Diaspora Dialogues

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Comical Poetics: Writing Workshop with Matthew Tierney

Poetry is more than just complex thoughts mixed with brooding connotation. Utilize all your emotions in this hands-on workshop, where you can embrace the full spectrum of your poetic potential. Led by Canadian poet Matthew Tierney, dabble into the comedic side of poetry that frightens many with its wide and crescent smile.

When: July 19, 2012; 12:30 pm-2:30 pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library TPL branch: Elizabeth Beeton Auditorium; 789 Yonge Street
Registration: Call (416)-397-5970 or contact Ken Sparling at ksparling@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Just Another Teen Outlet: Teen Book Club

Don’t fall to the folly of the mid-summer heat. Gather and discuss teen book trends and find new books to lounge around with under the sun. From mystery to romance, you can discover what else teens your age are reading.

When: July 30, 2012; 3:30 am-5:30 pm
Where: Centennnial TPL branch; 578 Finch Avenue West

Author’s Spotlight: Meet Word Out Author Leah Bobet

Broadcasting a new author to the Word Out stage is Leah Bobet with her debut novel, Above. Join this next instalment to the Word Out series to hear her thoughts and experiences with the novel, and see how her fantasy isn’t all that fictitious.

When: August 9, 2012; from 4:00 pm-5:00 pm
Where: Centennnial TPL branch; 578 Finch Avenue West

Summer Vacation Starters

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Just Another Teen Outlet: Teen Writing Workshop

Join other writers with the practice and discussion of creative writing. A wide range of writing—between poetry, fiction, non-fiction—will be looked at, and all participants will learn various writing exercises from a published author, which can be recycled for future reference. Best of all, it’s free! And no registration is required.

When: July 16, 2012; 3:30 pm-5:30 pm
Where: Centennnial TPL branch; 578 Finch Avenue West

Munday Mysteries: Word Out with Evan Munday

The next fantastic instalment of the Word Out series by the Toronto Public Library, Evan Munday, famed author of The Dead Kid Detective Agency, returns for another library workshop. Although focusing on mystery writing, all youth attendees will be taught how to generally improve their writing. This is definitely not an opportunity to pass up. Space is limited, so register soon. For more information on Evan Munday, visit his blog.

When: July 21, 2012; 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Where: North York Central Library TPL branch: Room 2/3; 5120 Yonge Street
Registration: Call (416)-395-5674

Author’s Spotlight: Meet Word Out Author Nalo Hopkinson

Nalo Hopkinson, science fiction and fantasy writer, will be presenting her newly published novel The Chaos. Hopkinson has not been one to disappoint, winning the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. She ensures that Toronto is not only a part of her community, but also a part of her writing. Join in yet another instalment of the highly successful Word Out series being held by the Toronto Public Library.

When: July 25, 2012; from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Where: Parkdale Program Room;1303 Queen Street West

Precarious Perusing

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Need to Read: Boz Reading Group

A search for love, suicide, and the desire for money. Charles Dickens has always been one to make his stories as utterly complex as possible. Discuss one of his argumentatively finest novels, Bleak House, and see why he is being celebrated two centuries after his birth. Dickens has always been one of my favourite authors, and he has never faltered in his critical view of English socialism. Read and listen to excerpts from the book and see how he could deserve a slot on your bookshelf, and compare the literary prestige over the years. No registration required.

When: June 20, 2012; 7:00 pm-9:30 pm
Where: Northern District TPL branch; 5120 Yonge Street

Meeting Muses: Writers Group

Finding fellow writers is even easier than finding a place to write in your local coffee shop. Read the unpublished works of other writers, and even contribute your own pieces in progress for critique. If you don’t want to submit any of your writing for feedback immediately, sit back and be inspired by the words that will slip into your consciousness. No registration required.

When: June 28, 2012; starts at 7:00 pm
Where: Morningside TPL branch;4279 Lawrence Avenue East

Groups with Gore: Tea and Murder Mystery Book Club

Skulk around new books and stories whilst enjoying a hot cup of tea. Discover your next favourite sleuth in contemporary literature with the company of fellow readers. From murder mystery to clever whodunits, there is a limited time to have puzzles of fun. Just don’t spill the tea!

When: June 28, 2012; from 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Register: Call (416)-393-7727, or register within the library
Where: Pape/Danforth TPL branch: Program Room; 701 Pape Avenue

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

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