Commonly Asked Questions

The book says Oliver Hursin, but I also see Oliver referred to as Oliana, why is that?
We're glad you asked! Oliana (Oliver) is transgender. When we wrote and published, Patch Work Oliana was using the name Oliver and he/him pronouns. Shortly after publication Oliana began using they/them or she/her pronouns and the name Oliana. 

Will the name on the cover of Patch Work be changed to Oliana?
For now Oliana has decided that the name Oliver is a great pen-name (a name that some artists use when making art public). They have no negative feelings toward the name and it sometimes opens up a beautiful conversation. 
Why didn't you do the illustrations?
Long answer short: Clarice is not the best drawer. 
Oliana is a great visual artist, it basically came down to time in that regard. 
We love Paul's illustrations, they are something neither of us could have created on our own, and better than what we'd envisioned! 
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Will you write more books?
YES! At this point Clarice has plans for more stories from Farmer Pete's Farm, and is also working out details for a chapter book (complete with pictures) for children ages 9-12.

About the Authors

​Clarice Hursin has been a writer for many years and a story-teller for many more. She’s authored short stories, song lyrics, and children’s books, but the only person ever lucky enough to read her work was her mother, Wendy. When Clarice’s mother passed away in 2016, her child Oliver/Oliana joyfully took up the role of Clarice’s audience member and cheerleader. Oliver/Oliana Hursin is nine years old, and like their mother, they began telling stories long before they knew how to read and write. With their shared talent for creating engaging, imaginative tales, Clarice and Oliver/Oliana were inspired to write Patch Work by each other. Their teamwork, kindness, and resourcefulness echo that found in the pumpkins in the patch. They story-boarded, wrote, and revised to create their debut publication you see today. 
Clarice and Oliver/Oliana live in Edmonton, Alberta alongside the rest of their family: husband and father, Dejan; son and brother, Gabriel; and pets, Malcolm and Minerva. When not busy with their daily duties, the family enjoys spending time together outdoors, hiking, camping, or around a fire.

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