Literary Lunch on Ice

Today, although on holiday, I ventured to North York Central Library for a meeting and then one of our Keep Toronto Reading events. With the theme "Ladies who Lit," this was one of a number of lunchtime author readings scheduled throughout the month.

The first author, Governor General's Award-Winner Diane Schoemperlen, read from At A Loss For Words, a current-day look at how email correspondence is no substitute for real-time romance, or even love letters of old.

The second author's novel, Town House, features the agoraphobic son of an Ozzy Osbourne-like rock star, and explores the influences of nature and nurture in cultivating anxiety disorders. Interestingly, this very first book by Tish Cohen is being adapted into a screenplay to be produced by Ridley Scott.

Both readings were great, and the audience asked a lot of questions about the process of writing (and having one's writing chosen for film) as well as about societal and cultural influences on their respective themes.

I have to say, though, the highlight of the day for me was sitting in the beautiful concourse of NYCL with huge windows letting in gorgeous sunlight and through which we could watch lunchtime skaters. This is not a typical "Toronto" image and it was a reminder that TO has way more character and charm than it is often given credit for. It was a very enjoyable afternoon combining both my new hometown and new workplace. Very cool indeed.