Toronto Public Library Welcomes Writer-in-Residence
Award-winning novelist & playwright to support aspiring writers at North York Central Library
TORONTO (Tuesday, August 24, 2010) – Toronto Public Library welcomes Allan Stratton as their Writer-in-Residence at North York Central Library (5120 Yonge Street) this fall.
Toronto is a city of readers and connecting aspiring writers with published professional authors is a significant component of Toronto Public Library’s vision. The annual Writer-in-Residence program offers an opportunity for Torontonians to contribute to local cultural expression.
Allan Stratton is an award winning, internationally published and produced playwright and novelist. His novel Chandra’s Secrets was adapted for film and will showcase at the Toronto International Film Festival this September. He is also the author of Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii, Rexy!, Papers and Bag Babies. In 2010 he published Borderline and spent time in South Africa for the filming of Chandra’s Secrets.
“Writing is a solitary profession,” says Stratton. “This position is a fantastic opportunity to get out from behind my keyboard and meet readers and developing writers. I can't wait.”
As Writer-in-Residence, Allan will provide feedback to aspiring teen writers or writers writing fiction or plays for a teen audience who fit the following criteria:
• Written by teens or about teens
• Novels: Up to 25 pages in length
• One-Act plays: No longer than 40 minutes in length
• Typed or word-processed on 1 side per page
• Use 12 point or larger Times New Roman typeface only
• Submit a copy of your work, not the original
Manuscripts will be accepted from September 1, 2010 to October 16, 2010 either mailed or delivered in person to:
Writer in Residence Program
North York Central Library
Languages, Literature and Fine Arts Department (2nd Floor)
5120 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M2N 5N9
Related Events:
Meet Writer-in-Residence Allan Stratton
Saturday, October 2, 2010, 2 p.m.
North York Central Library (5120 Yonge Street), Auditorium
Register: 416-395-5639
A Fine Balance: Writing Fact-Based Fiction
Writer-in-Residence, Allan Stratton recounts his travels and research in sub-Saharan Africa for his novels Chanda's Secrets and Chanda's Wars. His talk includes anecdotes about his encounters with former child soldiers, General Romeo Dallaire's Chief of Staff in Rwanda, and teens affected by HIV/AIDS. Allan will discuss how to find the universal in the specific and the way in which literature can be an agent of social change. Open Q & A to follow.
Thursday, October 28, 2010, 7 p.m.
North York Central Library (5120 Yonge Street), Auditorium
Register: 416-395-5639
Using Theatre Techniques to Create Characters from the Inside
For ages 14-19. Starting with relaxation techniques, Allan Stratton leads workshop participants through visualization exercises in the creation of characters. Participants are interviewed "in character" and learn techniques to help lift characters off the page. They also learn about the GOTE approach - considering the Goals, Obstacles, Tactics and Expectations for their characters - an approach designed to maximize dramatic stakes.
Saturday, November 13, 2010, 2 p.m.
North York Central Library (5120 Yonge Street), Room 1
Register: 416-395-5674
Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 17.5 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow more than 31 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.
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Media Contact:
Edward Karek, Communications Officer, 416-397-5925
media@torontopubliclibrary.ca