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Eric Wilson (author) facts for kids

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Eric Wilson
Born (1940-11-24) November 24, 1940 (age 84)
Ottawa, Ontario
Occupation Author and teacher
Language English
Nationality Canadian
Alma mater University of British Columbia
Genre young adult fiction, detective fiction

Eric Hamilton Wilson (born November 24, 1940) is a Canadian author who writes for young adults. He is famous for his exciting detective novels. These books follow the adventures of two young detectives, Tom and Liz Austen. They solve mysteries across Canada. Before becoming a full-time writer, Mr. Wilson taught in elementary and high schools in White Rock, British Columbia. He also earned a degree from the University of British Columbia.

In 1990, Eric Wilson received a special award. It was the Arthur Ellis Award for Lifetime Achievement. This award came from The Crime Writers of Canada. It recognized his important work in mystery writing.

The Tom and Liz Austen Mysteries

How the Books Began

Eric Wilson used to be a teacher in public schools. His experiences in the classroom inspired him to start writing. He noticed that some of his students found books boring. So, he decided to try writing stories himself. His first short stories were very popular with his students. However, publishers did not accept his first five book ideas.

Writing Style and Formula

Mr. Wilson then created a special way of writing based on what his eighth-grade students liked. His books are usually short and exciting. They always begin with a dramatic scene to grab the reader's attention. The stories have lots of conversations between characters. They also include many "cliffhanger" moments. These make readers want to keep turning pages.

Wilson's books are similar to the Hardy Boys adventure series. But they also try to make the reader feel like a detective. This is like the mysteries written by Agatha Christie.

Canadian Settings and Themes

A cool thing about Wilson's novels is that they feature Canadian places and history. He uses real locations across Canada in his stories. He also includes important topics in his books. These can be about protecting the environment or staying safe. Teachers often use his books to start discussions in class.

Awards and Recognition

The Tom and Liz Austen books have won several awards in Canada. These include the Crime Writers of Canada Chairman's Award. Eric Wilson also won the Canadian Booksellers Association's Author of the Year Award in 1993. Today, Eric Wilson lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Eric Wilson para niños

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