Farm to Table Book Launch: Free Public Book Signing
Stratford Chefs School Kitchens 136 Ontario Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaIn honour of the Stratford Chefs School's 35th anniversary, this year's Season Opener launches Farm to Table, a cookbook that pairs 25 Stratford Chefs School alumni chefs with their favourite food producers and farmers for a culinary adventure through Perth and Huron Counties. Come to the Stratford Chefs School Kitchens to meet author Andrew Coppolino and get a signed copy of the book!
Farm to Table Book Launch
Stratford Chefs School Kitchens 136 Ontario Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaCelebrate the start of a new school year and a NEW Stratford Chefs School cookbook, Farm to Table! Meet the students and faculty, learn about exciting upcoming events and dinner series, and explore Stratford Chefs School's outstanding facilities. An opportunity to meet and mingle in a casual and festive atmosphere. Complimentary canapés. Wine and beer will be available.
Songwriters Circle with Donovan Woods and Trent Severn
Revival House 70 Brunswick Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaJoin some of Canada's most talented songwriters as they perform their songs and share the stories behind them. Featuring performances by Donovan Woods and Trent Severn (Dayna Manning, Emm Gryner, Lindsay Schindler).
Promote Your Book: Create Your Own Bookmark Workshop
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaPublicity can be a challenge for writers, especially when creating publicity materials. This hands-on workshop makes use of the library's brand new Makerspace, where participants will design and print their very own promotional bookmarks. Come with your book cover, logo, or artwork, and you'll walk away with 50 bookmarks to use as a giveaway at your next book event!
Rotary Short Story Contest Winners
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaThe Stratford Writers Festival has partnered with the Rotary Club of Stratford to support emerging writers, indie authors, and literacy in an annual Short Story Contest. Now, the results are in! Join us at this FREE Stratford Writers Festival event to announce the winners and celebrate all participants. The Rotary Club of Stratford will present cash prizes to the winners, followed by photos and refreshments. Come by to celebrate with the writers and get a first look at up-and-coming Canadian literary talent!
Through Her Eyes: Contemporary Women’s Writing Panel
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaIn today's society, women are under more pressure than ever to meet certain expectations. While they take very different approaches, three books being featured at this year's Stratford Writers Festival examine the ways women see themselves and are seen by others. In Emily Anglin’s darkly humorous collection of stories, characters refashion themselves to fit a new competitive milieu. Andrea Bain's nonfiction Single Girl Problems details how modern single women continue to be perceived as problematic and attempts to change that narrative. And Sarah Selecky's debut novel Radiant Shimmering Light looks at female friendship, the face we show the world online, and letting your own light shine.
Writing Workshop with Sarah Selecky
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaSarah Selecky teaches creative writing in a way that is simple, radical, and transformative, and allows writers to develop the capacity for deep concentration. To write using these methods means to quiet the mind in the midst of the action and distraction that fills everyday life. In this three hour writing practice workshop, participants will learn how to find this state of calm centeredness, and experience how it is an aid to exploration of story.
Journey Through Time: Canadian Historical Fiction Panel
Avondale Church 194 Avondale Avenue, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaHave you ever wondered what Canada was like in years gone by? Join us as we take a trip back in time at the Stratford Writers Festival! Lynne Golding writes about Brampton, Ontario, in the early 1900s in The Innocent, while Joanna Goodman focuses on 1950s Quebec in The Home for Unwanted Girls. Both of these authors base their novels in fact, and seek to guide their readers through a familiar Canadian place, albeit in a historical setting with which many readers may not be familiar. Join them as they discuss their approaches—Lynne spent years interviewing her great aunt in order to do her story justice, while Joanna's tale is based on her mother's experiences—and styles in this uniquely Canadian historical fiction panel discussion.
Governor General Award-Winning Author Cherie Dimaline in Conversation with Candy Palmater
Avondale Church 194 Avondale Avenue, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaIn their entire careers, few authors experience the kind of recognition that Governor General Award-winning author Cherie Dimaline has garnered over the past year for her latest novel, The Marrow Thieves. In an intimate conversation with award-winning comedian and broadcaster Candy Palmater, Dimaline will discuss a variety of subjects including the present-day universal resonance of her Indigenous dystopian YA novel, the responsibilities and opportunities one faces when writing for young people, and what it’s like to suddenly have so much success—after over a decade as a published author.
Cooking with the Wolfman: Indigenous Fusion Literary Dinner
Stratford Chefs School Kitchens 136 Ontario Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaDavid Wolfman has been called the Godfather of Indigenous Cuisine. An internationally recognized expert in traditional Indigenous cuisine and a classically trained chef, he is known for his innovative approach to cooking. Enjoy a 3-course meal with wine pairings inspired by his book, Cooking with the Wolfman, while David shares details of his approach and talks about what traditional Indigenous cuisine and today’s focus on local, sustainable foods have in common.
A Taste of France Literary Dinner with Jane Sigal
Stratford Chefs School Kitchens 136 Ontario Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaJoin Jane Sigal, the 2018 Joseph Hoare Gastronomic Writer in Residence at the Stratford Chefs School, at this unique and intimate dinner experience. Jane will share stories from her impressive career as a writer, editor, recipe developer, translator, and journalist. Attendees will not only have the chance to listen to her speak and enjoy a 3-course meal with wine pairings inspired by Jane's books, but they will also have the opportunity to ask Jane questions and pick up — and have signed — a copy of her latest book, Bistronomy: Recipes from the Best New Paris Bistros.
Perth County Farm Lunch with Jeff Crump
Church Hill Farm 4371 Huron Road, New Hamburg, Ontario, CanadaWhat better way to celebrate a collection of recipes with a sustainable, eco-friendly, and green theme than to join author Jeff Crump for an Earth to Table Every Day inspired lunch in the fields of Church Hill Farm? During this one-of-a kind experience, Crump—who has worked at a number of the world's top restaurants—will share the many ways amateur and professional chefs alike can engage with their environment and cook simple and delicious meals with sustainability in mind. This visit to Church Hill Farm will also include a tour of the farm, a delicious lunch catered by the Red Rabbit [tbc], and the opportunity to purchase a copy of Earth to Table Every Day—and have it signed by Crump.
Master Theory Class with Cookbook Author Jane Sigal
Stratford Chef School Learning Centre 184 Ontario Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaEver wondered what it would be like to be a student at the Stratford Chefs School? Find out during this rare opportunity to join students for a culinary writing theory class. Joseph Hoare Gastronomic Writer in Residence Jane Sigal will discuss the challenges of writing for both magazines and books, and explain what you need to keep in mind when adapting restaurant recipes for home cooks. She'll also share stories from her impressive career as a writer, editor, recipe developer, translator, and journalist.
Eat, Travel, Dream: A Literary Dinner with Jackie Kai Ellis, author of The Measure of My Powers
Stratford Chefs School Kitchens 136 Ontario Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaThe Measure of My Powers by Jackie Kai Ellis is the story of one woman's search to find herself—something to which many of us can relate. Join us for a 3-course dinner with wine pairings at the Stratford Chefs School as Jackie shares her story of empowerment, self-discovery, and the importance of a life well-lived—through good food, through self-love, and through the desire to find meaning.
A Literary Brunch with Anna Olson
Revival House 70 Brunswick Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaJoin Anna for an afternoon brunch and learn her insider tips for impressing even the most demanding guests at any get-together. Guests will be treated to an intimate onstage interview and Q&A with Anna, a copy of the book, a gift bag courtesy of Bradshaw's, a brunch inspired by some of Anna's favourite recipes, and a meet-and-greet and book signing after the meal!
Food Photography and Lighting Workshop with Terry Manzo
Stratford Chefs School Kitchens 136 Ontario Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaAiming to snap drool-worthy food photos? Food photographer Terry Manzo will once again be holding a workshop to inspire bloggers, Instagrammers, and those with a great love of photography. While she'll be building on last year's session, attendance at that workshop is not a prerequisite. And tools can be as simple as a pocket camera or a smartphone, so don't be intimidated! Terry will demonstrate simple techniques and inexpensive tools to light your shots like a pro. Other topics discussed will include composition, camera angles, and editing apps that will help you to create the perfect image.
A Poetic Journey with Najwa Zebian
Avondale Church 194 Avondale Avenue, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaYoung people can change the world. Instagram poet and inspirational speaker and author Najwa Zebian has been referred to as Canada’s next Rupi Kaur. Her poems transcend the screen and page, speaking to young women all over the world with their themes of love, friendship, honesty, and identity. Accompanied by artistic visual representation, Najwa will read from her new book, The Nectar of Pain, speak about the thematic flow of her poems, and discuss how redefining the poetry scene makes it relevant to a fresh generation of new, discerning readers.
Acoustic Christmas Songwriters Circle with Royal Wood, Peter Katz, Andrew Allen, and Dayna Manning
Avondale Church 194 Avondale Avenue, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaCelebrate the spirit of Christmas with a truly unique musical event that will conjure up your appetite for holiday music and awaken the Christmas spirit in you! This one-of-a-kind Christmas acoustic concert on Friday, November 23, at Stratford's Avondale Church will feature an all-star line up of some of Canada's top songwriters such as Juno award-winning artist Royal Wood, Juno nominee Peter Katz, multiple chart-topping artist Andrew Allen, and Trent Severn's Dayna Manning. From the time you arrive at the decked out hall to the moment you take your seat, you'll be in for a special holiday experience as these talented songwriters perform their favourite Christmas songs and share the stories and memories behind them. The Acoustic Christmas Songwriters' Circle in Stratford promises to deliver festive surprises that will magically amp up your Christmas spirit!
Stratford Writers Festival, 2019
Readers and writers come together at the Stratford Writers Festival to experience stories – and meet the authors – through intimate and interactive events which can only be held in Canada’s Premiere Arts Town of Stratford, Ontario. Save the date - we'll start making announcements in the New Year!! Announcements & Tickets coming early 2019
Extensive Children’s Book Self-Publishing Workshop
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaWhat goes into self-publishing a children's book? You need a thorough understanding of illustrations, layouts, design, colours, fonts, and most importantly the distribution channels that work best for your book. All of which you can learn about at our self-publishing workshop offered by Chrissy Hobbs. With several years of experience working in different areas of the self-publishing world, Chrissy is also a successful author of several best-selling children’s books and the owner of Indie Publishing Group.
FREE Author Photo Workshop
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaWriters, the face behind your story matters to your readers. Your author photo is an important part of your marketing strategy, especially
Private Author Photo Sessions
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaEvent description Authors, say cheese! Photographer Scott Wishart is bringing his studio to the festival. Grab your chance for a private 15-minute
Because of You Book Launch – Newfie Style
Revival House 70 Brunswick Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaShow Description When a Newfoundlander launches her book, it has to be done in the warm Newfie style! Join Terri-Lynn Penney as she launches her debut memoir – Because of You, featuring stories and a playlist of memories. Come on b’y drink a Newfie screech cocktail with Terri-Lynn as she shares a yarn, a few laughs, and maybe some tears at Revival House, ya know dat little bar on da corner over yonder.
Book Proposal and Query Letter Workshop with John Goddard
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaGetting published starts with a winning query letter and book proposal. This two-hour intensive workshop, run by non-fiction author John Goddard, will cover the essential components of both.
Discover Murdoch Mysteries in a True Crime Story
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaDive deep into a murder case solved by the detective who inspired the creation of Murdoch Mysteries with true crime novelist John Goddard, author of The Man with the Black Valise. The Perth County murder of thirteen-year-old Jessie Keith happened exactly 125 years ago this weekend. Goddard brings his novel to life in the style of a true crime podcast, and features photos, a video, and a Q & A session.
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