The Artisanal Writer is proud to present a series of monthly readings and podcasts featuring the bravest and sassiest Canadian voices in fiction, poetry, and non-fiction from around the country.
Meena Can’t Wait
June 19, 2024
In the latest episode of AW podcasts, Erin Steel speaks with Toronto author and illustrator Farida Zaman about her latest picture book “Meena Can’t Wait” published by Orca Book Publishers in March 2024. “Meena Can’t Wait” is a colourful picture book where the title character, Meena, and her nanu (grandmother) are having a tea party with a special Bengali tea called doodh cha, and even though Meena is impatient, she learns that it’s worth the wait to make the special tea together. Check it out here.
Lo Simpson Starts a Revolution
May 22, 2024
Erin Steel speaks with Toronto author Melanie Florence about her latest book “Lo Simpson Starts a Revolution” published by Orca Book Publishers in April 2024. “Lo Simpson Starts a Revolution” is a funny yet moving coming-of-age novel. Lo’s best friend, Jazz, is ditching her for the popular crowd, makeup, and boys. But when Lo finds new friends who share her love of comics and Doctor Who, she discovers her voice – and the confidence to speak up for what’s right. Check it out here on AW Podcasts.
Sandra McTavish and Tho Pham, The Cricket War
March 19, 2024
In this episode of the AW Live podcast, Erin Steel, talks to Toronto writer Sandra McTavish, about the United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY), Joint Winner “The Cricket Wars” that she co-wrote with Tho Pham (Kids Can Press, 2024). Check it out here on AW Podcasts.
Jack Wong, The Words We Share
Feb 17, 2024
This installment of the AW Live podcast series is hosted by Calgary writer and AW’s YA & Children’s Lit editor Erin Steel. In this podcast, Erin talks to Halifax, Nova Scotia writer and recent Governor General’s Award Winner, Jack Wong about his most recent title, The Words We Share (Annick Press, 2023). Check it out here on AW Podcasts.
Jason Heroux, Survivors of the Hive
August 8, 2023
In this installment in the AW Live podcast series hosted by Amelie Laura Francis, Kingston writer Jason Heroux reads from his latest title: Survivors of the Hive (Radiant Press) and shares insights about his story craft, artisanal habits, and creative choices. Check it out here on AW Live.
Marta Balcewicz, Big Shadow
July 5, 2023
Tune in to this episode of AW Live where Amelie Laura Francis talks to Toronto writer Marta Balcewicz about her story craft, artisanal habits, and creative choices in the making of her debut novel Big Shadow (Book Hug, 2023) and reads an excerpt. Check it out here on AW Live.
Patti Flather, Such a Lovely Afternoon
June 1, 2023
In this installment in the AW Live podcast series hosted by Amelie Laura Francis, Yukon writer Patti Flather shares insights into her story craft, artisanal habits, and creative choices in the making of her debut collection Such A Lovely Afternoon (Inanna Publications, 2023) and reads an excerpt. Check it out here on AW Live
DavidCCBourgeois, Full Fadom Five
May 1, 2023
In this installment in the AW Live podcast series hosted by Amelie Laura Francis, Port Perry based noevlist David C.C. Bourgeois shares insights into his craft, artisanal habits and creative choices in the making of his debut novel Full Fadom Five (Baraka Books, March 2023) and reads an excerpt. Check it out here on AW Live
Gail Kirkpatrick, Sleeper and Ties
April 1, 2023
In this brand new installment in the AW Live podcast series hosted by Amelie Laura Francis, Vancouver based writer Gail Kirkpatrick shares insights into her debut novel Sleepers and Ties (Now Or Never Publishing, April 2023) and reads an excerpt. Check it out here on AW Live
Lauren Carter, Places Like These
March 3, 2023
In this premiere episode in the AW Live podcast series hosted by Amelie Laura Francis author Lauren Carter reads from her newest collection of short stories, Places Like These. Check it out here on AW Live.