Diaspora Dialogues

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Dante Mottillo

The Word This Summer

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Join The Movement: Teen Writer’s Group (Ages 13-19)

If you couldn’t attend before, the creative writing group held at North York Central Library is still running, and is still seeking to engage teens who want to share their writing. The group is made of fellow young authors and poets who are gladly accepting to see what other creativity is strolling through our Toronto streets.

No registration is required to join.

Upcoming Dates: Jun 7, 2012; from 4:30 pm-6:30 pm
Jun 21, 2012; from 4:30 pm-6:30 pm
Where: North York Central Library TPL branch: Room 2/3; 5120 Yonge Street

Raving Readers: Meet Kelley Armstrong & Help Launch WORD OUT

Celebrate reading, and join the launch of the WORD OUT summer reading program with celebrity author Kelley Armstrong, author of Thirteen, The Calling, and other urban fantasy novels. You can eat, play games, discuss your favourite books, and even win a Sony e-reader or signed copies of Kelley’s books.

When: June 27, 2012; from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Where: North York Central Library TPL branch: Concourse; 5120 Yonge Street

Contest Callout: Open Mic for Teens at Word On The Street

If you haven’t performed your work before, or had the chance to find an accepting venue, then this Open Mic opportunity, hosted by Word On The Street, is a great chance to begin. Last year 8 teen writers were featured at Queen’s Park, and this year you can be picked to read your work, and even talk with famed authors. You will have roughly five minutes to present your writing—whichever genre you choose—in front of a small crowd at Canada’s largest book festival. This contest is open to writers of age 13-19.

Deadline: June 29, 2012
For Submission Details: click here

The Re-Return

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Thought Exchange: William Shakespeare-Hamlet

It is a general rule of thumb that to be a good writer, you must be a good reader as well. Although the language of great writers like William Shakespeare is not being used as frequently as it once was, his style and creativity is forever relevant to the development of modern literature. Professor Alan Ackerman, of the Drama and English departments of the University of Toronto, will engage in the discussion of one of Shakespeare’s prolific plays, Hamlet. The complexities of the play and some of its inspirations will be discussed. And even if you don’t walk away forming prose like the Bard of Avon, you will better understand how to morph your own life experiences in writing.

When: June 6, 2012; from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Where: Beaches TPL Branch, Program Room; 2161 Queen Street East

Righteous Research: Why the War of 1812 Still Matters

Historical non-fiction is reaching a rise in modern literature, and you can be a part of it. Discover, or maybe re-discover, why such a structured piece of Canadian history is so important. Chief curator for the City of Toronto Museum Services, Wayne Reeves, will provide insight as to what the War of 1812 was exactly, and what its major implications were for Canada. By glimpsing the past, hopefully you will be able to gleam into a bright new piece of writing that reflects on these inquisitions.

When: June 12, 2012; from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library, Elizabeth Beeton Auditorium; 789 Yonge Street

Rejoicing with New Reads

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This month I thought it would be best to look at new books, which look beyond what’s considered “Hot.” Meet new authors, new books, and learn about some valuable pieces of history that you may decide to include in an upcoming piece of writing.

Author’s Spotlight: Meet author Valerie Sherrard

Valerie Sherrard, an author born and raised by the Leaf, will be discussing her own books, and the reality of being a writer. Some her awarded novels include The Glory Wind, Kate and Speechless. Bring a bucketful of questions that you may have regarding the profession or Sherrard’s novels. Otherwise, stop by and revel in the talent that crosses our country.

When: May 10, 2012; from 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Where: Bendale TPL branch;1515 Danforth Road

New Reads: Twilight, Hunger Games, WHAT NOW?!?!

Although there has been a trifecta of series to sweep the teenage reading scene—Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games—many often step back wondering, “What now? ” If you aren’t prepared to unthread jacket covers and book reviews, then join many others in the quest of The Next Big Read. Discussions will be long and advantageous to any book enthusiast, and if you really can’t get enough of the current “hots,” be prepared for the chance to win a copy of The Hunger Games,the first instalment in the series, or any other book that will be discussed.

When: May 15, 2012; from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm
Where: Queen/Saulter TPL Branch; 765 Queen Street East

Righteous Research: Historical Talks

History repeats itself. If you don’t believe so, then make it. This is perfect if you want to place your next story in a time you may wish to inquire about. Attend this session and discuss various historical topics with many professed speakers, including some published authors. Whether or not you are a history buff, any information learned can bring forth a great setting, plot, and even a deeper piece of characterization.

When: May 29, 2012; from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Where: S. Walter Stewart TPL branch;170 Memorial Park Avenue

Bound and Drowned

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Writer’s Aid: The Writer’s Corner

Here is but another writing workshop, but here’s the twist: there is no promise that you will be guaranteed a best-selling line. Instead, all writers are welcome to try and capture their muse if it decides to present itself at this opportunity. Catherine Rondina is an award-winning author, acclaimed for her book Don’t Touch that Toad and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You. Although you’re not supposed to touch the toad, Catherine will help you cuddle up to your own ideas to turn them into some motivated story lines.

When: May 5, 2012; from 2:30 pm-4:30 pm
Where: York Woods TPL branch; 1785 Finch Avenue West
Registration: In person or call 416-395-5980

Poetic Plumage: Phoenix Poetry Workshop

The budding poet is hard to come by, but is by far not an endangered species. If you need some help, or maybe a kick to open yourself up, you are cordially invited to attend this poetic gathering. Poets of all ages are encouraged to come, and do try to bring copies of your latest poem to pass around. Fertilize your piece with constructive comments and bask in the scent of your writing come alive.

When: May 5, 2012; from 2:30 pm-4:30 pm; and upcoming dates
Where: College/Shaw TPL Branch; 766 College Street
For more info: www.phoenixpoetryworkshop.ca

Author’s Spotlight: Riverdale Arts and Letters Club

Join Jonah Geller, Arthur Ellis Award winner, and be a part-time sleuth in his latest mystery set in Riverdale, Toronto. One thing that I love more than a good book is a good Canadian book. Geller will be discussing the story for all keen ears and eyes willing to give him a spotlight.

When: May 16, 2012; from 6:00 pm-8:30 pm
Where: Riverdale TPL branch, Adult Program Room; 270 Broadview Avenue

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

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