including George Brown College. Its courses are offered through the creative writing program in its continuing education department. In George Brown’s introductory course, students are introduced to the full spectrum of children’s literature, including picture books, poetry, short stories, chapter books, teen fiction, non-fiction and children’s plays.
Finally, it takes skill to become successful.