Tag Archives: launches

Saber & Daisy Become Friends Official Book Launch Poster - Event to be held June 24, 2023 at Bookworms & Co in Aurora from 1 to 3 p.m.

Saber & Daisy Become Friends – Official Book Launch

Calling all friends & bookworms:
I am absolutely thrilled to share with you the news of the official launch of “Saber & Daisy Become Friends,” a heartwarming tale co-authored by yours truly and the amazing William George (the latter also happens to be the most handsome boy I know, but I may be a bit biased )
William and I couldn’t be more proud to introduce you to Saber the Chameleon and Daisy the Kitty Cat – an unlikely pair who show that, sometimes, it can take time to become the best of friends
But that’s not all! To make this launch even sweeter, when you pre-purchase the book on the Bookworms & Co. website, you’ll receive a FREE Saber or Daisy cookie at the event!
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary journey of friendship. Pre-order your copy of “Saber & Daisy Become Friends” now and secure your spot at the event. Simply click the link below to reserve your copy today:
Pre-order here: https://bookwormsco.com/products/saber-and-daisy
Mark your calendars for June 24 and join in the fun
Thank you for your incredible support, and I can’t wait to see you there!

Inanna Spring Book Launch No. 1

Coming Up: Shade’s Book Launch

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Join us on May 5 for the launch of four great books (including Shade!)

Hey all, It’s almost time! In less than a month, Shade will officially launch.

If you’re free Thursday, May 5, come out for the official launch of Shade and three other amazing Inanna books. It will be a great evening of readings from all four of us authors as well as appetizers, drinks, some live music, and the chance for Q&A.

Where: Women’s Art Association of Canada, 23 Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto, ON

When: Thursday, May 5 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

You can also RSVP to the event on Facebook.

I hope to see you all there!

Cappuccino at the Supermarket

Recap: Inanna Publications Spring Book Launch No. 2

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Every cry in the vortex
Is the search for terra firma

Every repetition the desire
For new earth, as it were

A firmer future, a newer here;
Sand castles that do not disappear

– travel tips by Adebe DeRango-Adem

 

Yesterday I attended Inanna Publications Spring Book Launch No. 2. The event was to launch four books – all of which I would recommend:

  • Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You by Donna Decker
    A novel about the imagined lives of three women as they approach the date of the Montreal Massacre
  • Terra Incognita by Adebe DeRango-Adem
    A collection of poems that “explore various racial discourses and interracial crossings buried in history’s grand narratives”
  • Moments of Joy by Cecilia Frey
    A novel that explores how a dysfunctional family comes to terms with “the capricious workings of fate and the human heart” as the patriarch of a family dies of cancer
  • A Hero by Charlotte Mendel
    A novel that entwines the stories of a state war with familial conflict

I must admit that I have never before felt like more of a country mouse than I did at the beginning of Wednesday evening. I left work early for the almost-two-hour drive to the city, tried my best to find parking, and then hunted up some dinner. I know all of this together doesn’t sound like it should be such an ordeal, but I was particularly mortified when I entered a small cafe and ordered “anything on the menu with meat,” only to be told I was in a vegan establishment (surrounded on all four corners by other vegan/vegetarian establishments) – a far cry from the selection of Swiss Chalet/Harveys/Pizza Hut that I am used to in my town. It’s not that I am opposed to vegan food – I quite enjoyed my vegan pizza – but it did hit home how out-of-my-element I was.

Let’s be honest – I’m a writer. My element is being alone, in a quiet room, with a notebook for company. I’m not always the best at meeting new people, networking, or being in social situations in general, which is maybe why it’s been so many months since the last book launch I attended. BUT… when the readings started…

I was enthralled. Taken in by the dry humour of Cecilia Frey, the passion of Charlotte Mendel, the intensity of Donna Decker, and sheer poetry of Adebe DeRango-Adem.

There’s something to say about getting out of your comfort zone, only to find it again. I might like being alone, but I also like to hear beautiful, beautiful writing just as much. I was able to find the latter at Inanna’s second book launch event. And, at the end of the night, I left feeling rejuvenated – the part of me that maybe doesn’t get out that often refreshed, ready to move about my day-to-day life again.

I left the event remembering that writing is my way of searching for terra firma – to find new earth. And sometimes, when I’m lucky, I do.

Inanna Publications Spring Book Launch No. 2 Event Info

Inanna Publications Toronto Spring Book Launch No.2

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Inanna Publications Spring Book Launch No. 2 Event Info

Inanna Publications Spring Book Launch No. 2 Event Info

Next Wednesday, May 27, I will be attending Inanna Publications Second Spring Book Launch featuring readings by Donna Decker, Adebe DeRango-Adem, Cecilia Frey and Charlotte Mendel. The free event is being held in Supermarket in Kensington Market (268 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON).

Since moving further up north, I haven’t been out and about in Toronto as much as I used to be, and I’m really looking forward to this event. It will be even better with a few familiar faces around to catch up with, so I encourage all my writing, arts, and literary pals to come out and attend 🙂

Speaking of Inanna and book launches, I may have some exciting news to share in a little while. But, until then, all I can say is… stay tuned and I hope to see you all there!

TOK: Writing the New Toronto, Book 7 Launch

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On Wednesday, May 9, the latest (and last) installment of the TOK series launched at Gladstone Hotel. The night was a great success, featuring readings by my fellow emerging writers, James Papoutsis, Zalika Reid-Benta and Yaya Yao, as well as a panel discussion involving mentors Moez Surani and Olive Senior. The turnout was huge, the beer ice cold, and finger foods great. Despite the fact that I drove (read: sat) in traffic for literally 2 ½ hours to get there (Grrr, I hate driving downtown), I’m happy I attended the TOK launch. Such events are always inspiring for me as a writer, not to mention the amazing sense of accomplishment it offered to finally see “Next Time” in print. Some kindly man even asked for my autograph, which was a definite first!

As always, thank you once again to Diaspora Dialogues staff – Helen, Natalie, Jordan and Holly – for organizing everything from the program to the anthology to the launch, and offering an amazing support network for emerging writers. The Diaspora Dialogues experience is one that keeps giving.

I am extremely fortunate to have experienced Diaspora Dialogues’ short form mentoring program, especially since I managed to sneak into its last year running. From now on, Diaspora Dialogues is offering a long form mentoring program, which I hope to apply for, that will offer emerging writers greater in-depth opportunities to hone their craft and ready a book-length project for publication. If you’re an emerging writer with a book in the desk drawer, this program is certainly one to consider.

If you have time, be sure to check Diaspora Dialogues out. Any support for the organization would be greatly appreciated, whether through donation or through purchasing a TOK book, so the organization can continue its support of emerging writers. The seventh edition of TOK contains the recurring theme of hope. The book submerges readers into a world of complex and compelling characters, offering greater insights into the dynamics men face in our society. I’m honoured to be among the authors in TOK 7. Trust me, the book is well worth the read.

Diaspora Dialogues Mentorship Party 2011

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Last Tuesday, July 26, I attended the Diaspora Dialogues Mentorship Launch Party and met with the organizers, mentors and other mentees involved in this year’s program. We had a beautiful evening of talk, food, and white wine sangria (mmm!) on the patio of L’Espresso.

Among those that I met, I was also able to acquaint myself with my mentor, Olive Senior, and the other writers being mentored by her. Aside from TWUC, I haven’t had the opportunity to attend a writing event in a while. It felt great to discuss writing with a group of people who were as passionate about the art as me. There’s something amazing about being able to talk about character, plot, and the horrifying revision process with people who don’t think you’re a complete geek when you get excited about these things.

Though I didn’t know it was possible, the Diaspora Dialogues Mentorship Launch made me even more excited for this year’s program. My peers are an amazing group of writers from a variety of backgrounds. I am already on my first round of revisions with Olive, and can’t wait for the rest of the season.

Just a heads up for other aspiring young writers, Diaspora Dialogues has released a call for submissions for a brand new youth (ages 16-25) mentoring program. Creative non-fiction, short stories, or poetry will be accepted up until September 30, after which 6-10 young writers will be selected through an adjudicated process.

P.S. I still get a schoolgirl thrill when I see “Writer” on any part of my name tags!

Book Launch: Farzana Doctor’s Six Metres of Pavement

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What happens when you make the biggest mistake of your life? Farzana Doctor’s newest book, Six Meters of Pavement, deals with questions of regret and redemption in the story of a father who accidentally kills his baby daughter by forgetting her in the backseat of his car.

Early in March, the Toronto-based This is Not a Reading Series hosted the book launch for Farzana Doctor’s latest book, offering a night of good conversation, storytelling and music at the Gladstone Hotel. To read more about my night at the Gladstone, check out my Live in Limbo article here.

 

The Central: A love story, Or Skullkickers: A review

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Months and months ago, I attended the launch of Jim Zubkavich’s Skullkickers, Issue 1. Taking place on September 22, I hopped over to the Beguiling for my first time ever before heading to the Central for the launch and some drinks.

To be honest, I felt quite lost in the Beguiling. If you’ve never been, it’s a small comic book shop spanning the height of a two-story building. With narrow paths through packed shelves, I felt bewildered and out of place in a shop where everyone seemed to know each other’s names. As someone who’s just a tad (#understatement) socially awkward and naturally reclusive, I kind of wanted to go home. No doubt the Central would also be chock full of friends and family. Attending the launch would practically be like crashing a party! But I had travelled all the way and had agreed to meet an old co-worker next door, so I headed over (quite reluctantly, I’ll admit).

When all was said and done, I’m glad I went. It was fun seeing a friend and meeting old acquaintances. Even more, it was nice to meet the author and hear him talk about his comic journey and creation.

A month later I drafted up a review and sent it over to C&G Monthly, where it now appears here!

I know this coverage is coming 5 months late, but I wanted to give special tribute to Skullkickers and that evening spent at the Central. My acquaintance with that small bar led to many nights spent drinking apricot beer to the slow jams the venue plays after midnight, and attending other events such as the Plasticine Poetry nights held once a month. And those nights led to memorable moments with new and old friends, the rediscovery of long-forgotten music, and the introduction to poets I love and admire, like Jacob Scheier.

Events like those held at the Central – ones that can bring you out of your comfort zone and into something better, newer, and more exciting – serve as breaths of fresh air in an otherwise routine, predictable sort of life.

Wow! Did I digress! The reason why I originally sat down to write this article was so I could post my Skullkickers link. But then again, I set Skullkickers apart because it recalls a moment for me – a place and time I think of fondly. I strongly advise you guys to check out the local arts and culture scene happening in your town.

And for Toronto readers, is there anything coming up that I should check out? I’m looking for another breath of fresh air!

YorkScene Launch Event

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Pardon my last minute notice, but if you’re somewhere near the Town of Newmarket tomorrow afternoon, come drop by and celebrate the YRAC Grant Recipient Announcement and YorkScene.com launch with the York Region Arts Council from 4:30-6:30pm in the York Region Municipal Offices.

YorkScene.com is the York Region Arts Council’s inaugural website featuring What’s On in our local arts, culture and entertainment scene. In addition to the main website, we have a whole host of bloggers from across the arts scene, from literary artists and visual artists to graphic designers and fashion designers. It is with great pleasure that I am one of the bloggers for the new YorkScene website, which is super handy and cool looking, just FYI.

Come out and celebrate the site’s launch with us tomorrow afternoon, or at least check out the new site after tomorrow’s 6pm release. We love reader feedback, so I hope to see you guys there!

Hart House Review Launch, etc.

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I am attending the Hart House Review Launch this Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30pm in the Hart House Debates Room and I’m not too sure what to expect, though I know there will be hors d’oeuvres and drinks. I suppose that means mingling is involved (unfortunately for me, as I am chronically anti-social). There will also be readings from Priscila Uppal and Ronna Bloom, with showcased pieces by Davida Nemeroff. I will also get my hands on this year’s issue of the Review with my short story, “Mahal Kita”.

I am still extremely grateful and excited about my acceptance into the Review. At the same time, I’m eager to start trying my hand at publications and contests outside the UofT community. I am currently working on a short story to be finished by early May tentatively titled “Lights Out”. It will focus more on Canadian culture – specifically cosmopolitan Toronto culture – although it will still cursorily refer to Philippine culture as a reference point as well. It is the first time I’m trying to seriously write something for publication in a while and I’m a bit nervous about it.

My screenplay is still in the works as well, and has actually regressed to the beat-sheet stage. There were a lot of issues I had to work out at the plot level, and I’ve come up with a completely different story from the one I first started with. I’m very happy with the changes and progress that has been made, as it’s starting to move at a movie-like pace as opposed to the novelistic turtle-walk it was moving at before.

Anyways, more later. Adios.