Open Book Toronto Update: Online Reading, Literary Resolutions & a Literary Event You Won't Want to Miss!

Fresh & Local: Your connection to Toronto's vibrant literary scene

Dear Readers,

New Year, new books! 2014 is the year to realize your literary resolutions — whether it's a specific book you've been dying to read, a reading goal or even taking the plunge to try writing something yourself, there's no better time to get started. And you can get inspired at Open Book: Toronto by reading the literary resolutions of some of our favourite writers.

Need more to motivate you? Then you won't want to miss the Open Book Literary Salon on February 27. We've got three great Toronto authors talking about craft and career.

Or maybe you want to do things a little differently — whether it's working on a novel on your tablet or reading a new book on your phone. Check out our interview with Allen Lau, CEO of Wattpad, the world’s largest community of readers and writers.

And of course, we've got highlights from recent author interviews and comprehensive literary event listing!

2014 LITERARY RESOLTUIONS

Start the New Year off right by checking out the literary resolutions of some fantastic Canadian writers. Young adult, non-fiction, poetry and prose — we've got writers of all stripes spilling their 2014 goals for us:

Canadian writers' literary resolutions part one

Canadian writers' literary resolutions part two

Share your own literary resolutions with us on Twitter using the hashtag #Reading2014

OPEN BOOK IS HOSTING THE EVENT OF THE LITERARY SEASON!

Who better to advise emerging writers than the people who have been there before? We've got three of Toronto's best and brightest doing just that. On February 27, join us at the Spoke Club in Toronto for a literary salon featuring Stacey May Fowles, Brian Francis and Michael Winter, with Becky Toyne as our moderator.

The theme of the salon is "Advice for Myself: Writers on What They Wish They Knew Back Then" — whether you're an avid reader, an emerging writer or an established writer, there will be something for everyone in this discussion of craft and career. Guests are invited to add questions and comments to the conversation or to sit back and take it all in during this casual and collaborative event.

For more information , check out our event webpage or the Facebook event page. Please RSVP via Facebook or by emailing events@openbooktoronto.com to secure a spot for this free event.

WATTPAD CEO ALLEN LAU ON THE EVOLUTION OF READING

With millions of users around the world, Wattpad has revolutionised reading and writing online. We spoke to CEO Allen Lau about the explosive growth of the site and what it means for readers, writers and publishers.

Don't miss our chat with Allen about the changing landscape of reading and writing and what new opportunities are opening up for book lovers.

FRESH NEW INTERVIEWS FOR 2014!

Ghosts and disasters populate the responses in our most recent batch of author interviews! Check out our chats about the books and experiences that have shaped these talented writers:

Author of the hotly anticipated All the Broken Things, Kathryn Kuitenbrouwer tells us about comforting ghosts

Editor Michael Kelly talks Joyce and Steinbeck and shares about his chilling new anthology

Mystery author J.E. Forman talks about dancing on Mr. Dressup's show

Young adult author David Lomax tells us about reading the great women of CanLit

EVENTS

Here's a selection of great events happening over the next two weeks:

• Wednesday, January 22 at 1:30p.m.:. The Writers' Trust Author Series welcomes acclaimed writer Tanis Rideout. Minimum suggested donation of $25 (tax receipt provided). All proceeds go to the Writers' Trust of Canada, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting Canadian authors and literature. To register, visit the Writers' Trust website.The Women’s Art Association of Canada, 23 Prince Arthur Avenue, Toronto.
•  Wednesday, January 29 at 8:00p.m.: David McGimpsey (Little Bastard) reads with Eufemia Fantetti and Julie Joosten at Toronto's Pivot Reading Series. The Press Club, 850 Dundas Street West, Toronto.
• Friday, January 31 at 7:00p.m.: Bestselling American author Gary Shteyngart in conversation with Ian Brown. To register for free tickets, please visit the TPL website. Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto.

Go to Open Book's comprehensive Events Page for details and a full list of literary events. If you have an event you'd like listed on our site, please send the details to events@openbooktoronto.com.

We'd love to hear from you! Please send your questions, suggestions and comments to clelia@openbooktoronto.com

All the Best,
Open Book

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