writing, speaking, web-making, and best of all, I get to dance later
I'm the author of YA novels, Rhythm & Blues and Break On Through.More about me »
I am thrilled to announce that Break On Through has been optioned for film by Defiant Entertainment. From their web site: “Defiant Entertainment is a Toronto based entertainment company that produces award-winning film and television programs. Most recently the company completed season II of the highly acclaimed television series ‘da Kink in my Hair.” What [...]
I set up a new Facebook Fan Page for my books this weekend, and already, over 100 “fans” have signed up, not including myself. To Celebrate, I’m throwing this super-easy contest. 4 lucky “fans” will win a copy of Break On Through. STEP 1) Go to the fan page STEP 2) Add yourself if you’re [...]
A Break On Through sticker, stuck to the “no parking”sign at the end of my street. But I haven’t given any out recently, or in my neighborhood. I swear it wasn’t me who stuck it there!
Here’s Shad‘s new video for The Old Prince Lives at Home. It’s pretty funny if you remember The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Shad also has a couple of songs on Nadine’s MixTape.
“From its original plot, centred on the world of breakdancing, to its determined, complex heroine, Break on Through is an engaging slice-of-life read for teens interested in something beyond the usual boys-and-gossip plotlines… It’s hugely refreshing to read such a thoroughly urban Canadian novel – the hip-hop-flavoured story plays well against the backdrop of big-city [...]
I’m excited to report that SJ the WordBurglar has released a video for one of my favourite songs: The Route! It’s pretty fun; I’m loving the strawberry milk and how he keeps waking up in the printing plant. I had a paper route when I was thirteen. It definitely felt a lot like that some [...]
There was a recommendation for Break On Through in the Summer Reading feature of Montreal’s Hour magazine last week, and I almost missed it! I did an interview with these guys in March, but they didn’t use it for a long time, so I almost forgot I was supposed to be looking for it! Thanks [...]
I had some fun with B-Girl Feisty, reading and dancing at Babar Books in Pointe-Claire, QC, Saturday before last. Thanks to everyone who made it out, and if you couldn’t make it, here are some photos of what you missed: The spread: books & cookies, what more could you ask for? It was a beautiful [...]
CM Magazine, which is published by the Manitoba Library association, posted a review of Break On Through this morning. This one is interesting because although the reviewer gave the book a “Highly Recommended” rating, she doesn’t like its protagonist! “Nadine is never entirely likeable and retains an edge which can be cutting and sometimes downright [...]
Hello! I hope your May is unfolding fabulously. I’ve got a couple of new media clippings to share with you: First up, a lovely piece by Erin McLeod in this week’s Montreal Mirror. At the end of our interview, she had me name 2 classic YA books and 3 contemporary ones on the spot. The [...]
It’s spring! Let’s have a contest to celebrate. It’s really easy: Join my email list by clicking here and entering your name and email address. Not only will you get periodic emails about: important Break On Through events top secret contests unlike this one choice breakin’, dance and hip hop tidbits from around the interweebs [...]
At last, an in-store appearance in the West Island! 3pm, May 10, 2008 Babar Books, 46 Ste-Anne St, Pointe-Claire, QCMap I’ll be signing books, giving away Nadine’s Mixtape, and there will be a special performance with b-girl Feisty from Solid State! Don’t forget, you can sign up for the JillMurray.com newsletter to find out about [...]
I have these online search gadgets set up to track my own name and the words Break On Through, because it makes me feel like I’m being responsible, trying to stay on top of things. Mostly I just get to find out about porn, as well as what every single Jill Murray on the entire [...]
It is with great pleasure that we interrupt our regular programming to bring you this video of an English lad worming his way across London.
It’s been a long time since I posted an update to my Infrequently Asked Questions series. In coming weeks I will try to pay attention and return to recording the questions I am asked, and which I answer. But until such on occasion arises, I hope someone out there will find some use in my [...]
Party party dance dance, people! Tonight, one night only in Toronto, at Street Dance Academy!
Another excellent, exhausting whirlwind of a day! I feel like this morning was a week ago. Today, Torontoist’s lovely and talented Karen Whaley posted a rather fun interview we did by email this week. In the afternoon, I had a great time presenting at ALOUD: A Festival of Young Readers, with the 100% fabulous b-girl [...]
I got my first copy of Break On Through this week, so I can confirm that it really does exist, in all its shiny, papery bookness.
Today is the 12th of January. Know what that means? In exactly one month, Break On Through finally comes out, for real. So I might as well warn you now: its probably going to be all Break On Through, Break On Through, Break On Through all the time from now until then. But that’s a [...]
I’m getting ready to launch a page of “extras” for Break On Through. One of the things I’ve always wanted to do is provide a visual glossary of moves, so people can better understand some of the dancing that goes on in the book. There’s already a lot of breakdancing online, but it tends to [...]
As I mentioned before, Break On Through is already available on pre-order, and now– so exciting– we have a cover! It would be physically impossible for me to be any happier with the way this book is book is shaping up, illustration and design-wise. When I gaze upon it, I buzz with glee. My nervous [...]
There’s one giant catch to unanonymous blogging, which is (and this might come as quite a surprise to some people) that you’re not anonymous. For every ten posts that are made more powerful through their attachment to a real identity, there is always one post I love more than the previous ten posts combined, but [...]
This is the working title for either my second or third novel, depending on your perspective. It’s a YA novel and it’s about breakdancing girls.
