I’ve been teaching the non-fiction workshop at the Vancouver Public Library’s book camp this week, and whew… this whole teaching thing is tiring. Nonetheless, it’s been a ton of fun. Here are some of the things I’ve learned so far:

• There are 12-year-olds more talented than I am.
• Ivan E. Coyote is cool. (And the new writer in residence.)
• The word “fascinating” should be banned from all non-fiction writing.
• Kari-Lynn Winters knows actual techniques for writing funny stuff. (I would like to know them. But then I’d have to skip my own workshop to go to hers.)
• Stories about little brothers poisoning themselves are all the rage.
• I really don’t have the wardrobe necessary to leave the house five days in a row.

And, my personal favorite, overheard from Christopher Millin’s character workshop:

• Characters don’t have to be human.

Well, they do in my non-fiction workshop. ‘Cause I’m all about the FACTS!