TORONTO, ONT (January 2013) –Toronto publishing company Kya Publishing, along with the Toronto Public Library, will be hosting a panel discussion on Saturday, February 2, 2013 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Malvern Branch (30 Sewells Road at Neilson Road) with the objective of defining “Canadian Urban Fiction.”
Featuring a panel of urban Canadian writers, educators, and cultural advocates, the group will work towards creating a definition of this relatively new genre of Canadian literature, while discussing the Canadian urban identity and the most effective and accurate way to document this culture.
Moderated by author and Kya Publishing founder Stacey Marie Robinson and journalist Angela Walcott, the panel will feature relationship blogger Telisha Ng, children’s author Angela Ndongmo, Christian non-fiction writer Tanika Chambers, urban education scholar/teacher Camille Ramnath, hip hop artist General, and Life Fiction author D.A. Bourne.
“American authors like Sister Souljah, Omar Tyree, Terry McMillan, Zane, and K’wan have helped to develop a genre of fiction that is specific to their urban demographic and experience,” said Robinson. “It’s important that we ask: who is responsible for telling the urban Canadian stories of our generation, and how are these stories being told?”
Guest authors will read from their works, while outlining what makes their writing uniquely “urban Canadian.” A working definition of Canadian Urban Fiction will also be determined, to assist Kya Publishing with future research projects and the continued development of urban Canadian fiction. Following the discussion, video footage will be posted online to continue the conversation with the international writing community.
“Despite its growth, this genre still remains somewhat ambiguous and underrated,” said Robinson. “I’d like for this group of experts to assist in forming a concrete direction for Canadian urban fiction, so that our intentions and experiences are distinct, with a great foundation to build on.”
For more information, visit the Kya Publishing website at www.KyaPublishing.com to be connected to their social media sites. You may also contact Stacey at (647) 342-3040 or info@kyapublishing.com.
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For more Black History Month events and programs from the Toronto Public Library, please visit http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/programs-and-classes/featured/black-history-month.jsp.
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