picks

The Scoop! Tales of the Great Writer: Dangerous Work: The Young Arthur Conan Doyle’s Diary of Arctic Adventure

The brilliance of an author hardly stems from the words that they shed. Rather, I believe that a writer is truly brilliant when they are willing to take the path less travelled; it is when they venture to distant lands, creating stories that are vastly elusive to other artists. Before the famous tales of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle experienced such a journey as a ship’s surgeon on an Arctic whaler. During this time he kept a diary to record his epic voyage. Jon Lellenberg, a Doylean scholar and co-editor of Dangerous Work: The Diary of an Arctic Adventure, will be sharing with curious minds Doyle’s lost diary. I would expect avid fans of Doyle’s writing to attend, as you will be able to learn of both his real adventurous spirit.

When: October11, 2012; from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library TPL branch: Elizabeth Beeton Auditorium; 231 Yonge Street

A Festival of Creativity: Young Voices Writers Conference

Do you consider yourself an artist? It doesn’t matter what your form is, but all of you creative teens looking for some new inspiration, or maybe just another peer critique of a pending piece should attend the upcoming Young Voices Writers Conference. Although a main favourite of writers, the upcoming conference is looking for creativity in both the written and visual field.

Wondering what will be waiting upon your arrival? Peter Stebbings, filmmaker, actor, and producer, will be the keynote speaker, and will hopefully inspire you to create something spectacular of your own in the two workshops to follow. Not to mention the free lunch and door prizes that will be the little icing on a great day in the making.

Also, if you have any piece that you want to present, bring it with you and you can read it for the Open Mic.

When: October13, 2012; from 9:30 am-4:00 pm
Where: North York Central Library: Auditorium; 5120 Yonge Street
Register: Register quickly! Space is limited! Call 416-395-5784, or follow the link

Writers Helping Writers: Going it Alone: Adventures in Self-Publishing

If you’ve ever speculated about getting your book published PLEASE ATTEND! A whole slew of authors (Cory Silverberg, Bill Freeman, Christine Cowley, and Vivek Shraya) will be discussing how to jumpstart your writing to the next level. They will also be notifying you of the tell-tale signs if self-publishing is right for you, and the possibility of what the future industries may be looking for. This is also an amazing chance to have any questions or concerns you may have answered by not one, not two, not three, but four fantastic authors!

When: October17, 2012; from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Where: Lillian H. Smith TPL branch; 239 College Street

Impossible Words: Mariko Tamaki

From poetry to performance, the Impossible Words series passes the baton to writer and performer Mariko Tamaki. Ms. Tamaki has written numerous novels, has created her own graphic novel, and is developing a creative writing course for the University of Toronto. Hoping to light up the literary salon with her latest novel, (You) Set Me On Fire, Ms. Tamaki will be, in my opinion, headlining for a rather eventful weekend.

When: September 22, 2012; from 1:30 pm-3:30 pm
Where: The Academy of the Impossible Words; 231 Wallace Avenue (At Lansdowne) East
For more info: info@impossiblewords.ca; impossiblewords.ca; (416) 779-1448

Annual Acclamations: Word On The Street

I hope you have a clear schedule, because next weekend will be jammed with a smouldering load of books. Word On The Street is exactly as it sounds. The streets around Queen’s Park will be unleashing any book lover’s dream: amazing sales and new names to the writing world. Not to mention there are always great opportunities for writers. Last year, I found a booth that sold specially bound novels, and numerous others that were publicizing online zines for free publishing. And there will also be the TVO kids’ stage for the much younger children who also want a chance at some new books. I highly recommend attending, and if you’ve known me long enough, you would already have had this marked on your calendar.

When: September 23, 2012; from 11:00 am-6:00 pm
Where: Queen’s Park Circle; Downtown Toronto

A Burning Thought Exchange: Celebrate Dickens: Professor John Baird on Great Expectations

From the gates of hell to a gloomy churchyard, retired U of T professor John Baird takes us on another intriguing celebration of classic literature. Travel through this classic bildungsroman as Pip, and feel the rest of Victorian England come alive. Experience dreary nights and rainy mornings while some little goblin is crying outside your window. Live through the emotional toils of fear, guilt, pride, and shame, as you amass your wealth. Great Expectations was the first novel of Dickens that I ever read, and will always be one of my favourites. There is once again no registration required to attend this series, but I have grand expectations for the turnout of this event.

When: September 20, 2012; from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Where: Deer Park TPL Branch, 2nd Floor Program Room; 40 St. Clair Avenue East
No registration

Prescribed Publishing: Six Degrees of Writing

Publishing is always a tricky field, and little tips or tricks are definitely beneficial to the upcoming generation of writers. Catherine Rondina, published award-winning author, will explore the various factors that go into publishing your fantasies. She will discuss current market trends, the hot topic themes that sell, and most importantly, how to get your foot in the door with publishers. Prescribe your own future in the literary world with this two hour event!

When: September 22, 2012; from 2:30 pm-4:30 pm
Where: York Woods TPL branch, Meeting Room 2; 1785 Finch Avenue West
Register: In person or call (416) 395-5980

Author’s Spotlight: Meet Word Out Author Marina Cohen

The Word Out series has yet to disappoint with their continuous promotion of terrific Canadian authors. Marina Cohen is no exception, sporting a wide repertoire of fiction and non-fiction works for children and teens. Open for all ages, this is another great opportunity for exposure into the field of professional writing. For more information, call 416-394-1014.

When: August 14, 2012; from 2:00 pm-3:15 pm
Where: Jane/Dundas TPL branch; 620 Jane Street

Frenzied Words: Write Like You Mean It!

Remember the days when you had to learn to walk, so now you can run? When you learned to doodle, and now you can draw detailed portraits? When you learned to listen, and now you can articulate your own thoughts? Author Kristyn Dunnion guides you through the stages of creative writing, straight from the basics. Learn to properly use the brainstorming and revision stages, so that you can flow right into your own writing frenzy. You will be urged to write fast and hard, and you may be surprised by your own potential. This opportunity is geared for individuals aged 12-19.

When: August 15, 2012; 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library: Elizabeth Beeton Auditorium; 789 Yonge Street
Registration: Call (416) 397-5970 or email Ken Sparling at ksparling@torontopubliclibrary.ca