How to Publish a Book: Alumni Panel and Networking Event
Date: Nov. 16, 2022
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Online
Throughout the month of November, Sheridan will take part in a nation-wide Canada Career Month campaign. The Career Month Theme for this year is “Amplify!” Amplify career services, amplify skills, amplify connections, and finally, amplify YOURSELF! During this month-long initiative, we will be hosting events to celebrate a variety of careers, hoping to inspire students and graduates to pursue their dream careers.
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a published author? If the answer is yes, then this discussion is for you! Hear from successful Sheridan grads who are now best-selling authors. Learn about their journeys from Sheridan to where they are now, and how they managed to get their book(s) published. Connect with each of the panelists in individual breakout rooms after the panel for some speed networking fun!
Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Online
Panelists
Derek Desierto, Bachelor of Animation ‘17
Derek Desierto is a Vancouver-based illustrator whose books with Eva Chen include the New York Times bestseller Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes. Currently, he is living the dream as a freelance artist for animated TV shows and picture books.
Derek graduated from Sheridan’s renowned Animation program in 2017.
His ultimate goal in life is to meet Oprah and become one of her Favorite Things.
Stacey Chomiak, Bachelor of Animation ’09
Stacey Chomiak is an artist, author, LGBTQ speaker and art director in the animation industry. She got her start on the well-loved series My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. While she continues to lend her talents to various children’s animated shows, she also illustrates and writes kids books that represent the queer community. Both Still Stace: My Gay Christian Coming-of-Age Story and Rainbow Boy published in 2021. She lives happily nestled amid the tall trees of the West Coast, not far from Vancouver, Canada. Stacey identifies as a gay Christian and loves to advocate for the LGBTQ community and have conversations around faith and sexuality.
Benson Shum, Computer Animation ‘03
Benson Shum is a children's book author and illustrator. The idea that an image or painting can evoke emotions and movement is what brought him to the world of picture books and animation. Benson uses watercolor, ink, and digital tools to create his illustrations. His newest book, Anzu the Great Kaiju, received a starred review from School Library Journal and was selected for the Kid’s Indie Next List recommended for Jan/Feb 2022 by the American Booksellers Association (ABA). Benson is also an Animator at the Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he was a part of such films as Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, Frozen 2, Raya and the Last Dragon and Encanto. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Benson now lives in sunny southern California.
Christine Rees, Advertising – Account Management ‘16
Canadian teen fiction author Christine Rees is a Western University graduate, Sheridan alumni, and lover of all literature. Christine spends most of her time traveling, writing books, and helping others pursue their passion. She is also an admitted TV junkie, content creator, inspirational blogger, and animal enthusiast.
The Hidden Legacy is Christine's international best-selling paranormal, suspense novel. Its sequel, The Broken Rivalry, won two Book of The Year Awards in 2020.