SEAN CULLEN at IFOA on kids, curiosity, writing, and Hamish X

www.bookshorts.com/blog ... I caught a television interview with Sean Cullen, the talented artist of comedy, television and stage. It must have been shot some years ago. In that interview he quietly aspired to realize his dream of becoming an author. With the success of Cullen's HAMISH X series of books for young readers, he has obviously reached his goal. Hamish X and the Hollow Mountain, the second work, was the focus of this IFOA Kids reading during the last International Festival of Authors. Sean's observation of the TV biz versus book-biz may even give you pause before your next boob-tube armchair tirade!

With thanks to Harbourfront IFOA, Sean Cullen, and the students of York Woods Public School and MacLaughlin College. For more bookish event coverage, visit bookshorts.com/blog. (c) 2007 BookShorts Literacy Program.

BookShorts NEWS: Geoff Does Rock Star

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We knew he had it in 'im.  Next thing, it'll be a band, then the groupies, more photos (look out Tom, could be all your fault ...) then the music video, then the international tour, and then, and then, and then.....

 

(ok Geoff, tell us you were just posing, 'eh?)

 

Courtesy Tom Sandler, Photographer Extra-Ordinaire, Hardest working Photog in the City.  Contact him for more (but don't tell Geoff) -- tsandler@total.net.

 

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Tags: ifoa, jowi taylor, geoffrey taylor, six string nations guitar

BookShorts NEWS: BPAC Future of Publishing at IFOA

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The Book Promoters Association of Canada serves to keep that contingent of the publishing industry appraised of the latest issues and developments. BPAC hosted their annual Future of Publishing luncheon during the International Festival of Authors, at which panelists included The Toronto Stars Phil Marchand, Penguin Group (Canada)s Nicole Winstanley, Ben McNally of Nicholas Hoare, IFOAs Geoffrey Taylor, Nathalie Atkinson and Quill & Quires Derek Weiler as moderator.
Suggestions such as do book launches where something happens and when you send a press release to a reporter, give them an angle were delivered from the panel. After which topics such as government regulation, the viability of e-books, and where and how public funding should be spent were put forward.
Admittedly arriving mid-session, having just one mic to pass around slowed things down considerably, though provided an amusingly ironic sub-text to panelists responses, or rather pass on some of the questions put forward. Was not able to survey the participants post-event but I put this out there . you know how you eat Chinese and youre still hungry an hour later?

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Tags: international festival of authors, ifoa, bpac, pubishing, book promoters association of canada

BookShorts VIDEO: PEN Canada Benefit at IFOA

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PEN Canada is an association of writers and supporters formed to defend freedom of expression and raise awareness of that right. It is one of 144 centres of International PEN in 102 countries, and uses the power of the word to assist writers around the world persecuted or exiled for the expression of their thoughts.

The benefit for PEN at this year's IFOA was an upbeat affair despite the cause, perhaps in part due to the natural enthusiasm that occurs when authors are able to read material unencumbered, and to an audience solid in their convictions against censorship.

Wole Soyinka is a mezmerizing reader (an immedaite affinity likely attributed to his tale of a motorcycle ride through his native land); Miriam Toews reveled in her delivery of expletives; Azar Nafisi conquered her reiticence for self-performance; M.G. Vassanji auditioned new writings; as did Wayson Choy - likely not a victim of his two previous near-death experiences.  Ann-Marie MacDonald kept things moving after a poignant introduction from Connie Rooke and John Ralston Saul's presentation of the PEN Canada / Paul Kidd Courage Award to journalist Kim Bolan.

The video here captures some of the spirit of the Benefit; for a great read and your own support for their initiatives, grab a copy of the M&S published "Writing Life" edited by Rooke. 

 

Tags: wayson choy, miriam toews, ifoa, john ralston saul, ann-marie macdonald, m.g. vassanji, wole soyinka, kim bolan, constance rooke, pen canada, international festival of authors, writing life

BookShorts VIDEO: McClelland & Stewart Celebration @ IFOA

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This a gentle ribbing via video ....

but really folks... it *was* a lovely event at the opening night of International Festival of Authors, with many acclaimed and appreciative artists of the realm. This is a cheeky little post while I cut together the real thing (sorry Doug, just couldn't resist, and it'll only be up for a day :)