Author Archives: Karleen Bradford

About Karleen Bradford

I am an award-winning author of children's and young adult books.

First draft finished – Champagne cooling

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Karleen Bradford

First draft of The Confederation Diary of Rosie Dunn is done! I don’t know about the rest of you, but first drafts are really really hard for me. I start off with great enthusiasm and energy, but inevitably run into … Continue reading →

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An Osprey with Attitude

Posted on April 14, 2012 by Karleen Bradford

My fashionista Osprey is back. I wrote about her in my very first blog last May. Despite the destruction of her nest the winter before, she had rebuilt it–with panache. No ordinary sticks and twigs for her. Her nest was … Continue reading →

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The Other Elizabeth and the War of 1812

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Karleen Bradford

We’re celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 this year and to that end I’m showcasing my book, The Other Elizabeth, here in my blog. It’s the story of a girl who goes to Upper Canada Village with … Continue reading →

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How to Approach the Writing of a Book

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Karleen Bradford

You’ve got a great idea for a book First you celebrate Sketch out an outline Sounds good-dive in! Going great. Ride the wave. Going’s getting heavy. Paddle doggedly. Think about it for a while Eye it suspiciously. Sidestep around it … Continue reading →

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Memories of Germany III

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Karleen Bradford

The year we left, my best friend, Dianne Hentschel, and I decided that before our two oldest teens went back to Canada to University they must see Berlin. This was before the wall came down, before it was even conceivable … Continue reading →

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Memories of Germany II

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Karleen Bradford

My husband travelled a lot, but there was always something to do. I remember one slushy, grubby day in particular. It was raining in Bonn, but snow on the hilltops across the river beckoned. The Siebengebirge, the Seven Mountains. Siegfried … Continue reading →

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Memories of Germany I

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Karleen Bradford

I began to learn about Germany by walking my dog along the Rhine on damp, misty mornings, when the fresh, earth smell of fields by the path mingled with the tang of woods and fallen leaves. Barges rumbled up and … Continue reading →

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Old Books Reborn II

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Karleen Bradford

Last summer I posted about rewriting and bringing three of my out of print books up to date, and publishing them as ebooks and print on demand books. They’re finally out.  They’re available now as paperbacks in bookstores and online, … Continue reading →

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Reading with children

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Karleen Bradford

I built up an extensive library of children’s books while my own children were young. Because of my husband’s job, we moved every three or four years to different postings in different countries. With each move my library grew larger…and … Continue reading →

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The Joy of a “Given”

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Karleen Bradford

  Short stories take a lot of time and work. They come slowly. Sometimes the idea that seemed so bright and shiny-new turns dull and the story dies. Another idea comes along and we start again. Same process, same amount … Continue reading →

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