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September sweaters, the smell of sharpened pencils and the sounds of school bells, that's right: autumn is upon us. This month I've got a knapsack full of surprises, including a new video from Montreal, a HEAR/HEAR Double Bill and an announcement!
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HEAR/HEAR
Double Bill
For National Literacy Month and in association with 100 Thousand Poets for Change, this September HEAR/HEAR is coming in two-fold: one reading series on September 26th (268 Augusta Ave) featuring Jaydahmann, Nayani Thiyagarajah and James from the Songs AND the first ever all open-mic night (720 Bathurst, 4th floor) on September 29th. That's two-times the HEAR/HEAR fun in one month. Don't miss out! RSVP on Facebook today. Plus if you come out to the event on the Wednesday, you'll get a ticket for free food (yes! free) on the Saturday event. Come on now. |
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3 Cites Video Pt 2
As promised, footage from the 3 Cities Montreal book launch are spilling out into the interwebs. Filmed at the Concordia Co-op Bookstore, this Part Two is a performance of a love letter I wrote for Montreal called "tre" featuring Enuma performing one of my favourites of hers, "come around". Enjoy the video here! Missed Part One? Check it out here. Please share the love friends and keep your eyes peeled for the final installment: poems and songs on Toronto.
For those who don't know, 3 Cities is a collection of poems exploring my experiences in three Canadian cities: Bradford, Toronto and Montreal. The first book launch, in Toronto, took place at The Central, jump starting the 3 Cities Book Tour. Copies of my book can be bought at these fine bookstores, or you can email me directly: whitneyfrenchwrites@gmail.com
For a sneek-peek of some photos and excerpts of poems about Montreal, visit the 3citiesbook.com website photo gallery. And while you're there, check out other 3 Cities videos too! |
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A Plate of Food Recap!
On August 18th, I decided to serve up some new poems and fresh chili to my friends, family and fans. "A Plate of Food with a Side of Poetry" was my way of feeding the community with literature and food. I perfomed a new poem "montreal graffiiti" among many others new treats. Stay tuned to writinginatree.com for upcoming photos and video!
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"I DO" Workshops
I've been honoured to facilitate workshops through the Agincourt Community Services Association as part of their "I DO" project. The workshops will be with young women between the ages 18-24 discussing issues of forced marriages, domestic violence and self-esteem. Of all my workshops I've done so far, I'm thrilled to be tackling on such important topics and make a difference in the lives of young women. Wish me luck! |
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The Great Black North
It gives me much pleasure to announce that my poem "a wish" has been accepted for publication from the Black Canadian Poetry Editors upcoming anthology The Great Black North. Can we say champagne? The anthology explores poetry by emerging and established Canadian poets of African descent and is forthcoming in 2013! |
Objects to Inspire
Writer in Residence for Open Book Toronto, Sheniz Janmohammed is a remarkable woman and poet. She asked me what object inspires me to write and she's graciously posted it on her OBT series. Can you guess what my object that inspires me? Click here to find out (I'm at the bottom of the page)! Hint, it's something natural. |
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Not-so-Nice Whitney
The exceptional reading series, The (Not-so-Nice) Italian Girls and Friends has invited me to read at their show October 4th at Q Space (382 Borden Street). Moving up in the world, Frenchie. Click here to see their blog.
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Flowetic Wednesdays!
On October 3rd, I'll be performing some new material for the reading series "Flowetic Wednesdays" hosted by friend and talented poet Leah Tallawah. The show takes place at the Zembra Bar (right in my hood!) 778 St Clair Ave West. Show starts at 7:30pm and is 5 bucks (what a steal).
I'm hoping to bust out some new poetry at the show. So just when you thought you've heard it all, you haven't. Come out and show your love. See you there friends! |
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