This season, Allan Stratton is Toronto Public Library’s Writer in Residence. The author of Chanda’s Secrets, Chanda’s Wars, and Leslie’s Jorunal, Allan is an award-winning author and playwright whose works have been published in twelve different countries.
The year, I had both the honour and pleasure of submitting my short story, “Colour Blind”, for review by Stratton. Meeting on Friday, October 22, Stratton’s feedback was inspiring and invaluable. The stress he placed on focusing on writing a true voice as opposed to writing for an audience, as well as his mission to write true stories whether they contain hard truths or not, was refreshing. Furthermore, his advice helped me re-evaluate my current writing style and question certain issues I had when becoming close or distant to particular characters.
Shortly after our meeting, Allan hosted a workshop at the North York Central Library called “Writing Based Fiction”, during which he recounted his travels and research in sub-Saharan Africa. During this workshop, Allan discussed how to find the universal in the specific and the way in which literature could be an agent of social change. He also read from his novel, Chanda’s Secrets. It was especially captivating during Allan’s reading when, most of the time, he didn’t even have to look at the page. It was as though he were so close to his work that he no longer had to refer to it outside of himself.
This Saturday, November 13, Allan will be hosting yet another workshop at North York Central Library called “Using Theatre Techniques to Create Characters from the Inside.” Targeted towards younger writers, Allan will start with relaxation techniques then lead participants through visualization exercises in the creation of characters. Participants are then interviewed “in character” to learn techniques that will lift characters off the page. They will also learn about considering the Goals, Obstacles, Tactics, and Expectations for their characters, which will maximize dramatic space. Since space is limited for this workshop, if you’re interested in attending please call the HUB to register at 416-395-5674.
I strongly recommend writers to either participate in Allan’s workshops or try to find time to speak to Allan themselves. The Toronto Public Library’s Writer in Residence program is one of a very few that offers what it does to the Toronto writing community. Though the WIR program has been around for some time, continued patronage to the program is always good. And writers can never underestimate the benefits of a meeting like-minded artists. Check it out!
