By Sam Porter
In a world of digital distractions, students are increasingly putting down books and picking up phones.
Twin sisters and teachers at Catholic Regional College Sydenham, Chantal and Carolyn Moclair, are hoping to change that.
“We need to get some focus back on reading and literacy awareness,” said Chantal.
In an effort to encourage reading and writing outside the classroom, the sisters organised a young adult author event at the school on Wednesday, June 11.
The event gave students the opportunity to ask authors questions about the writing process and the book publishing industry.
“As a whole I think there is a lack of enjoyment in reading among young people… a symptom of the world we live in, that desires instant gratification,” said Chantal.
“We want to get these kids interested in something that isn’t social media.”
Guest authors at the event included Keshe Chow, a multi-award winning fantasy, romance and speculative fiction writer, and Vanessa Len, an international bestselling author and educational editor.
Gabriela, a student who attended the event, said the experience was “eye-opening.”
“…Keshe and Vanessa both gave such genuine responses and advice. Both authors made writing and publishing a book seem much more possible than just a dream,” she said.
Participants also discussed the importance of writing stories about people from different cultural and racial backgrounds.
The Moclair sisters, who have a book publishing background, wanted to extend their love of reading to younger generations.
“Growing up we loved to read. It’s a bit of an escape. It’s something that helps kids find a sense of belonging… for us, that’s where we wanted to escape to when the world was hard,” said Chantal.
