The Word On The Street Blog

With over 200 author events happening at The Word On The Street, Toronto’s bookshelves are about to get a lot heavier.

Canada’s largest book and magazine festival, The Word On the Street Toronto, returns on Sunday, September 21st at Queen’s Park Circle, with 15 stages and close to 100 hours of programming in store. Over 200 Canadian authors will discuss an incredible array of subjects. There’s something to satisfy every curiosity and literary desire, and fill the gaps in your bookshelf!

Thereminist Clara Venice

Art
There’s no need to wait for Nuit Blanche to see large scale art installations on the street. The Sculpting New Reads tent, curated by Labspace Studio, brings a sculptural perspective to popular Canadian literature. Catch graphic novels by comic book illustrator Paul Rivoche and award-winning artist Nina Bunjevak. See an art catalogue for an exhibit that never was by acclaimed artist Margaux Williamson. Get creative and join artists, designers, and writers in a race to create the raddest Zine, presented by Broken Pencil Magazine. End your day with a fascinating live performance by thereminist Clara Venice at the New Narratives Tent.

Politics

Robyn Doolittle

Toronto Star city hall bureau chief Daniel Dale, reporter Betsy Powell, and urban affairs feature writer David Rider take on the mayoral race. Robyn Doolittle and Robert Rotenberg talk city hall scandal at the Amazon.ca Bestsellers Stage. Politics come into focus at the Nothing But The Truth Tent with the battle for honest science with Michael Riordon, the effect of political strategy on marketing with Clive Veroni, gender politics in the workplace with the creative minds behind Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty, and expert discussions of environmental peril from the Don Valley to the Arctic Circle.

Poetry
Spoken word poetry hits the streets with Youth and Adult Poetry Slams hosted by BAM! Toronto Youth Poetry Slam and Toronto Poetry Project. Michael Lista‘s The Scarborough contends with the chilling topic of the infamous rapist and serial killer, Paul Bernardo, at the New Narratives Tent. Preview Paul Vermeersch‘s fall release Don’t Let It End Like This Tell Them I Said Something at the Great Books Marquee.

Literary Treasures

Dionne Brand

Some of the most anticipated fall 2014 treasures are at the festival this year, including Dionne Brand‘s Love Enough and Frances Itani‘s Tell at the Amazon.ca Bestsellers Stage. The Great Books Marquee hosts Elyse Friedman with The Answer to Everything, Cloud by Eric McCormack, Between by Angie Abdou, Will Starling by Ian Weir, and Walt by Russell Wangersky. Girl Runner, a novel by Carrie Snyder is at the Vibrant Voices of Ontario Tent and the Nothing But The Truth Tent hosts Edmund Metatawabin, with Up Ghost River, a powerful memoir that bears witness to the turbulent waters of First Nations history. Head to the Toronto Book Awards tent for David Bezmozgis‘ The Betrayers, as well as readings by the 2014 Toronto Book Awards nominees.

Writing Workshops

Those looking to step up their writing game need look no further than the Wordshop Marquee, hosted by The Humber School For Writers. Top instructors include Andrew Pyper, Eva Stachniak, and Cathy Marie Buchanan, on topics including ‘Writing for Children and Young Adults,’ and how to write horror, non-fiction and more.

For the past 25 years, The Word On The Street has brought Toronto an outstanding literary experience to kick off the fall season, and this year’s programming line-up is no exception! Click here for the full programming outline.