Diaspora Dialogues

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ARCHIVED EVENT: Understanding Defamation and other Legal Considerations

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March 5, 2024 | 12:30pm

Join entertainment lawyer Michael Duboff for an illuminating workshop on navigating the intricate landscape of defamation and other legal pitfalls faced by writers. Gain invaluable insights into protecting your creative work while understanding the boundaries of free speech and libel laws. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, this workshop equips you with essential knowledge to confidently navigate the legal terrain of writing.

About the Presenter

Michael Duboff is a Canadian entertainment lawyer with a professional focus on music, film and television, publishing, and corporate matters. He has worked with a variety of artists and creative businesses helping to facilitate projects, performance opportunities locally and across borders, and organizational matters.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Michael’s practice spans across Manitoba where he carries on clients and representation in addition to the firm’s primary residence in Ontario.

Prior to working as a lawyer, Michael has worked professionally in both the music and film/tv industries, as a musician in an alternative rock band and as a freelance director/writer/producer in Toronto and Vancouver. His passion for the arts and artists helps drive his practice and makes him grateful to be able to continue to work for and with the vibrant arts communities.

ARCHIVED EVENT: HUMOUR WRITING 101

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February 22, 2024 | 12:30pm

Join award-winning writer and film and television producer, Zarqa Nawaz for a lively workshop designed to explore the art of crafting comedic prose. From clever wordplay to absurd scenarios, Zarqa will share insider tips and tricks to infuse your writing with laughter. Get ready to unleash your inner comedian and leave with a toolkit guaranteed to bring joy to your readers.

Register here.

About the Presenter:

In 2007, Zarqa created the internationally renowned CBC comedy series, Little Mosque on the Prairie, the world’s first sitcom about a Muslim community living in the west. Little Mosque on the Prairie premiered to the highest ratings CBC had in over 20 years. The show went on to win a Gemini, and was nominated for Best Television Series – Comedy at the 2007 Directors Guild of Canada Awards. Internationally, Little Mosque won awards for Best International Television Series and Best Screenplay at the 2007 Roma Fiction Fest. In 2012, it made its American debut on Hulu, and is now broadcast in over 60 countries. The Los Angeles Times said “the genius of ‘Mosque’ is that the characters resonate with viewers all over the world.”

ARCHIVED EVENT: Deep Dive Into the Writing Process

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February 13, 2024 | 12:30PM via Zoom

Delve into the intricate process of crafting a compelling narrative with awarding winning author, Elizabeth Ruth. We will explore topics seasoned and new writers often struggle with such as structuring the novel, and honing your unique storytelling voice. Whether you’re a novice writer seeking inspiration or a seasoned wordsmith looking to refine your craft, join us for an enriching hour that will get you excited about your manuscript!

Register here.

Elizabeth Ruth is the author of the novels, Ten Good Seconds of Silence, Smoke, Matadora, and the newly published, Semi-Detached. Her work has been recognized by the Writers’ Trust of Canada Fiction Prize, the City of Toronto Book Award, the Amazon.ca First Novel Award, and One Book One Community. CBC named her “One of the Ten Canadian Women Writers You Must Read.” Elizabeth’s debut poetry collection, This Report Is Strictly Confidential is forthcoming in 2024. She is also the author of a plain language novella for adult literacy learners entitled, Love You to Death and the editor of the anthology Bent on Writing: Contemporary Queer Tales. Elizabeth Ruth teaches creative writing at the University of Toronto SCS, and lives in the city with her family. Please visit: elizabethruth.com

ARCHIVED EVENT: Romance Writing 101

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January 30, 2024 | 12:30PM via Zoom

Join bestselling romance author Uzma Jalaluddin for an engaging and informative one-hour workshop that delves into the art of crafting captivating love stories. With a wealth of experience in the genre, Uzma will guide participants through the essential elements of romance writing, from creating compelling characters to infusing authentic emotions into your narratives. Whether you’re a seasoned romance writer or just starting out, this workshop promises to inspire and elevate your skills!

Register here.

UZMA JALALUDDIN is the bestselling author of Ayesha at Last and Hana Khan Carries On, both of which have been optioned for film, the latter by Mindy Kaling. A high school English teacher, Jalaluddin is also a contributor to the Toronto Star and the Atlantic. She lives near Toronto with her family.

ARCHIVED EVENT: The Ins and Outs of Self-Publishing

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January 16, 2024 | 12PM via Zoom

Self-publishing has grown exponentially over the past decade. In this session, Melissa Addey, Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) will talk about some practicalities of getting self-published, as well as the latest facts and figures which explore everything from author incomes to the (unexpected!) personality traits of indie authors and the market insights that allow you to make good decisions for your writing. Plus she’ll share the many resources ALLI offers for all writers, before we have a Q&A where you can ask your burning questions!

Register here.

The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) is a global membership association for self-publishing authors, founded in 2012. A non-profit, our mission is ethics and excellence in self-publishing. Everyone on our team is a working indie author and we offer advice and advocacy for self-publishing authors within the literary, publishing and creative industries around the world. www.allianceindependentauthors.org 

Melissa Addey is ALLi’s Campaigns Manager, working on a range of campaigns from encouraging diversity within self-publishing to opening up more opportunities (like awards and grants) for indie authors. She writes historical fiction set in Ancient Rome, medieval Morocco and 18th century China. www.MelissaAddey.com 

ARCHIVED EVENT: CROSS-GENRE WRITING

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December 28, 2023 | 12:30pm EST

Join us for a deep dive into the world of cross-genre writing with author Derek Mascarenhas. The publishing industry often pigeon holes authors into be known for specific genres, but authors are experimenting more than ever these days! This workshop wilL inspire and equip you with the tools to craft compelling narratives that defy genre norms.

Register here.

Derek Mascarenhas is a graduate of the University of Toronto SCS Creative Writing Program, a finalist and runner up for the Penguin Random House of Canada Student Award for Fiction, and a nominee for the Marina Nemat Award. His linked short story collection, Coconut Dreams, was called a “stunning debut” in Quill and Quire‘s starred review and The Globe and Mail named it one of the best reads from Canadian small presses. Derek’s first picture book, 100 Chapatis, was praised by Kirkus Reviews as “warm and reassuring,” and his second, The Mango Monster, arrives Fall 2024. Derek is also working on a speculative novel, and a middle-grade book.

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