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Winding Down the Summer

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The Artistic Word: Infinite Kung Fu with Word Out Graphic Novelist Kagan McLeod

What better way to ink down the long summer road, and truly settle into the summer art of relaxation, than graphic art itself. Kagan McLeod, published illustrator in such magazines as the National Post and New York Magazine, and author of zombie-martial amalgamation, Infinite Kung Fu, is leading the next instalment in the Word Out series with an artistic twist. After introducing himself, his inspiration and artistic process, he will lead all attendees in a comic jam, where all can try their hand at the artistic word.

When: August 22, 2012; from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
Where: Parkdale TPL branch; 1303 Queen Street West

Reading in the Lax: Tea & Books

Books were always meant to be read in that special spot that isolated us from reality, which took us to another world. Now they can be read just about everywhere: on the subway, the bus, during class, yet they still serve the same purpose. Join us on a quiet regular afternoon and listen as local librarians review recent publications, new and upcoming titles, and even their all-time favourites, and maybe you can find the next book to pick up for an escape. It’ll be well worth your time as light refreshments will be available!

When: August 28, 2012; 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Where: Agincourt TPL branch: Program Room; 155 Bonis Avenue

A Summer Semantic Stew

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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

Back to Basics

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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

The Extraordinary within the Ordinary

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Christopher Smart, whose recent two-hundred-and-ninety-year-old birthday anniversary was celebrated on April 11, was one of the most influential 18th century English poets. His works perpetuated a new idiom for English poetry of the time. Confined to an insane asylum during the creation of his poem Jubilate Agno, Smart gained a unique perspective and interpretation of the natural world. Devoid of human contact, Smart spent his time in the asylum in the company of his cat Jeoffry, who is the focus of the most recognized section of Jubilate Agno. The “Jeoffry section” has been incorporated into many children’s texts and presented as a simplistic poem about a cat. Although simple, Smart’s work is extremely complex in content. He avoids sweeping descriptive statements and foregrounds detailed observations of every movement of his cat or the natural phenomena he envisions. The interpretations of Jubilate Agno are numerous, but it remains undeniable that his poem is a vigorous attempt to capture and record the minute details of the world around him. His syntax and terse poetic style mirror the rough form of the Psalms and greatly diverge from the harmonious structure common to 18th century poetry. Smart’s unique idiom creates a jarring and shocking impression on its reader, which could almost be described as sublime, as characterized by Edmund Burke. His unusual form encourages the reader to gain a new perspective of poetry, which parallels Smart’s unique vision of the natural phenomena around him.

For Smart, as for many modern poets, poetry holds a dual purpose. It was a means for him to create a sense of freedom in his life of adversary and perpetuate his reader to attain a new perspective of the world.

So here’s to Smart and his ability to view beauty. And here’s to summer and the good weather that makes it all the more important to take Smart’s lead and appreciate the extraordinary within the ordinary.

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

DD Mentorship Diary

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I remember how excited I was to learn that I had gained entrance into the Diaspora Dialogue’s Youth Mentorship program and at the idea of a professional published writer looking at and critiquing my work. That excitement gave way to nervousness and persistent thoughts of: “What if he/she thinks that my work is terrible? ” After submitting my poem for the first pass, I imagined receiving an email that said: “Are you serious? ”

It’s safe to say that this was not the type of response I received from my mentor, Lauren Kirshner.

Instead, her response to the email in which I sent my poem was enthusiastic, and thought-provoking. She said plenty of nice things about my poem (which got me blushing), as well as numerous points about what I could do to perhaps improve it. Through every pass, she gave me fantastic advice and got me to look at my poem through angles I had never considered, and provided examples of other poetry to reinforce her points.

At 20, I’m young and my writing is still developing, but the opportunity to work with a professional writer on my piece has helped me grow as a writer, and given me a set of skills that I may have taken years to come by. For all of this (and the experience itself) I am very thankful to my mentor Lauren, and Diaspora Dialogues.

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