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Hello Open Book ‘ers, My name is Lorrie and it’s my privilege to be the Writer in Residence for the month of October.  I’m honoured and truly humbled.  I’ll pass on a big introduction as it’s ...

"I Was Unsure if I’d Ever Find the Ending" October 2022 Writer in Residence Lorrie Potvin on Seeking Answers, Queer Community, & Family

Lorrie Potvin knows a lot about telling stories. Her first book, First Gear: A Motorcycle Memoir, told the incredible story of her motorcycle journey from Ottawa to Winnipeg, at age 50, while living ...

On Listening to Music and Writing a Novel

Do you listen to music as you write? I often do, particularly when writing a short story, but it has been several months since I typed the night away with a melody playing in the background. At this moment, ...

Erin Robinsong Discusses Her New Collection, Wet Dream, a Clarion Call of Climate Poetry

As a species, we've been staring down the barrel of the climate crisis for some time, and yet it often feels like little action, or even attention, is being mustered up to address such a cataclysmic disaster. ...

Shortlist Announced for Second Annual Balsillie Prize for Public Policy

Now in its second year, the Balsillie Prize for Public Policy at the Writers' Trust of Canada has announced its 2022 shortlist. The nominated books tackle big subjects, ranging from tech to policing ...

Giller Prize Shortlist Announced, Including a Debut Novel & Two Nods for Coach House Books

This morning during an event in Toronto which took place, appropriately, at The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room at the Toronto Reference Library, the Scotiabank Giller Prize announced its 2022 shortlist. ...

The Joy of Literary Festivals – And Dreams Coming True

It’s hard to believe we’ve come to the end of September and that the time I have been privileged to spend with you on this Open Book platform is almost over. Looking back at what I have shared with ...

“I Choose My Country Over My Personal Needs" Feature Interview with Acclaimed Ukrainian Novelist Ivan Baidak

In just his early thirties, Ivan Baidak has already established himself as a literary superstar in Ukraine, with his novels and short stories winning critical acclaim while at the same time topping bestseller ...

9 Kidlit Page-To-Screen Adaptations that are just as Good as the Book

Earlier in the month, I had the opportunity to see Lena Dunham’s spirited and loving adaptation of Catherine Called Birdy, Karen Cushman’s novel of the same name, at the Toronto International Film ...

Beekeeper and Decorated Métis Writer Susan Cormier Wins CBC Nonfiction Prize

Today, CBC Books announced the winner of the prestigious CBC Nonfiction Prize. The prize, which has launched the careers of writers including Carol Shields and Kim Echlin over its 23 year history, ...