Independent bookseller McNally Robinson has been a staple in West Coast Canada since the mid-90's. In 2009, they took their award-winning format eastward to Toronto’s newly revamped The Shops at Don Mills and with it, the bookseller has opened up an exciting new world to budding writers.
Sponsoring their Half-Minute Horrors Short Story Contest to coincide with the release of Half-Minute Horrors (published by HarperCollins), which features stories from such writers as Neil Gaiman and Holly Black, McNally Robinson fosters the creative spirit of young writers by introducing them to the behind-the-scenes world that resides at the tips of their pens.
With essay writing, graphic novel and illustration contests in their various brick & mortar locations, the local arts community and its aspiring writers, artists and storytellers have a new, homegrown resource in which to hone their skills.
For book enthusiasts aged 2 to 5, McNally Robinson will be hosting writer and illustrator Ruth Ohi for a unique event. Ohi will be reading and signing her children’s book, Chicken, Pig, Cow, which will be followed by a drawing demonstration. The event takes place in the Events Space at the Don Mills location, located at 1090 Don Mills Road on Saturday Feb 06, 2010.
By bringing a breath of fresh air to this suburb of Toronto with book events and contests that encourage writers to roll up their sleeves and put their pens, pencils and crayons to paper, McNally Robinson continues to promote literacy to book enthusiasts both young and old.
How do you think young writers benefit from book readings, signings and writing contests? Do you think more writing-related events will encourage kids to take up the craft of writing? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Do you have a tip on local writing events? Email your comments, questions or suggestions for future articles to torontowriting@gmail.com
Comments
I think children love these events. I remember as a young child mom taking me to the public library to watch & listen to story time. Sure... they have book time at school, but doing this outside of the classroom makes reading & writing fun, instead of it always being a homework assignment at school !
Hi Chris, thanks for your comment! I spent a lot of time at the library as a child, with one right around the corner. I agree that these types of events make books exciting for kids and fosters the creative spirit, which is so important to both the community and the kids themselves.
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