When I embarked on writing what would become my latest novel, I did not set out to write about Indigenous characters. I began composing a work of straight-up horror, hoping to be the next Stephen King. But that’s not how In Case I Go turned out. The connection between where I started and where I ended seems obvious now. After all, Canada’s treatment of its Indigenous peoples is horrific.
Monique Gray Smith: To explain reconciliation to children, we must be truthful and face our own fears
Sometimes life requires us to be braver and bolder than we think we can be.
Ayub Nuri: For years, the people of Kurdistan have had to plead with other countries to help in times of need
Ayub Nuri on his childhood and his new book, Being Kurdish in a Hostile World.
Firefly Creative Writing opens studio in Toronto
After 12 years of running writing workshops out of a home space, Firefly Creative Writing has opened a storefront studio in Toronto.
Book Making: Three academic authors give feedback into their book’s cover design
In an ideal world, the design of a book cover achieves three things.
Ask the Agony Editor: Publishing your own book might feel rewarding – just check your expectations
Is it the “idea” of being a published poet that appeals to your mom or does she genuinely believe that poetry is a profitable business venture?
Suzette Mayr: How the confluence of mental-health issues and an affinity for horror novels led to my latest book
A personal essay by author Suzette Mayr.
Agony Editor: Once the joy of being published fades, the challenge of growing as an author begins
What do you do when writing seems to become harder, not easier, as your career moves forward?
Agony Editor: Getting paid for your work isn’t always easy
Publishing internationally is a dream for many authors, but not getting paid can be a nightmare.
Grant Lawrence: After three tries, a Canadian indie band’s tour diaries finally yielded a book
Why now? It’s a question I’ve been asked several times about my new book, Dirty Windshields: The Best and The Worst of the Smugglers Tour Diaries. Why publish a memoir of 16 sordid years spent in an indie rock ’n’ roll band that sputtered to a stop way back in 2004?
Agony Editor: Honesty is the best policy when writing about family
Got a question? Ask the Agony Editor.
Ask the Agony Editor: Check your ego before writing from a cultural viewpoint that isn’t your own
Because you ask, the Agony Editor answers.
A lighter tone in Eden Robinson’s new novel parallels a positive uptick in the author’s life
If there was a prize for the best author laugh in CanLit, Eden Robinson’s would be at the top of the list.
Alexandra Shimo and First Nations leaders launch non-profit to help youth on reserves
Following the release of Alexandra Shimo’s memoir last fall, the author wondered what else she could do to help a First Nations community struggling with poverty and the legacy of residential schooling.
Personal Essay: Writing a book about New Brunswick’s most notorious murder case involved walking some thin lines
The murder of multi-millionaire New Brunswick businessman Richard Oland, and the investigation and trial of his only son, Dennis, has captivated public attention in the city of Saint John.
Ask the Agony Editor: Technology is fine, but a writer’s best tools are discipline and determination
Dear Agony Editor, I’ve been writing pieces of a very long story for several years. I have trouble remembering what… Read More »
Kingston writers group sponsors Syrian authors
A group of writers in Kingston‚ Ontario, is doing its part to aid in the current international refugee crisis‚ and to support authors persecuted overseas.
Ask the Agony Editor: Words of advice for authors looking to write for the playground set
I wrote a children’s story with my oldest granddaughter in mind, and I’m not sure what I might do with it.
Spring Preview 2017: Marianne Apostolides’s intimate memoir combines aquatic imagery and words to examine themes that are now more relevant than ever
Marianne Apostolides often bikes to an art gallery after a session of writing. Looking at things from different angles and… Read More »
Q&A: Curator Meredith Carruthers on the Governor General’s awards’ 80th-anniversary exhibition
The Canada Council for the Arts is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Governor General’s Literary Awards with a new interactive art exhibition.
Ask the Agony Editor: Stop hoarding your work-in-progress and learn to share
Dear Agony Editor, (Illustration: Evan Munday) Writing fiction can be very solitary. How do I keep on writing when I’m… Read More »
Hal Niedzviecki turns literary “desperation” into a marketing tool
Considering Hal Niedzviecki’s most recent book was a criticism of society’s obsession with the future, it’s not surprising that the culture… Read More »
Invisible City project invites writers to engage with abandoned Toronto sites
In an attempt to draw attention to and rethink the use of obsolete urban spaces‚ Netherlands-based artist Sjoerd Ter Borg… Read More »
Ask the Agony Editor: Writing circles can be helpful, but they also can suck the life force out of you
Dear Agony Editor, (Illustration: Evan Munday) I’m in a writing group, but I often find the feedback I get to… Read More »
Kidlit Spotlight: After almost 10 years and seven books, graphic novelist Scott Chantler brings his Three Thieves series to an end
Most writers, contemplating the end of a hugely popular fantasy series that has represented nearly a decade’s worth of work,… Read More »
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