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Withdrawn from Word

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Showcase: Jamaica 50 Literature Series

Thomas MacDermot, Claude McKay, Una Marson. All of these individuals have been esteemed Jamaican writers to have put pen to paper, and we can now celebrate all the literature that has come from their culture. 2012 will be the declaration of the 50th year of Jamaican independence, and what better way to celebrate their contribution to the world stage of literature than to perform actual works? Jamaica 20’s Art and Literature Committee will be showcasing Jamaican writers Mary Lou Soutar-Hynes, Jennifer Walcott and Quentin “Vercetty” Lindsay to commemorate the words that have been spoken and sung for the past 50 years.

When: April16, 2012; from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Where: Malvern TPL branch; 30 Sewells Road

Turn Your Ear: Keep Toronto Reading: Erin Bow

Probably my favourite series offered by the library, the Keep Toronto Reading series offers yet another great and modest author opening to discuss personal writing. Erin Bow is a full-time poet and young-adult fiction writer, and recipient of the TD Book award. One of her latest pieces of writing, Plain Kate, is a Fantasy novel that draws from old Russian folktales. Attend this discussion to hear about Ms. Bow’s first-hand experiences in the craft that we credit with such fervour.

When: April 17, 2012; from 1:30 pm-2:30 pm
Where: Albert Campbell TPL Branch; 496 Birchmount Road

Words On The Move: Keep Toronto Reading: Saturday Junction Walk

Taking your words to the streets may not be something that many young writers are ready for. However, West Toronto Junction Historical Society president Neil Ross will be doing just this as he will be guiding a walking tour of the area and its own authors. The Junction is a neighbourhood in Toronto located near the junction of four railway lines, also known as the West Toronto Diamond. Neil Ross will also be reading some pieces by some of the great Junction voices, proving that the written word is not always stationary.

When: April 21, 2012; from 3:00 pm-4:30 pm
Where: Annette Street TPL branch; 145 Annette Street

The Tailored Torontonian

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Workshop: Writing Toronto: Creating a Powerful, Believable Sense of Place in Your Stories

Location, location, location. No matter how well a writer creates a character, an ill-fitted setting will ruin the story. Author Elizabeth Ruth will help you capture your own perception of Toronto in writing. She will give her own exercises and hints about how to create realistic scenery, a feat that many young writers should work to accomplish.

When: April 12, 2012; from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Where: North York Central Library TPL branch; 5120Yonge Street
Registration: FREE! Call 416-395-5639

Read it Write: Keep Toronto Reading: Allan Rose

Poet Allen Rose reads from his latest and upcoming book Songs of My City, a collection of poems all about Toronto. Another workshop in the Keep Toronto Reading series, this is a great opportunity to just hear other interpretations of your favourite city and twist your pen towards the city’s bustling streets.

When: April 17, 2012; from 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Where: Jane/Sheppard TPL Branch; 1906 Sheppard Avenue West
Registration: FREE! Call 416-395-5966

Calling All Writers: Teen Poetry Writing Workshop

A poet’s muse is both inspiring and lively. So bring it with you to another great poetry workshop, this time hosted by Kirk Davis. A poetry instructor with the Toronto Public Library, Kirk is a member of the Authors of Soul Writer’s Group, and will inspire you into some original poetry writing. You are guaranteed to a fun and interactive session, for ages 12-17.

When: April 18, 2012; from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Where: Eglinton South TPL branch, Meeting Room; 1 Eglinton Square
Registration: Required, but FREE! Call 416-396-8920

*All library programming is pending the resolution of the current labour disruption

Stand and Celebrate Canadian Writing

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Workshop: Public Speaking Workshop

Heart racing. A bead of sweat rolling down your brow. Clenching your page and wrinkling its rigid edge as you stand up to the microphone. Becoming a good writer takes time, and for some, just as much time as becoming a good speaker. Award-winning poet Andrea Thompson will be facilitating this workshop which will aid you in many aspects of your future life. From speaking in an interview, in front of a class, to shaking loose of performance jitters, this is perfect for all to join. Best of all, many of the participants will be from our very own Young Writers from the Edge Program.

When: March 24, 2012; from 2 pm—4 pm
Where: 170 Bloor Street West, Suite 804
Register: Email Natalie at natalie@diapsoradialogues.com

Book Talk: Keep Toronto Reading: Read it Here: In the Skin of a Lion

Project Bookmark Canada is a wonderful organization that allows readers to walk by the various settings within Toronto that they have read about. Founder Miranda Hill will be examining Michael Ondaatje’s In the Skin of a Lion, which was bookmarked at the Bloor Street Viaduct in 2009. Read the book and join the discussion to find out about what and where you are reading.

When: April 4, 2012; from 7:00 pm—8:30 pm
Where: Riverdale TPL branch, Adult Program Room; 370 Broadview Ave.

Calling All Writers: National Poetry Month Celebration!

Literature is always finding new ways to be celebrated, and now you can join in the festivities. Members from The League of Canadian Poets will be revelling in the glory of their poetry and of their fellow writers. The organization began in 1999 in order to gather a variety of writers that embraced their Canadian culture. Now they are taking the time to celebrate how far they have come in representing themselves in the Canadian eye. Poets, writers, songwriters and singers will be attending the party, and so will you!

When: April 5, 2012; from 1:00 pm—2:15 pm
Where: Downsview TPL branch; 2793 Keele Street
Registration: FREE! Call 416-395-5720, or e-mail doprograms@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Technological Era

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There is something about the chilly winter air that leaves book lovers eager to curl up inside with their favourite paperback. However, since the creation of the eBook, an ever-growing number of easily portable electronic books have been assuming the place of the regular novel. The eBook is not new to the literary scene as Michael Hart created it in 1971, but only recently it has become affordable and available to the masses.

In 2010, Apple released the eBook app for the iPad. It is a simple and convenient way for individuals to have fast access to all forms of literature and encourages reading through a new medium. The eBook even provides a practical solution for those of us who suffer from “novel ADD” and must be reading no less than three books at a time, as it prevents any unnecessary “book-carrying” back pain. Its presence along the streets of Toronto, on public transit and even in universities is enough to remind one that we really do live in a technological era.

Technology is not just changing the literary medium, but is affecting other traditional avenues too; an example is David Hockney’s recent exhibit at the ROM where he used iPads as a medium for his artwork. His exhibitions are in continuous evolution as he is able to email new pieces to each exhibit at the touch of a screen. It is no new revelation that technology is changing the way we relate to art and literature as a whole. With the increasing use of technology as a medium for art and literature, the question remains; what is to become of our beloved paperback novel?

Workshop Bonanza

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Workshop: Wordplay Writing

Join fiction author Karen Krossing to practise playing with words. Learn how to create great scenes in fiction and just let your writing flow. With this fun hands-on workshop, you will have two hours to start and develop a character and scene for your latest fiction frenzy.

Who: Ages 12-19
When: March 15, 2012; from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Where: Cedarbrae TPL branch; 545 Markham Road
Registration: FREE! Call 416-397-5970 or email ksparling@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Workshop: Playwriting 101

Ever imagine words forming into a 3D reality? With award-winning playwright, Marjorie Chan, all participants will take part in improvisation-based warm-ups and learn how to write outside of print. Be prepared with loose and comfy clothing as this workshop is not restricted to stiff chairs. Bring a notebook (no laptop), a pen, and plenty of energy. Lunch is provided!

Who: Grades 7-9
When: May 5, 2012; from 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Where: 215 Spadina Ave, Suite 210
Registration: FREE! www.playwrightsguild.ca

Workshop: The World of Kluscap According to M’Shoum

Writing and reading is extremely fun, but what about the origins of some of your favourite childhood fairy-tales? In collaboration with the Toronto Storytelling Festival, Robert Seven Crows will be exploring the joys of folklore with a guitar and tawegan (drum). He will be telling stories of the Kluscap, a celebrated hero in native stories. Although no writing is involved, you will better grasp how some of the earliest narratives sounded, and they may even shape the way that you form your own modern writing style.

When: March 29, 2012; from 2:00 pm-3:15 pm
Where: Spadina Road TPL branch; 10 Spadina Road

Handy Happenings

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Contest: Trillium 25th Anniversary Contest

Open Book Toronto is hosting a special contest to honour their past award-winning books. To win, simply visit the site through the below link and vote on which book is your favourite. Submission requires you to be an Open Book e-newsletter subscriber. To subscribe, simply give your email along with your vote. Voting is so easy that with a few strokes of the keypad and two simple mouse-clicks, you are eligible to win one of three Kobo eReaders Touch.

Runtime: February 1 to March 28, 2012
For more information visit here

Workshop: Six Degrees of Writing

To be honorably published is the dream of writers all around. Toronto Public Library is inviting award-winning author and teacher Catherine Rondina to aid in the discovery of publishing opportunities. She will discuss the essentials of how to make it into the publishing world and what kinds of novels are best sellers. This workshop sounds fabulous for all that aspire to be famed authors of the twenty-first century.

When: March 24, 2012; from 2:30 pm-4:30 pm
Where: York Woods TPL branch, 1785 Finch Avenue West
Registration: Call 416-395-5980

Workshop: Best Loved Books: Teen Book Discussion

Reading is the best way to flood your mind with inspiration. To learn of literature that has yet to hit your conscious creativity, this gathering of books is a great way to expand your library. From most memorable novels to poetic prose, fun fiction to colourful comics, you’ll have a blast learning of books that you would never have heard of. Bringing in a copy of your dearest paperbacks and hardcovers is preferred as a visual to show the group. This event is coming in the distant future, so start marking down titles that you can’t wait to spread the word about. I know that I have been making a list since the beginning of ’06!

When: May 3, 2012; from 4:30 pm-6:30 pm
Where: North York Central Library, Room 2; 5120 Yonge Street
Registration: Not Required. Drop in.

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