KONNECTION // September 2024

 

WORD ON THE STREET // Celebrating Black Canadian Young Adult Literature & Writers

"The Word On The Street’s 35th Annual Festival returns to its iconic fall weekend, September 28th and 29th, at Queen's Park.⁠ Please join Nadia Hohn, Kern Carter, Wanda Taylor, and Kevin heronJones as they celebrate the incredible strides Black Canadian authors have made in the last decade, especially in the realm of Young Adult fiction!⁠"

"WOTS is 100% free to attend. Join us for what is sure to be an unforgettable weekend celebrating Indigenous and Canadian storytelling in Toronto!⁠"

SANKOFA'S PEN // Celebrating 10 Years

Founded in 2014 by Nadia L. Hohn, Sankofa's Pen (formerly known as African-Canadian Writers for Children and Young Adults, ACWCYA) is a group that supports writers and illustrators of African or Caribbean descent and paves a way of opportunity for Black writers and illustrators for children and young adults currently living or formerly residing in Canada. LEARN MORE

NUIT BLANCHE // BIPOC Literature Event

12 hours of BIPOC Literature, curated readings, and poetry! DATE: Friday, October 5 - Saturday, October 6, 2024 TIME: 7 PM - 7 AM LOCATION: A Different Book List, 779 Bathurst St, Toronto Carlos Anthony is bringing together an incredible lineup of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour authors, poets, and spoken word artists for an unforgettable night of storytelling and inspiration. EVENT SCHEDULE:

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: - Bedtime stories featuring Black Canadian picture books curated by Nadia Hohn - Young adult and adult readings by talented authors like Eddie Kawooya, Carlos Anthony, Elle De Lyon, and many more! - Poetic Justice, featuring the powerful performances of Daniel Maluka and Affrica Spence Be part of this literary celebration of social justice and community during Nuit Blanche! DETAILS HERE

OPPORTUNITY // Fiction for Children & Teens

Lorimer Kids is currently open for children's and teen fiction proposals from experienced Canadian writers. Visit their website for complete details and submission guidelines.

WATCH ONLINE // Canadian Reggae Docuseries

"The National Film Board of Canada docuseries Sounds & Pressure: Reggae in a Foreign Land is now available to stream on NFB.ca! Through rare archives and infectious beats, this captivating five-part anthology series takes you from Kingston to Kensington Market to see and hear how reggae made roots in Canada against all odds." VIEW DOCUSERIES

Interested in learning more about Canadian reggae and Jamaican culture, or looking for related resources and commentary? Visit Kya Publishing's Jamaican Canadian Zone archive for videos, articles, and directories Read the teen novel Dancehall Rebel from Lorimer Kids Listen to the Dancehall Rebel reggae and dancehall playlist on Spotify

"This lively true-to-life portrayal of teen lives and relationships puts a very contemporary spin on the cultural conflict often between more traditional families and their young family members." Dancehall Rebel is available now from Amazon, Indigo, and Barnes and Noble! "

COPYEDITING // For Independent Writers

Kya Publishing combines a passion for storytelling with the technical expertise of editing, working to ensure your work shines while keeping the process smooth and supportive. We promise to provide personalized, high-quality editing and publishing services that enhance your story while respecting your voice and vision... READ MORE

SURVEY // Books for Teens & Young Adults

As writers, we can help shape the future actions and beliefs of our youth. We'd love to hear your thoughts and related experiences reading and writing influential young adult literature. Please take a moment to complete our short survey; your insights and suggestions will help us enhance our programs and support systems. CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY Thank you :)