About linh

I am a Vietnamese-Canadian children’s author, researcher, and educator, passionate about storytelling and creating spaces for underrepresented artists in mainstream media. I hold an H.B.A. in English from the University of Toronto and an MPhil in Arts, Creativity and Education from Cambridge. My literary work is represented by Rachel Letofsky of Cooke McDermid Literary Management.

WRITING

My debut middle-grade children’s book, NO PLACE LIKE HOME (HarperCollins ‘23) was released in Canada and the US in 2023! Get it on audiobook or anywhere books are sold!

My debut chapbook, “Visiting Gales”, illustrated by Christie Wong is available! You can buy a physical copy or e-book from The Soap Box Press.

Awards:

2017 Finalist for the national John H. McDonald Awards for Excellence in Student Journalism, Diversity Reporting
2017 Finalist and “People’s Choice” winner of the U of T Magazine Short Story Contest (p. 69)

Grants:

2022 recipient of a Literary Creation Projects (Works for Publication) grant from Ontario Arts Council
2022 recipient of two Recommender Grants for Writers from Ontario Arts Council as recommended by Annick Press Limited and Owlkids Books Inc
2020 recipient of four Recommender Grants for Writers from Ontario Arts Council as recommended by Annick Press Limited, Kids Can Press Ltd, Owlkids Books Inc, and Groundwood Books Limited

Art by Justine Wong from “Visiting Gales Launch and Music Night” event; auctioned to support Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction

CREATIVE WRITING FACILITATION

My workshops, open to all levels, focus on using writing as a tool for reflection and connection. They are designed around a theme and incorporate improv exercises, guided meditations, writing prompts, and space for sharing. Read more about my approach on Living Hyphen’s page.

I also create and facilitate personalized workshops for community-facing organizations and schools in English and French. Please reach out to book a private workshop or event, including author visits for book signings and readings.

APPEARANCES

I have been featured on podcasts and webinars, such as Imperfect Eco-Hero, Living Hyphen, and Ethical Storytelling with CKX (exclusive to the Rising Youth community), to develop anti-oppressive storytelling strategy. I love speaking with fellow facilitators to exchange ideas.

Podcast Appearances:

I’ve also had the pleasure of serving on:

The University of Cambridge’s nominating committee for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for children’s literature (2022)
The jury panel for Ontario Arts Council’s 2021 Artists in Communities and Schools Projects grants
Firefly Creative Writing’s 2022 Bursary Committee