Natale Ghent…
is an award-winning journalist and author. Her work has
been critically acclaimed, garnering awards and recognition
internationally
* * *
I was born in..
Brookfield, Illinois, near Chicago. I am the second youngest of five children, four girls and a boy. My brother, Mark, is the oldest.
As a child, I loved everything to do with puppets, magic and science. I used to put on puppet shows and magic acts for my
mom and sisters and cousins. I thought that I could be a magician when I grew up. I also liked to conduct experiments with my microscope, mostly involving paramecium and other microscopic creatures. I used to enjoy inventing stories as well. My aunt, who was also my godmother, encouraged me to write my stories down. She bought me several spiral-ring notebooks and told me to fill them, which I did.
At the age of seven, my family moved to Woodstock, Ontario. We left all my aunts and uncles and friends behind for a new life in the country. We didn’t mind so much, because we got to rent a gigantic stone farmhouse and have horses and pets of all kinds. We learned how to ride and fend for ourselves in those days.
When I grew up, I studied English Literature at the University of Guelph. I loved to read and I especially loved to write. But it wasn’t until I moved to California that I considered the idea of a writing career. While working as a writer for several publications, I studied communications and novel writing at the University of California, San Diego.
Eventually I moved back to Canada to study Landscape Architecture at the University of Guelph. It was a practical move to secure a profession and ensure stability. I enjoyed the masters program immensely, but my studies helped me to realize that writing is my first love. I left the program and finished two novels in one year. One was picked up by Orca Book Publishers in Vancouver. That novel was Piper. Since then, I haven’t stopped writing. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Dear Ms. Ghent
I was just wondering whether you were attending the forest of reading celebration on May 11 2011 at Harbour front. I read No Small Thing and loved it and I am reading Gravity brings me down. So far I am enjoying it. I was also wondering how you pronounce your last name? I haven’t always been sure on how.
Sincerely, Adriyanna Zimmermann
Hi Adriyanna,
I’m so happy you loved No Small Thing!
I will be at the White Pine celebration this year for Gravity. Come over and say hi!
My last name is pronounced with a hard “g” as in “get” – but with an “n”
i am 11 and i love your books my teacher told me to write a book report and in one of my questions is where do you live now days
Hi,
I live in Canada. Good luck on your report!
Hi Natale,
I´m sure you will be happy to hear my daughter will be do tomorrow a presentation of “Life sucks” and of course of you. It´s impossible to find any details of you and the book in german language. So I´m proud she nevertheless want to make the presentation of THIS book. Keep the fingers crossed for her. (:o)
Hi Michaela,
I’m thrilled that your daughter chose my book for her presentation. My fingers are crossed!
Let me know how it goes!
i am in grade 7 and 11 years old and love the book and love the book
You are the author of No Small Thing, right? I love horses and that was the best book I have ever read!!!!!
Yes, I am
So glad you liked the book!
HELO, IM IN 7TH GRADE AND I’M 13. OMG THE BOOK “NO SMALL THING” WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!! I HAD TO DO A BOOK PROJECT ON IT, WELL I AM ACTUALLY PRESENTING IT ON MONDAY. I AM SO UBSESSED WITH HORSES AND THIS BOOK WAS TERRIFIC! I ALSO DO HORSE BACK RIDING TOO……..ANYWAY, I REALLY ENJOYED READING THIS BOOK. I HAVE NOW JUST STARTED READING “LIFE SUCKS” AND IT SEEMS PRETTY COOL=D HAVE A GREAT DAY AND DON’T FORGET TO WRITE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!
hi this is melissa again. i was just wondering when was the book “no small thing” written? (its for my book report)
hi, im in 7th grade and im 13. i just finished reading “no small thing” for my book report which i present on monday. this book was terrific. im upsessed with horses so this book was the best. i also do horseback riding too………….anyway please write back. also, when was this book written(its for my book report) thanks!!!!