Every year in the weeks following the Festival, I get a ton of messages from people saying “Oh no! I can’t believe I missed it!” Don’t let that be you this year.
The Festival of Literary Diversity is back and better than ever. Our full schedule is packed with brilliant writers on panels, teaching workshop, and leading important discussions. Like any organizer, I love the entire program but allow me to give you the condensed version of why you simply cannot miss this year’s festival.
After a casual game of trivia with local authors on Thursday night, our Friday programming starts bright and early with our SOLD OUT The Lit Life session. Paired with a spoken word performance hosted by the incredible Lamoi, this youth focused programming is held at a local Brampton school so we can inspire young writers and empower educators with new ways of engaging their diverse student population.
Over at City Hall, my fave Catherine Hernandez will be having a FREE lunchtime conversation with award-winning author Kim Thúy. Then in the evening we have our Opening Gala (yes all, that programming is before the official opening!) where Rachel Giese and Jamil Jivani, respective authors of Boys: What It Means to Become a Man and Why Young Men: Rage, Race, and the Crisis of Identity, will join CBC’s Duncan McCue for a much needed discussion on modern masculinity.
On Saturday we kick things up a notch. With 13 sessions to choose from we have something for everyone. Writers can get the basics of publishing from Michelle Kadarusman, get a crash course in kidlit from Kyo Maclear, dive deep into research with Robyn Maynard, and learn about suspenseful writing from Naben Ruthum (aka Nathan Ripley). Families can see readings by Jillian Tamaki and David Alex Robertson at the Brampton Public Library. And, after a day full of amazing panels, I’d encourage you to head to the Writer’s Court where yours truly will be presiding. We wind down the evening with a showcase of poetry performed in the gorgeous Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives.
Take a deep breath and a short nap, ’cause we continue at full speed on Sunday. Our hugely popular breakfast session is back with Tanya Talaga in conversation with Miranda Hill. The we have a full day of events tailor made for writers including a FREE info session with the Canada Arts Council, a FREE opportunity to network with industry pros at The Writers’ Hub, and a FREE comics workshop with Johnnie Christmas. Finally, if you still have strong feelings about this year’s Canada Reads, don’t miss the reunion special.
Being the Chair of the FOLD’s Board of Directors is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Check out the full schedule here. There’s something for every book lover at every price point. It would make me so happy to share this work with you. After all, we made it for you. Come spend the weekend with us. Can’t wait to see you at the FOLD.
