Authors & Speakers – More Announced Soon!
Lesley Livingston
CLA Young Adult Book of the Year winner Lesley Livingston will join us for the Sword, Sorcery, and Star Wars Panel Discussion.
Rick Revelle
Member of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation Rick Revelle will join us for the First Nations Panel Discussion.
E.K. Johnston
Governor General Literary Award nominee E.K. Johnston will join us for the Sword, Sorcery, and Star Wars Panel Discussion.
Deb Loughead
Author and poet Deb Loughead joins us for the Relationship Drama Panel Discussion.
R. J. Anderson
Concorde Book Award winner R.J. Anderson will join us for the Sword, Sorcery, and Star Wars Panel Discussion.
Danielle Younge-Ullman
Novelist and playwright Danielle Younge-Ullman will join us for the Relationship Drama Panel Discussion.
Sylvia McNicoll
Award-winning author of over thirty novels Sylvia McNicoll will join us for the Magnificent Middle Grade Panel Discussion.
Marthe Jocelyn
TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and prestigious Vicky Metcalf Award winning author Marthe Jocelyn will join the Magnificent Middle Grade Panel Discussion and will teach a Writing Workshop.
James Bartleman
Former lieutenant governor of Ontario and bestselling author James Bartleman will join us for the First Nations Panel Discussion.
Days left until event:
Schedule
“Jocelyn offers her readers real substance – a valiant, enterprising hero of a girl whose struggles for independence from her grasping, manipulative mother are painful and familiar.”—Toronto Star
Looking to write your first short story or novel? Join author Marthe Jocelyn for tips and tricks to revising your first draft in her writing workshop:
Using the truth to tell lies – turning the real world into fiction:
If you keep a diary, gossip with your friends, or send 400 text messages a day, you are a storyteller, making observations about the world around you. That is the first step in becoming a writer. Next comes creating believable characters with dreams, flaws, and obstacles. Then, setting a plot in motion through the characters’ actions and stirring up as much trouble as you can think of. Trying out different kinds of conflict as jumping-off points, you can develop a story line that works for you and your characters, whether it is funny, embarrassing, or full of action. In open discussion with peer writers, brain-storm a variety of possible plot twists, just as you might with your own life.
This is the third of a three-part YA Writing Workshop series offered at the Stratford Public Library:
-Thursday March 23, from 4 to 5 pm, in the Stratford Public Library auditorium.
-Saturday March 25, from 2 to 3 pm, in the lower floor program room, Stratford Public Library.Award-winning author and illustrator Marthe Jocelyn, author of A Big Dose of Lucky, the inaugural Amy Mathers Teen Book Award winner What We Hide, and dozens more, writes and illustrates both Young Adult and Middle Grade books. Her picture book Hannah’s Collections was short-listed for the Governor General’s Literary Award for Illustration, and her novel Mable Riley won the inaugural TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. Marthe is also the 2009 recipient of the prestigious Vicky Metcalf Award for her body of work.
“Jocelyn’s novel performs a delicate balancing act, maintaining a moral grounding in spite of a sensationalistic plot.” – Riverbank Review
This is a FREE Event at the Stratford Public Library.
Please call the library to register for the event.
“Younge-Ullman’s subtle approach to narrative pacing allows readers to accompany Ingrid on her journey to fully confront and accept her past as she discovers her own true voice.”—Kirkus Reviews
Danielle Younge-Ullman is s novelist, playwright, and freelance writer who has also worked as an actress in Toronto. She has written several adult and young adult novels, as well as a one-act play. Her new contemporary young adult novel, Everything Beautiful Is Not Ruined, is about a tumultuous mother-daughter relationship set in the city of Toronto.
Deb Loughead is an author, poet, and editor who has written short stories, articles, poetry, and even children’s plays, and her award-winning fiction for adults has appeared in a number of Canadian publications. Deb has also taught creative writing classes and led writing workshops. Her new young adult novel, The Secrets We Keep, tells the story of several young people struggling to deal with a dark secret and uncover a terrible truth.
Award-winning author and illustrator Marthe Jocelyn, author of A Big Dose of Lucky, the inaugural Amy Mathers Teen Book Award winner What We Hide, and dozens more, writes and illustrates both Young Adult and Middle Grade books. Her picture book Hannah’s Collections was short-listed for the Governor General’s Literary Award for Illustration, and her novel Mable Riley won the inaugural TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. Marthe is also the 2009 recipient of the prestigious Vicky Metcalf Award for her body of work.
Sue Marshall has worked at the Globe and Mail and Seneca College, and is now preparing for the release of her debut young adult novel, NemeSIS. This coming-of-age tale poignantly and sensitively deals with serious issues such as sibling abuse and mental illness, set in the world of high school and field hockey. NemeSIS has already received glowing praise from Kirkus Reviews, who called it, “A smart choice for teen readers.”
Helen Kubiw is the blogger behind CanLit for LittleCanadians, a teacher-librarian, a book reviewer for Quill & Quire, former chair of the Ontario Library Association’s Forest of Reading, and current YA Authors’ Co-ordinator for the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival. She lives in Eden Mills, Ontario.
“Author Deb Loughead has a good ear for teenage dialogue and an astute understanding of how peer pressure can manipulate kids into doing things they know are wrong.”- Quill & Quire
“Jocelyn offers her readers real substance – a valiant, enterprising hero of a girl whose struggles for independence from her grasping, manipulative mother are painful and familiar.”—Toronto Star
Join us for a lively conversation with three beloved award-winning Canadian Middle-Grade authors!
Award-winning author and illustrator Marthe Jocelyn, author of A Big Dose of Lucky, the inaugural Amy Mathers Teen Book Award winner What We Hide, and dozens more, writes and illustrates both Young Adult and Middle Grade books. Her picture book Hannah’s Collections was short-listed for the Governor General’s Literary Award for Illustration, and her novel Mable Riley won the inaugural TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. Marthe is also the 2009 recipient of the prestigious Vicky Metcalf Award for her body of work.
Sylvia McNicoll is the award-winning author of over thirty novels. Bringing up Beauty won the Ontario Library Silver Birch Award and earner her international acclaim, while Crush.Candy.Corpse was shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis Young Adult Crime Writing award and Revenge on the Fly for the Rocky Mountain Award. Sylvia has also worked as the editor of Today’s Parent Toronto, and now gives her time to the Canadian Children’s Book Centre and Access Copyright.
Award-winning novelist R.J. Anderson writes contemporary fantasy and science fiction for a young adult audience. Her debut novel, Knife, won the Concorde Book Award, while her teen thriller Ultraviolet was shortlisted for both the Sunburst Award and the prestigious Andre Norton (Nebula) award. Her most recent series is a pair of middle grade mysteries: the CLA Top Ten pick A Pocket Full of Murder, and the recent A Little Taste of Poison.
“Packed with mysterious twists and turns (plus a few serious themes), this sequel is part melodrama, part comedy, and all-around good fun.”- -Kirkus Reviews
This is a FREE Event at the Stratford Public Library.
Please call the library to register for the event.
“By building mythology into an accessible, modern-day story, Livingston sets her book apart. Memorable characters and a plot replete with some staggering acts of loyalty and betrayal will have fans eagerly awaiting the next installment.”—Quill and Quire
From swords and sorcery to adventure and fantasy, you’ll find it all inside the novels our author panel has written. Whether you’re into Star Wars or Treasure Island, join us for a panel of award-winning fantasy authors—Lesley Livingston, EK Johnston, and R.J. Anderson—in this author reading and panel discussion! This panel discussion also augments the Stratford Festival production of “Treasure Island” at the Avon Theatre.
Lesley Livingston is the author of the “Wondrous Strange” trilogy, and the winner of the CLA Young Adult Book of the Year award, a finalist for the Indigo Teen Reads award and the Monica Hughes award, and author of one of CBC’s “100 YA Books That Make You Proud To Be Canadian.” Lesley has also performed in a Shakespeare theatre company aimed at young adult audiences. Her latest book, Valiant, is set in ancient Rome and stars a resilient female heroine who must overcome vicious rivalries, chilling threats, and the dangerous attention of Caesar himself.
Award-winning novelist R.J. Anderson writes contemporary fantasy and science fiction for a young adult audience. Her debut novel, Knife, won the Concorde Book Award, while her teen thriller Ultraviolet was shortlisted for both the Sunburst Award and the prestigious Andre Norton (Nebula) award. Her most recent series is a pair of middle grade mysteries: the CLA Top Ten pick A Pocket Full of Murder, and the recent A Little Taste of Poison.
E.K. Johnston writes everything from contemporary fantasy to fairytales to stories set in small-town Ontario. Her most recent novel, Exit, Pursued By A Bear, is based on Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale, casting the queen as a cheerleader who is faced with the immense challenge of overcoming sexual assault. Her upcoming novel, That Inevitable Victorian Thing, is set in a near-futuristic British empire.
Helen Kubiw is the blogger behind CanLit for LittleCanadians, a teacher-librarian, a book reviewer for Quill & Quire, former chair of the Ontario Library Association’s Forest of Reading, and current YA Authors’ Co-ordinator for the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival. She lives in Eden Mills, Ontario.
Join these three award-winning authors as they read from their latest fantasy novels, followed by a spirited Q&A period. This event is a must for fans of fantasy novels as well as Canadian literature!
“Johnston takes ideas of power and gender, belief and love, and upends them.”- Kirkus Reviews
Welcome, authors! Now you can easily write, edit, and design digital and print copies of your book, have it reviewed by the esteemed Library Journal, and make it available to readers across the country !
How? Let Stacey Lapp, Digital Access Librarian, show you the way, using the Stratford Public Library’s new, free online tools, PressBooks and Self-E.This is a FREE Event at the Stratford Public Library.
Please call the library to register for the event.
“Bartleman finds this hope. For me, the novel’s greatest strength is in its resolution, which makes light of nothing, but, through a traditional healing circle, gives everyone a way forward.”—The Globe and Mail
For centuries, storytelling was central to Indigenous peoples. Long before we had books, storytelling kept history and traditions alive. Join master storytellers, James Bartleman and Rick Revelle in a captivating discussion of their work and how it relates to First Nations issues. This event includes entry to the Stratford Perth Museum and integrates the “Nanuk’s Journey” exhibit of 40 major sculptures from the AGO’s Samuel and Esther Sarick Collection. This panel discussion also augments the Stratford Festival production of “The Breathing Hole“, a new play by Colleen Murphy directed by Reneltta Arluk (Gwich’in and Chipewyan-Cree).
James Bartleman is the former lieutenant governor of Ontario and the bestselling author of the novels As Long as the Rivers Flow and The Redemption of Oscar Wolf. A member of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, he is also a retired ambassador and a member of the Order of Canada. He currently lives in Perth, Ontario.
Rick Revelle is an author and member of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation who currently resides in Glenburnie, Ontario. He writes about his Algonquin roots in his “Algonquin Quest” series, which includes I Am Algonquin and Algonquin Spring. Rick did not discover his heritage until his mid-thirties, and later in life set out to tell an Algonquin story to a young adult audience. He is currently working on the third book in the trilogy.
“I Am Algonquin contains such a wealth of information that anyone teaching this period might consider using it as a textbook.”- Canadian Materials magazine
Fanfare Books
Fanfare Books will have a selection of books from all the Young Adult authors that are appearing at the festival.
To learn more about Fanfare Books, visit https://fanfarebooks.ca
Connect with Writers & Readers
Meet your favourite and up-and-coming authors, learn about the inspiration behind their books, and hear their stories come to life. We offer more than a reading, as our events also feature unique aspects such as literary performances, on-stage Q&As where authors engage with the audience, or panel discussions between peers.
Book Lovers Can’t Wait to Attend!
See what others have to say!
“The literary community in Stratford is both large and diverse.”
The Stratford Writer’s Festival is an amazing event, since the literary community in Stratford is both large and diverse. Having authors visit and share their books and writing experience benefits Stratford’s writing community, and all the dedicated readers here as well. It’s a great opportunity to hear from authors who otherwise wouldn’t be visiting our region, and to enjoy literature alongside other art forms like music and fine cuisine.
” – Melanie Kindrachuk, Public Service Librarian, Stratford Public Library
“The Stratford Writer’s Festival in October is an exciting addition to the cultural encounters that make Stratford Canada’s Premier Arts Town!”
Stratford: A fusion of literature and the arts
Our unique programming offers an intersection of literature and the arts, from actors reading along with authors, to literary musical performances. There’s so much to see and do in Stratford, from strolling the acres of parks and gardens along the Avon River, to cafes and restaurants, theatre, art galleries and music.
Meet our Sponsors & Partners
It takes a dedicated team to deliver a unique literary arts festival where writers can share their story. We are grateful to our sponsors and partners for their continued support.
Interested in Sponsoring? Contact Us!
Submissions
Submissions are accepted year-round
For further information regarding the submission process, please read through the questions and answers below. If you have any additional questions regarding eligibility or the submission process, please email us.
To have work considered for DigiWriting Stratford Festival events, please send at least one copy and accompanying materials to:
DigiWriting
356 Ontario St.
#299
Stratford, ON
N5A 7X6
Or send electronic copies (PDF or ePUB) to: our email
Stratford Writers Festival: Q&A With Drew Hayden Taylor
From October 20—22, 2017, the Stratford Writers Festival will take over Stratford, Ontario. With the festival rapidly approaching, we caught up with attending author and playwright Drew Hayden Taylor to ask him a few questions about his latest projects, and why literary festivals are important to the Canadian artistic community.
Appetite for Words Festival: A Q&A with Jen Agg
With the Appetite for Words Festival rapidly approaching, we caught up with author and restaurateur Jen Agg, who will be the subject of a literary dinner on Sunday, October 29, at 6:30 pm. We asked her about which part of the writing process she finds the most difficult and more!
Appetite for Words Festival: A Q&A with Laura Calder
With the Appetite for Words Festival rapidly approaching, we caught up with author Laura Calder, who will be launching her new book, The Inviting Life, on Sunday, October 29, at 11:30 am. We chat about her writing process, any future projects, and the #1 mistake people make when hosting guests in their homes.