SUBMIT YOUR NEWS AND EVENTS!
If you have an event or news that you would like to display on this page, please send an email to info@markhamvillagewriters.com. Although we are a Markham-based group, we also welcome information from areas outside of Markham. Please include the following information in your email: (1) Your name (2) Your email address (3) Your organization/company name (4) Your event/news details (include dates, times and contact information)
WRITING EVENTS & NEWS
for Fall/Winter 2010
The Toronto New School of Writing announces their fall schedule of workshops
Hosted in the seminar room of Of Swallows, their Deeds, & the Winter Below bookshop. Offerings include: “The Berkeley / San Francisco Renaissance” (w/Victor Coleman & Michael Boughn), “Speech, Speed, and Structures of Voicing in Poetry and Prose” (w/Anselm Berrigan), and “The Long Poem Workshop” (w/ Jay MillAr). For more information, and the rest of the listings, visit http://tnsow.com/courses/
Art Bar Poetry
Tuesday, September 7, 8:00 PM, Clinton’s, 693 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Enjoy free poetry readings by Betsy Struthers, Andrea Thompson and Merle Nudelman.
Book Launch: Our Friendly Local Terrorist
Tuesday, September 7, 5:00 pm, Regis College, U of T, 100 Wellesley St. W., Toronto
and
Wednesday, September 8, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Romero House, 1558 Bloor St. W., Toronto
Between the Lines and Regis College welcome one and all to the launch of Our Friendly Local Terrorist by Mary Jo Leddy. “A chilling story that shakes your faith in our vaunted Canadian immigration system. Secret hearings, spying, betrayal, no accountability are features we associate with desperate dictatorships elsewhere, not our own government here in Canada. It is no wonder Canada’s stature in the human rights world has sunk to its lowest level ever. This is a national disgrace.” – Helga Stephenson, human rights activist. For more information, please contact Between the Lines: 416.535.9914, info@btlbooks.com.
Book clearance Sale: Of Swallows, their Deeds, & the Winter Below (scholarly books, etc.)
September 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, and 17 (during bookshop hours)
Bookshop hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11 AM to 7 PM, Sundays, 1 PM to 6 PM
283 College Street, upper floors, South side, a block west of Spadina
To help accommodate our recent acquisitions, we will stage a clearance sale in our seminar room, over six (non-consecutive) days. Each day another four boxes (or so) from our back-stock will be unpacked. Quality titles, reduced prices; three books for $10. Call 416.534.5173 or visit http://www.283college.ca
Young At Heart, Romance Writing Workshop
Saturday, September 11, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., North York Central Library, Toronto
Presented by Toronto Chapter of Romance Writers of America. If you’ve ever wanted to write a young adult romance, now’s the time to start. It’s one of the fastest growing subgenres and covers the same full range as adult romance, from historical to contemporary to paranormal. Yet there’s a lot of misinformation about the differences in writing for young adults. This workshop will demystify the genre for you, whether you’re starting by writing for teens or coming over from the adult side. It will also take a look at the current marketplace and give all the tips you need to help find your inner teenager, looking for love. Free for non-members if first visit, otherwise $5/$10. Info: torontoromancewriters.com
The Writers’ Community of Durham Region (WCDR) Breakfast Meeting
Saturday, September 11, 2010, 8:30 am – 11:00 am, The Octaviens Banquet & Conference Centre, within the Best Western Durham Hotel, off Highway 401 at Stevenson Road in Oshawa
We’re kicking off the fall season in a new location. The featured speaker will be Neil Crone. Registrations are already pouring in for what promises to be a rollicking good time as the well-loved actor and freelance writer shares advice on humour writing. After the meeting, Dorothea Helms, a.k.a. The Writing Fairy, will present a mini-workshop called “Speech Writing For Hire.” In this one-hour session, she will cover topics such as the difference between a speech and remarks, understanding your audience and inserting humour. The mini-workshop is priced at $10 per person. Participation is limited to 25 breakfast attendees; registrations will be taken on a first-come, first served basis. The WCDR monthly breakfast meetings are where experienced and aspiring writers gather, learn and connect. Join this vibrant group throughout the year to hear authors and industry speakers, enjoy special events, and broaden your networking circle. Everyone is welcome. The cost, which includes a hearty breakfast, is $15 for members; $20 for guests. (Ask how by becoming a member, you can save!) Pre-registration for the September 11th breakfast meeting and workshop is required. Register online at www.wcdr.org, by phone at 905-686-0211 or by email at breakfast@wcdr.org, no later than noon on Thursday, September 9th.
Blood and Groom: Author Signing
Saturday, September 11, 1:00 pm, Indigo, Yonge & Eglinton, 2300 Yonge Street Toronto
Is wedded bliss a thing of the past? Jill Edmondson and her sexy sleuth, Sasha Jackson, make a stop at Indigo Yonge and Eglinton to chat murder and matrimony in her novel, Blood and Groom (Dundurn Press).
Small Print Toronto presents The Toronto Roald Dahl Festival
Saturday, September 11, 5:30 PM, Theatre Direct, at Wychwood Barns, 76 Wychwood Avenue, Toronto
Advance tickets now available at www.smallprinttoronto.org.
The Aurora Writers present: Tea and Scones and Stories
Book Launch and Tea Party for Aurora Storyalis III
Sunday, September 12, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St., Aurora
An old fashioned tea party with readings by the Aurora Writers Group from our newest publication. Please R.S.V.P to Heather Anne Lambert @ halambert@rogers.com
Mississauga Literary Festival presents The Year of Finding Memory by Judy Fong Bates
September 14, 7:00 pm, Mississauga Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga
Info: www.mississauga.ca/
Indigo Books & Music presents Ethical Oil by Ezra Levant
September 14, 7:00 pm, Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor St. W., Toronto
Info: chapters.indigo.ca
Meet the Author Series: A Man in Uniform by Kate Taylor
September 14, 7:00 pm, Burlington Public Library, 2331 New St., Burlington
Info: bpl.on.ca
Writing and Selling Your Book Proposal
Tuesday, September 14, registration 6:15-6:45, Seminar 6:45 pm – 9 pm
Meeting Room A, Richmond Hill Public Library, 1 Atkinson Street, Richmond Hill
Instructor: Tanya Freedman, The Book Proposal Mentor. Special Rate for Markham Arts Council members $25 (standard rate $39). Pre-registration required. Call Tanya Freedman at 905-770-5774, email contact@tanyafreedman.com. Or visit www.bookproposalmentor.com/seminar
An Evening with Semmy Stahlhammer
Tuesday, September 14, 8:00 – 9:30 pm, Book-Club-In-A-Box, 210-875 Eglinton Ave. West, Toronto
Semmy has recently published an outstanding biography of his father, titled Codename Barber. Mischa Stahlhammer, Semmy’s father, escaped from a German forced labor camp, joined Polish partisans in the forests, became a specialist in making and disarming mines, joined the Soviet Red Army and came to Sweden in 1948. The book contains rare photos, as Mischa took pictures with a camera he confiscated from a captured German soldier. There are two German, three Polish and four Soviet documents verifying this unlikely story. The book, in combination with the documents, has interested many historians. Copies of the book will be available and Semmy will be on hand to discuss this extraordinary tale and sign your copy! Semmy will speak about his book, his father, and along with his wife Isabel, Semmy will play klezmer music for us. Semmy is an accomplished musician and is the First Concertmaster at the Stockholm Royal Opera and a faculty member at the Stockholm Royal Music College. For more information or to register, click here, email events@bookclubinabox.com or call 416-784-9436. The event is free, but we ask people to register.
Book Launch: The Room by Emma Donoghue
Wednesday, September 15, 7:00 pm, Dora Keogh Traditional Irish Pub, 141 Danforth Ave, Toronto
Please join The Fine Print and Harper Collins Canada as they celebrate the release of Emma Donoghue’s eagerly anticipated new novel, The Room. Learn more at www.roomthebook.com
Intensive Creative Writing workshop, Oakville, Ontario
Wednesday afternoons, Sept 15 – Dec 8. Details here: http://quick-brown-fox-canada.blogspot.com/2010/06/intensive-creative-writing-wed.html
Intermediate Creative Writing workshop, Mississauga, Ontario
Wednesday evenings, Sept 15 – Dec 8. Details here: http://quick-brown-fox-canada.blogspot.com/2010/07/intermediate-creative-writing-wednesday.html
Jane Urquhart in Conversation with Antanas Sileika
Thursday, September 16, 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m., Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto
The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon is a place where writers, thinkers, movers and shakers come together for discussions, debates and more. Everybody welcome. Jane discusses her new book, Sanctuary Line, with novelist and critic Antanas Sileika.
Launch of “Alien, Correspondent”
Thursday, September 16, 6:00 PM, Ben McNally Books, 366 Bay Street, Toronto
Brick Books invites you to the launch of Alien, Correspondent by Antony Di Nardo. Refreshments will be served.
The eh List Author Series: Jonathan Schneer
Thursday, September 16, 7:00 PM, Toronto Public Library, Barbara Frum Branch, 20 Covington Avenue, Toronto
Jonathan Schneer is a specialist in modern British history, and a professor at Georgia Tech’s School of History, Technology and Society. The author of many books, articles and reviews, Schneer does not shy from controversy. His examination of The Balfour Declaration- the document which led to the founding of the State of Israel is sweeping, meticulously researched and provocative. Free event.
Eh List Author Series presents Motorcycles & Sweetgrass by Drew Hayden Taylor
September 16, 7:00 pm, Toronto Public Library, Taylor Memorial Branch, 1440 Kingston Rd., Toronto
Info: torontopubliclibrary.ca
Words Alive Literary Festival
Saturday, September 18, Sharon, Ontario (north of Newmarket)
Loads more information at: http://www.wordsalive.ca/
“Show Don’t Tell” Workshop
Saturday September 18, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Whitby/Brooklin location
Whether you’re writing fiction, creative non-fiction, or poetry, you hear the maxim “show don’t tell” over and over again. But what exactly does that mean? And are you doing it? Join James Dewar and Susan Lynn Reynolds for a full day workshop into this essential skill. The day will cover “showing” rather than “telling” in several different forms: dialogue, description, plotting, subtext. It will also identify those opportunities in your writing when telling would be more appropriate than showing. Workshop participants will work with samples from your own work to see where you apply this skill already and where your writing can be more effective. This hands-on, interactive workshop will ensure each participant fully integrates this essential element of the craft of writing into your author skillset. Cost: $95 + HST ($85 + HST for WCDR, WEN, WHEN, PWAC members). For more information, or to register, please visit the WCDR workshops page at http://wcdr.ca/wcdr/, or go directly to the Inkslingers website: http://inkslingers.ca/inkslingers/?p=80
22nd Eden Mills Writers Festival
Sunday, September 19, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Loads more information at: http://www.edenmillswritersfestival.ca/index.html. Participating authors at Eden Mills: Sid Marty, Joy Fielding, Carol Off, Steven Heighton, Giles Blunt, Karen Connelly, Dionne Brand, Peter Robinson, Linden MacIntyre, Linwood Barclay, Nicholas Ruddock.
Telling Tales: Family Festival of Stories
Sunday, September 19, 10:00 am, Westfield Heritage Village,
1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, Ontario
Come and spend a day of stories in many forms. Telling Tales: A Family Festival of Stories at Westfield Heritage Village was thrilled to be named the winner in the category of Best Festival or Tourist Event/Medium and to receive honourable mention in the category of Rookie Event of the Year. Popular author Kenneth Oppel, CBC broadcaster and author Kevin Sylvester, ever-popular author-illustrator Jeremy Tankard, and local musician Jude Johnson are among the many presenters already confirmed. The event is free to attend, with donations to literacy gratefully accepted and encouraged. Last year, the first-ever Telling Tales festival drew more than 4,000 attendees to the storybook location of Westfield Heritage Village from across Ontario and established its unique mandate: to entertain children and families of all ages and to raise money for Hamilton-based literacy programs. For full details, http://www.tellingtales.org/about-the-festival/
Memory Threads: The Satellite Version
September 20, 2010 to January 3, 2011, 7 packs over 17 weeks
Back by popular demand! This is a mail-based class, inviting participants to write themselves into the rich world of their own personal stories. Every second week, a group of writers from around the globe will receive an “inspiration pack” in their mail boxes — a colourful envelope packed with creative stimulation, including a theme to write about, ideas about how to get started, some beautiful examples of memoir on that theme, and a writing tip. Participants will have two weeks to craft a story and send it in. Each participant will be matched with a writing coach who will provide supportive, thoughtful feedback on each and every story in the form of a hand-written letter. Participants may also choose to be part of a peer group for further feedback. $295 CAD plus mail/materials fee ($20 within Canada, $30 abroad). For more info, contact Chris Kay Fraser, chris@fireflycreativewriting.com, http://www.fireflycreativewriting.com/learning-opportunities/correspondence
Star Talks: David Clayton Thomas in Conversation with Geoff Pevere
Monday, September 20, 7:00 pm, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto
The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon presents an evening with David Clayton Thomas featuring a reading from his memoir, Blood, Sweat and Tears, an on-stage conversation with the Toronto Star’s Geoff Pevere and a special debut performance of a song from his new album, Soul Ballads, accompanied by Brigham Phillips. Presented in partnership with the Toronto Star. David Clayton Thomas appears courtesy of Penguin Books.
Ben McNally Books presents Citizens of Nowhere by Debi Goodwin
September 20, 6:00 pm
366 Bay Street, Toronto, ON
Canadian Writers in Person presents The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews
September 21, 7:00 pm
York University, Toronto
Dept of English, 416-736-2100 ext #20482.
Book launch: Practical Jean by Trevor Cole
September 21, 7:00 pm, ArtWord ArtBar, 15 Colbourne St., Hamilton
Authors at Harbourfront Centre
September 22, 7:30 pm, York Quay Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Authors at Harbourfront Centre opens the 37th season of readings. Richard Harvell, Keith Ross Leckie and Jan Costin Wagner present their latest works. Ticket Price: $10/FREE for members and students with ID. Tickets/Info: 416-973-4000 or www.readings.org
Eh List Author Series presents Snow Job by William Deverell
September 22, 7:00 pm, Toronto Public Library, S. Walter Stewart Branch, 170 Memorial Park Ave. Toronto
and
September 23, 7:00 pm, Toronto Public Library, Runnymede Branch, 2178 Bloor St. W., Toronto
Info: torontopubliclibrary.ca
Indigo Books & Music presents Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
September 24, 7:00 pm, Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor St. W., Toronto
Book Launch: Bleeding Light by Sheniz Janmohamed
Friday, September 24, 6:30 pm, Beit Zatoun House, 612 Markham Street, Toronto
Sheniz Janmohamed is a spoken word artist and freelance writer. Bleeding Light is her collection of poems (ghazals). Books will be available at the launch, with author signings, readings and light refreshments. For more information on the author and her book, or to pre-order Bleeding Light, see http://www.tsarbooks.com/.
Brampton Chapters presents Smart Chicks Kick It!
September 25, 2:00 pm, Market Hall, 52 Quarry Edge Drive, Brampton
An uprecedented number of talented authors in one place on one day! Meet amazing Teen authors Alyson Noel, Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr, Melissa de la Cruz, Jeri Smith-Ready, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl as they mingle with fans and sign their books on the Smart Chicks Kick It! tour.
Writing with Style workshop, Hamilton, Ontario
Sat, Sept 25. Details here: http://quick-brown-fox-canada.blogspot.com/2010/07/writng-with-style-saturday-september-25.html
Diaspora Dialogues Literary Scavenger Hunt
September 26, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, The Word On The Street, Queen’s Park, Toronto
How confident are you in pitting your literary knowledge against fellow Torontonians? Ready for a literary scavenger hunt from one end of Queen’s Park to the next? Ready to get up close and personal with a writer? Join Diaspora Dialogues @ this year’s Word on the Street, for a Sunday afternoon chase of literary clues, lines of poetry, personalized readings, books open and waiting for your contribution, and all manner of literary oddities. Complete the hunt and win a prize. All prize winners will be automatically entered into the Grand Prize draw, taking place at the end of the day. Featuring Anthony De Sa, Priscila Uppal, Farzana Doctor, Shawn Micallef, Marianne Apostolides, Kyle Greenwood, Dawn Promislow, and more. For more details check out www.diasporadialogues.com or contact Natalie on 416- 944-1101 ext 250.
“Adopt an Author” sponsored by The Word On The Street
All donations go toward Toronto’s The Word On The Street festival so it can continue to grow each year. You’ll find a list of The Word On The Street authors available for ‘adoption’ at www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/toronto/adopt. For a $100 contribution, you can adopt one of these authors (or more) and, in return, you get a copy of their book–which will be signed at the festival–a chance to be the first person to greet and meet with the author at the festival, and recognition for your support both at the festival and at the website. It’s a great way to become more involved in the Canadian literary scene and truly show support for Canadian authors and for The Word On The Street. Visit www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/toronto/adopt to learn more.
The Word On The Street Book and Magazine Festival
Sunday, September 26, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Queen’s Park, Toronto
The Word On The Street is a national celebration of literacy and the written word. Plenty of author events, presentations and workshops and a marketplace that boasts the best selection of Canadian books and magazines you’ll find anywhere. Best of all, all events are FREE! Get all the details at: http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/toronto
Globe and Mail: Ben McNally Brunch
Sunday, September 26, 10:00 am, King Edward Hotel, 37 King Street East, Toronto
Join Ben McNally for brunch and literary delights. Featured books include: Defiant Spirits: The Modernist Revolution of the Group of Seven (Douglas & McIntyre) by Ross King; The Beauty of Humanity Movement (Doubleday Canada) by Camilla Gibb; Arrival City: The Final Migration and Our Next World (Knopf Canada) by Doug Saunders. Tickets are $45.00 (taxes included). Please call 416-361-0032 with your credit card information to reserve a ticket.
Chapters presents Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong
September 26, 2:00 pm, Market Mall, 52 Quarry Edge Drive, Brampton
Info: chapters.indigo.ca
Doug Saunders in conversation with Mark Kingwell
Monday, September 27, 7:00 PM, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto
Located on the second floor of the Toronto Reference Library, The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon is a place where writers, thinkers, movers and shakers come together for discussions, debates and more. Everybody is welcome. This evening, Doug Saunders, the Globe and Mail’s European Bureau Chief, discusses his new book, Arrival City: The Final Migration and our Next World, with philosopher Mark Kingwell. Doors open at 6pm.
Star Talks: Tarragon Theatre 40th Anniversary
Tuesday, September 28, 7:00 PM, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto
Tarragon Theatre celebrates its 40th anniversary; join a discussion with playwrights Morwyn Brebner, David French, Michael Healey, Hannah Moscovitch, and Judith Thompson, hosted by critic Richard Ouzounian. Doors open at 6 pm.
Art Bar Poetry
Tuesday, September 28, 8:00 PM, Clinton’s, 693 Bloor Street West, Toronto
All are welcome to enjoy free poetry by guest readers: Lorri Neilsen Glenn, Stan Rogal and Sharon McCartney.
Welcome to Creative Writing workshop, Burlington, Ontario
Tuesday afternoons, Sept 28 – Nov 23. Details here: http://quick-brown-fox-canada.blogspot.com/2010/07/welcome-to-creative-writing-sept-28-nov.html
Eh List Author Series presents The Year of Finding Memory by Judy Fong Bates
September 28, 2:00 pm, Toronto Public Library, Deer Park Branch, 40 St. Clair Ave. E., Toronto
Info: torontopubliclibrary.ca
An Evening with McMaster Alumnis Terry Fallis
September 29, 4:30 pm, Lyons New Media Centre, Mills Library, 4th floor, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
Book launch: The High Road by Terry Fallis; special announcement; reception.
Lorri Neilsen Glenn & Eve Joseph: Poetry London
Wednesday, September 29, 7:30 pm, Landon Branch Library, 167 Wortley Road, London, Ontario
Lorri will be reading from her third poetry collection Lost Gospels and Eve will be reading from her second poetry collection The Secret Signature of Things (Brick Books, 2010). For more information, please see www.brickbooks.ca.
Authors at Harbourfront Centre: David Suzuki Legacy Tour
September 29
York Quay Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Environmental activist, academic and broadcaster David Suzuki, joins Authors at Harbourfront Centre (AUTHORS) as part of his Legacy Tour promoting his new book and movie.
Lorri Neilsen Glenn reading at Redeemer College
Thursday, September 30, 4:30 pm, Redeemer University College, 777 Garner Road East, Ancaster, Ontario
and
Thursday, September 30, 7:30 pm, Bryan Prince Bookseller, 1060 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario
Lorri Neilsen Glenn is the author of Lost Gospels (Brick Books).
We Day
September 30, Air Canada Center, Toronto
Presenting Why Is God Laughing? by Deepak Chopra, and I Shall Not Hate by Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish. Info: weday.freethechildren.com
Sanctuary Line by Jane Urquhart
September 30, 7:30 pm, Heliconian Club, 35 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto
Info: www.heliconianclub.org
Rhythm and Rhyme: A 3-day all-inclusive retreat for songwriters and musicians
October 1, 2 and 3, Geneva Park, just outside Orillia
Participants will have a wonderful opportunity to meet and network with other songwriters and musicians at a supportive and friendly event with a variety of workshops and open mic sessions. Workshops are being presented by experienced and knowledgeable songwriters James Linderman and Kathy Himbeault, and acclaimed guitarist Bryan Rason. Explore lyric form and structure, melody and co-writing with Kathy and James. Improve guitar skills with Bryan as you develop chord progressions, fingerstyle techniques and so much more. Workshops are open to all skill levels. Even if you haven’t written a song before but you want to, Rhythm and Rhyme is a great place to start. Nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Couchiching in Orillia, YMCA Geneva Park is the perfect spot for creative work. A weekend away will rejuvenate and inspire the creativity that everyday life does not always allow. Registration includes all accommodation, meals, workshops and open mics, along with an opportunity to record in a demo session. Details and info: www.lyricalstrings.com. Lyrical Strings was created and developed by Durham Region resident Linda Jones to offer fellow musicians and songwriters a venue to express, share and enjoy each other’s talents and friendship.
Future City at Nuit Blanche
Oct 2, 6:57 pm to sunrise, Gardiner Museum, 111 Queens Park, Toronto
This public city square belongs to an alternate Toronto run by artists. Here, your civic responsibility requires you to give a little (art) in order to get a little (art). Writers, artists, and performers will inhabit and animate this square in amusing interactions, and you will have the opportunity to engage in rewarding ways if you choose. An exchange of short “fortune cookie” length poems; a photo mosaic to which you can give your likeness; and improvised interactions with artists and musicians are just some of the ways the square of the future will be designed to make everyone a useful part of this imagined city. Artists involved: Heather Hermant, Melina Young, Jim Hake, Heather Kent, Melody Johnson, Denny Christianson, Lorne Frohman. For more details, check out www.diasporadialogues.com, contact Natalie at 416-944-1101 ext 250 or www.gardinermuseum.com.
Exchanging Notes: The Interviews presents Andrew Pyper
Saturday, October 2, The Toronto Reference Library, Elizabeth Beeton Auditorium,
789 Yonge Street (Yonge & Bloor), Toronto
Stay tuned for more details.
The Headwater Writers Group presents…Writing for Children and Young Adults
Saturday, October 2, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Tweedsmuir Presbyterian Church, 6 John Street, Orangeville
Whether you want to write the next best-selling children’s books or just want to create stories for your own kids, this workshop is for you. Learn how to write stories kids and young adults will love, and find out what you need to know to sell your book. Special option: Bring a sample of your children’s writing – 1,500 words absolute max, but 800 or fewer works better. If you’re not currently working on a children’s story, don’t worry, we’ll get you started on the spot! Workshop leader Brian Henry has been a book editor and creative writing instructor for more than 25 years. He is also the author of a children’s version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Tribute Publishing Inc). Fee: $38.94 + 13% HST = $44 paid in advance or $42.48 + 13% HST = $48 if you wait to pay at the door. To register, please make out a cheque to Brian Henry and mail it to: Brian Henry, 110 Reiner Road, Toronto. To reserve a spot now, email: brianhenry@sympatico.ca
Writing for Children and Young Adults workshop, Orangeville, Ontario
Sat, Oct 2. Details here: http://quick-brown-fox-canada.blogspot.com/2010/07/writing-for-children-and-young-adults.html
Jan Conn & Eve Joseph at LitLive
Sunday, October 3, 7:30 pm, Sky Dragon Centre, 27 King William Street, Hamilton, Ontario
Jan will be reading from her collection Botero’s Beautiful Horses and Eve will be reading from her second poetry collection The Secret Signature of Things (Brick Books, 2010). For more information, please see http://www.brickbooks.ca/?page… and http://litlive.blogspot.com/
Creative Writing Workshop by Roxanne Snider
Eight Tuesdays–October 5 to November 23, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Bloor Street United Church, Bloor & Spadina, Toronto
A great way to start writing, jump start your stalled writing, or push your writing to a new level! Join a new session of an ongoing creative writing workshop, which evolved out of a University of Toronto Creative Writing course. Through a series of writing prompts, we’ll explore various components of narrative prose: exposition, dialogue, point-of-view, style, etc. Each week participants write a short, assigned piece which we’ll read and discuss in class. These exercises are designed to spark the imagination and hone the craft of writing, and are suitable for writers of fiction and memoir, beginning writers or those further along. The workshop in is a supportive, illuminating, entertaining and provocative environment in which to develop narrative skills and ideas. Our discussion of writing also includes examples from great classic and contemporary writers. The instructor, Roxanne Snider, is a published writer with an MFA in creative writing, who has taught University of Toronto’s Continuing Education courses. Her teachers include Barbara Gowdy, Amy Hempel and Sven Birkerts. Cost: $275, or $250 with registration before Sept. 7th. Contact Roxanne at: rs2459@gmail.com or 416-516-0444 for more information.
The eh List Author Series: Linwood Barclay
Wednesday, October 6, 7:00 PM, North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto
Linwood Barclay has been a favourite among mystery lovers in Toronto since his books began appearing in the mid-1990s. His eight titles have grown in popularity around the world, and today, Barclay has fans across the English speaking world. Never Look Away promises to be his best yet, with twists starting early in the story and simply not stopping until the end.
Authors At Harbourfront Centre: A Conversation with Stuart McLean
Wednesday, October 6, 7:30 PM, Brigantine Room, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Bestselling and award-winning author Stuart McLean presents his latest work, The Vinyl Cafe Notebooks. Writer and host of the popular CBC Radio show The Vinyl Cafe, McLean’s work includes six collections of Vinyl Cafe stories. For tickets and further information, please visit http://www.readings.org/?q=weekly/a_conversation_with_stuart_mclean
Eh List Author Series with Michael Wex
Tuesday, October 12, 7:00 PM, North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto
Wex is best known for bringing his inimitable and hilarious how to?books of Yiddish language (Born to Kvetch, Just Say Nu, and How to Be a Mentsh (and Not a Shmuck) to Toronto’s Jews and goyim. Wex is back this year with a novel, which does for Toronto what Mordecai Richler did for Montreal.
Meet The Authors: Toronto Romance Writers
October 16, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., North York Memorial Hall, downstairs from the North York Public Library
What do you want to know about the publishing industry, but were afraid to ask? Panel members will answer your questions from a variety of perspectives — from small press to ePublishing to New York houses.
The eh List Author Series: Will Ferguson
Tuesday, October 19, 7:00 PM, Toronto Public Library – S. Walter Stewart Branch, 170 Memorial Park Avenue, Toronto
The author of Why I Hate Canadians, Hitchhiking Rides from Buddha, and Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw is back with more tall tales and memorable characters. Beyond Belfast tells the story of one man’s misguided attempt at walking the entire Ulster Way: a 560-mile path that circles Northern Ireland. This is a free event.
Book Launch: Echoes From The Other Land by Ava Homa
Friday, October 22, 6:30 pm, Beit Zatoun House, 612 Markham Street, Toronto
TSAR Publications presents the launch of Echoes from the Other Land by Ava Homa. This is a free event. Ava Homa was teaching at a university in Iran when she decided to move to Canada to study in an Ontario university. Currently she lives in Toronto, where she continues teaching and writing. For more information, please see http://www.tsarbooks.com/
The Canadian Authors Association, Peterborough, presents: Writing and Revising
Saturday, October 23, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Jackson Creek Residence, 481 Reid Street, Peterborough (South off Parkhill Rd W, north off Sherbrooke St, at the corner of Murray St.)
If you want to refine your story-writing skills and cut the time you will need to spend editing, this workshop is for you. You’ll learn how to step back from a manuscript in order to find – and fix – flaws in your plot, structure, characterization and style. You’ll learn how to rethink, rework and rewrite so that your manuscript will live up to your vision. Special option: Participants are invited to bring a piece of their own writing (though you don’t have to!) If you do bring a piece, bring 2 copies of something short (1,000 words maximum, though 800 words or fewer is better). Fee: $38.94 + 13% hst = $44 paid in advance Or $42.48 + 13% hst = $48 if you wait to pay at the door. To pay in advance, please make out a cheque to Brian Henry and mail it to: Brian Henry, 110 Reiner Road, Toronto, ON M3H 2L6. To reserve a spot now, email: brianhenry@sympatico.ca
Writing and Revising workshop, Kingston, Ontario
Sunday, Oct 24. Details here: http://quick-brown-fox-canada.blogspot.com/2010/07/writing-and-revising-sunday-october-24.html
Writing with Style workshop, Toronto
Sat, Oct 30. Details here: http://quick-brown-fox-canada.blogspot.com/2010/07/writing-with-style-sat-oct-30-toronto.html
Script Writing Workshop
Saturday, October 30, 10 am – 4 pm, Location: TBA (Durham Region)
A “must-attend” workshop for writers of all levels and interests! Use the bones of playwriting to strengthen your fiction and screenplays. Blending heaps of information, writing exercises, and improvisation, this workshop is highly beneficial for all story writers. Instructor: Jessica Outram. $85 ($75 for WCDR Members). Minimum 6 participants. Contact: sunshineinajar@ymail.com, www.sunshineinajar.com. Jessica Outram is an educator, writer, and academic. She teaches high school English and Dramatic Arts. In 2008, StoneCircle Theatre produced Jessica’s companion plays inspired by many summers spent at the family cottage in Northern Ontario. Jessica is Playwright in Residence at StoneCircle Theatre. She is an active member of the Writers’ Community of Durham Region and an Associate Member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada. Jessica is working on her Master of Education at University of Toronto in Adult Education and Community Development.
The East End Writers Group presents Writing with Style, with guest, author Jean-Rae Baxter
Saturday, October 30, 10 am – 4 pm, World’s Biggest Bookstore, 20 Edward Street, Toronto
If you do any kind of creative writing, fiction or non-fiction, this workshop is for you. We’ll tackle the nitty-gritty of putting words on paper in a way that will grip the reader’s imagination. You’ll learn how to avoid common errors that drain the life from your prose. And you’ll discover how to make your writing more vivid, more elegant and more powerful. Workshop leader Brian Henry has been a book editor and creative writing teacher for more than 25 years. He has helped many of his students get published, including guest speaker Jean-Rae Baxter. Jean Rae Baxter has published a short story collection, A Twist of Malice (Seraphim Press), a young adult historical novel, The Way Lies North (Ronsdale Press), and a literary murder mystery, Looking for Cardenio. Jean will publish a sequel to The Way Lies North next year, and a second short story collection (for adults) is also in the works. Fee: $38.94 + hst = $44 paid in advance or $42.48 + hst = $48 if you wait to pay at the door. To register, please make out a cheque to Brian Henry and mail it to: Brian Henry, 110 Reiner Road, Toronto. To reserve a spot now, email brianhenry@sympatico.ca
How to Get Published workshop, London, Ontario
Sat, Nov 7. Details here <http://quick-brown-fox-canada.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-get-published-saturday-november.html
TPL Eh List Readings with Kathy Kacer
Tuesday, November 9, 12:30 PM, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto
Come out for a free reading in the Elizabeth Beeton Auditorium. The TPL welcomes Kathy Kacer. She is widely known for her historical fiction for teens and for stories from the Holocaust in particular. A former Toronto Public Library Writer in Residence, Kacer holds a special place among Toronto?s readers and writers. Restitution is her first adult novel.
Bringing Characters to Life, with Kate Freiman
November 13, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., North York Memorial Hall, downstairs from the North York Public Library
Join award-winning, national bestselling author Kate Freiman as she covers voice (authors’ and characters’) and point-of-view techniques, as well as demonstrating how to integrate character and relationship arcs to the plot structure of romance fiction.
The Brampton Writers’ Guild presents…How to Make Yourself Write: A creativity workout
Saturday, November 13, 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Four Corners Library, 65 Queen Street East, Brampton
Do you find it difficult to keep yourself motivated? To find time to write? Do you ever find yourself just staring at a blank screen? Come to this workshop and give yourself a kick-start, and then learn how to keep going. This creativity workout will get your words flowing and help you make the breakthrough into the next level of writing. Workshop leader Brian Henry has been a book editor and creative writing instructor for more than 25 years. He has helped many of his students get published. Fee: $38.94 plus hst = $44 paid in advance or $42.48 plus hst = $48 if you wait to pay at the door. To register, please make out a cheque to Brian Henry and mail it to: Brian Henry, 110 Reiner Road, Toronto, ON M3H 2L6. To reserve your spot, email brianhenry@sympatico.ca
The Whitchurch-Stouffville Library presents: Writing for Children and for Young Adults
Sunday, November 14, 1 – 4 p.m. workshop, 4:10 – 5:30 mini manuscript critiques, Whitchurch-Stouffville Library, 30 Burkholder Street, Stouffville
Whether you want to write the next best-selling children’s books or just want to create stories for your own kids, this workshop is for you. Learn how to write stories kids and young adults will love and find out what you need to know to sell your book. Special option: From 4:10 – 5:30 Brian will critique your writing. So bring 2 copies of the opening couple pages (first 500 words) of your children’s book or young adult novel. (Or if 1,000 words will get you to the end of your picture book or to the end of your first chapter, bring that.) If you’re not currently working on a children’s story, don’t worry, we’ll get you started on the spot! Workshop leader Brian Henry has been a book editor and creative writing instructor for more than 25 years. He is also the author of a children’s version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Tribute Publishing Inc). Workshop fee: $35.40 + hst = $40. For a mini-review add $8.85 + hst = $10. When you register, let us know if you want to reserve a time slot to have your first 500 words critiqued. Please make out a cheque to the Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library and drop it off at the library or mail it to: Attention: “Romance Writing” workshop, Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library, 30 Burkholder Street, Stouffville, ON L4A 4K1. Numbers are limited – especially for mini critiques. So if you want Brian to critique your first 500 words, register now!
16th Gala Literary Fundraising Evening: Writers & Friends
Sunday November 14, Trinity College School, LeVan Hall, Port Hope, Ontario
Marking its 16th year as Horizons’ signature fundraising event featuring outstanding Canadian authors, the Writers & Friends roster for 2010 will include Canada’s newest “Walk of Famer” Farley Mowat, 2010 Trillium Book Award winner Ian Brown and acclaimed Ojibwa author, playwright and humorist Drew Hayden Taylor. Readings, book signings and Q&A, live music, dinner with authors, a silent auction and a live art auction are all part of the Writers & Friends 2010 event on behalf of Horizons programmes in Central America and Mexico. Advance purchase benefits: Early bird tickets $ 110 (after October 14, $125) also include a draw for valuable book packages (worth over $ 400), two tickets to Harbourfront International Reading Series, advance information on Auction highlights and reserved table seating. Special “book club” bonus: two complimentary bottles of wine for early bird tables of eight (limited number of tables available). All contributions to Writers & Friends are warmly welcomed including donations to our silent auction, programme advertising and corporate sponsorship support. Contact Horizons of Friendship 905-372-5483, 1-888-729-9928, ext. 10; or email info@horizons. Visit www.horizons.ca for more information.
The eh List Author Series: Kate Taylor
Thursday, November 18, 7:00 PM, Toronto Public Library, Taylor Memorial Branch, 1440 Kingston Road, Toronto
Globe columnist and Atkinson Fellow Kate Taylor took the Commonwealth Writers Prize for the best first novel in Canada and the Caribbean in 2003 for her novel Madame Proust and the Kosher Kitchen. She is back with a fast-paced novelization of France’s Dreyfus Affair in her new book, A Man in Uniform.
The Blank Page Writers present Secret of Writing a Page-turner
Saturday, Nov 20, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Community Room in Your Independent Grocers, 290 First Street North, Gravenhurst
Ever stayed up all night reading a book? In this workshop, we’ll show you how to build that kind of tension. And we’ll help you put into practice the techniques professionals use – on every page and in every kind of story – to create drama and tension. Workshop leader Brian Henry has been a book editor and creative writing teacher for more than 25 years. His proudest boast is that he’s helped many of his students get published and to launch their careers as authors. Fee: $38.94 + hst = $44 paid in advance or $42.48 + hst = $48 if you wait to pay at the door. To register, please make out a cheque to Brian Henry and mail it to: Brian Henry, 110 Reiner Road, Toronto, ON M3H 2L6. To reserve a spot now, email brianhenry@sympatico.ca
Tsar Fall 2010 combined Book Launch & Party
Wednesday, November 24, 7:00 pm, Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West, Toronto
There will be author readings, books for sale, author signings and light refreshments. Admission is free! Contact: inquiries@tsarbooks.com.
Exchanging Notes: The Interviews presents Karen Connelly
Saturday, April 23, 2011, The Toronto Reference Library, Elizabeth Beeton Auditorium, 789 Yonge Street (Yonge & Bloor), Toronto
Stay tuned for more details.
Toronto Writers’ Co-operative
Sundays at 2 PM from Sept.-June; Saturdays at 2 PM from July-August
Toronto Reference Library (Yonge & Bloor)
Toronto Public Library’s writers’ community offers workshops, guest authors, member readings (solo and with musicians), open mic and member publications; this is your opportunity to polish, publish and perform your work. Info: towc@live.com
Weekly Writers’ Workshop at U of T
Fridays at 6 PM, Hart House, University of Toronto’s St. George Campus
Critique, discussion, creation and marketing of original poetry and prose. Workshop features guest authors and is involved in literary events and publications. Free. Email: uoftwritersco-op@hotmail.com
The Writers’ Circle of Durham Region (WCDR) Monthly breakfast meetings
We hold monthly breakfast meetings, where experienced and aspiring writers gather, learn and connect. Join us throughout the year to hear authors and industry speakers, to enjoy a special event, and to broaden your networking circle. Everyone is welcome. Meetings run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the J.P. Fitzpatrick & Son restaurant in the Whitby Entertainment Centrum at 75 Consumers Rd. (west of Thickson Rd. S.). The cost, which includes an excellent and hearty breakfast, is $15 for members; $20 for guests. (Ask us how, by becoming a member, you can save!) For more details, visit www.wcdr.org. The Writers’ Circle of Durham Region (WCDR) is dedicated to raising the profile of writers of all kinds, and at all levels, by offering a forum through which they can find support, education and networking opportunities. As a non-profit umbrella organization, WCDR has worked since 1995 to draw together individuals and groups with common interests in promoting the art and skill of writing, fostering literacy, and providing moral support to our members. To find out about the many writing-related activities WCDR offers, please explore www.wcdr.org
For writers in Manitoba:
Through the Looking Glass: A YA fiction writing intensive with Anita Daher
Nine Thursdays: September 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 18, 25,
and December 2, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Aqua Books 274 Garry Street Cost: $225 plus GST ($200 plus GST before September 1). This workshop is limited to 12 people. Bring a notebook and pen. Tickle your muse and develop skills as Anita Daher leads you on a journey into the world of writing picture books, children’s periodicals, middle grade and teen novels. Take your vitamins and prepare to absorb in-depth information on the genre, and the children’s writing and publishing industry in Canada. There will be exercises, assignments, dynamic interaction, and at the end, a party! Contact kelly@aquabooks.ca or 943-7555 to register. Details: aquabooks.ca.
The University of Winnipeg is offering a new course, taught by two award-winning writers: ENGL-3102(1)-001 Creative Writing Field Research (one credit hour) / Fall session: Luring the Knock: Inviting Poems to Linger‚ with Chandra Mayor, Saturday, Oct 16 & Saturday, Oct 23, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM / Winter session: Building the Story‚ with Jake MacDonald, Saturday Jan 8 & Saturday Jan 15, 2011, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Questions? call the English department Chair, Catherine Hunter, at 786-9294. For full information on the UW’s Creative Writing program, visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/english-index