The FOLD is an annual literary festival that celebrates diverse authors and storytellers each May. One of the main goals of the festival is to foster and support the growth of writers of all ages, stages, and walks of life. This year, the FOLD is extending its programming to host four interactive writing workshops in the months leading up to the festival in partnership with Penguin Random House Canada — training up new voices and supporting established authors in the on-going development of their craft.
What is an interactive writing workshop?
WRITE NOW is a two-hour writing workshop with three critical components – a lesson with a writing professional, a period of quiet writing, and a debrief and networking discussion.
When are the workshops?
October 1 – Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives
Sunday, November 19 – Sheridan College (Mississauga Campus)
Sunday, January 21 – Location TBD
Sunday, March 25 – Location TBD
All workshops run from 2-4pm.
Can I participate if I am unable to attend in person?
Yes. Write Now workshops are designed to include as many people as possible through social media. The 45-minute lessons will be streamed live AND recorded for those who are unable to participate live. The live lessons and recorded lesson will include an ASL interpreter, and the videos will allow users to use captions to follow along as well. While participants who are not able to attend in person will not be able to take part in the live discussion, participants are encouraged to complete an hour of quiet writing and join the discussion on Twitter in the last 15 minutes of the event.
Is there a cost to attend in person or take part online?
No. Write Now is free of charge. People wishing to attend in-person will be able to register two weeks before the live event.
What should I bring if I’m coming to the live in-person event?
Participants are encouraged to bring their notebooks, computers, and/or manuscripts to the live events.
Are the event spaces accessible?
All of our buildings are accessible and include accessible washrooms. Events will also include an ASL interpreter who will be filmed for the live-streamed portion and the video. Details regarding parking and venue-specific accessibility will be shared before each of the events. The first event takes place at Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives.
Who will host the workshops?
The FOLD will announce each author as the next writing workshop approaches. The first event will be delivered by One Book One Brampton author Farzana Doctor.
Jonisha Lewinson