Writers: Linda Hutsell Manning

Artist's Statement

I have always been driven by my imagination. In high school I lived for theatre productions and acting and then much later, in university, discovered writing - creating my own worlds and characters.

When I am working on a book, I move into the story - become the story. The real world fades into shadow. I have a general idea of plot and character but then the chapters often unfold as movie scenes, the characters talking and moving while I type furiously to keep up with them. They go off on tangents I haven’t expected and new characters show up. In the first draft, I let this happen as it will and write until I think I have reached the end.

Then the real work begins. I must begin the cold hard job of editing, of deciding what really belongs in the story and what doesn’t. Ten to fifteen drafts later, I am usually satisfied.

Bio

Linda Hutsell-Manning’s publications include juvenile fiction and plays, poetry, short fiction and TV scripts. She has worked as a free-lance journalist; taught creative writing; hosted author readings and promoted her work internationally.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1940, she moved to the Cobourg area at age nine. After graduating from Toronto Teachers’ College, she taught for two years at SS#2 Hamilton Township, a one room school between Cobourg and Port Hope. She has a B.A. from the University of Guelph and began writing full time in 1976.

Her Wonder Horn Series includes Jason and the Wonder Horn Coteau Books 2002, Jason and the Deadly Diamonds Coteau Books 2004, Jason and the Portrait Snatchers (recently completed) and Jason and the Vimy Tunnels (work-in-progress). Her literary novel, That Summer in Franklin will be published by Second Story Press, Toronto with a book launch at The Avid Reader March 15, 2011.

Website: www.lindahutsellmanning.com,
Email:

Praise for Linda Hutsell-Manning

"Linda Hutsell-Manning enchanted the students with her wonderful readings and enthusiasm for writing during her visit to Copper Cliff Public School. She inspired many students to pursue their story writing during her writing workshop. The students and staff of our school were thrilled to have her visit us for the day!"

- Copper Cliff Teacher, Katrina Nadeau

"I really like the German peoples' names, like Wolfgang. I stayed very focused the whole way through, and I couldn't wait for the exciting conclusion. I think that people who like history, or time-travel, would like Jason and the Wonder Horn."

- Emily Boyd, Moran, Kansas USA, age 8

"Our granddaughter, Paige, was quite impressed with your author reading at C.R. Gummow school (Cobourg, ON). She remembered a lot of detail ie Coburg, Germany and how the characters in the books were developed. We wanted to thank you."

- Meryl & Marianne Gingrich, Cobourg, ON

"They're amazing books, very interesting and when's the third one coming out?"

- John Wagner, Regina, Saskatchewan, age 11

"Like a bugle that shows you hidden magic when you play it, Jason and the Wonder Horn and Jason and the Deadly Diamonds are breaths of fresh air for kids longing for adventure. Readers of all ages will feel their hearts pounding as they turn the pages.?"

- Alec Dwyer, Houston, Texas, age 11

"I really enjoyed reading the Jason books because of their historical background and because of the characters. I found it fascinating to read about what life was like during different time periods in old Europe, and the characters really brought the book to life for me. I would definitely recommend these books to anyone."

- Colleen Cordukes, Cobourg, ON, age 16