In this free in-person panel discussion, memoirists Roza Nozari and Ardra Shephard sit down with moderator Hudson Lin for an engaging conversation about writing nonfiction that is personal, purposeful, and resonant. Join us at the Kitchener Public Library for a thoughtful evening for readers, writers, and anyone drawn to stories rooted in real life as part of a special preview event for the 2026 Festival of Literary Diversity.
Author
Roza Nozari is a writer, artist, and therapist. Her work weaves together writing and visual art to share stories of wounding, healing, and community.
Author
Ardra Shephard (she/her) is an author, creator, advocate and television host. Her memoir Fallosophy (Douglas & McIntyre, 2025) is nominated for the 2026 Forest of Reading Evergreen Award.
Hudson Lin (she/her) writes heartfelt, gritty romances featuring queer people of color. The New York Times has called Lin’s writing “splashy and dazzling and high-intensity,” and Book Riot has said that her dramatic plot lines “would make Shonda Rhimes proud.” Her latest book, Dragon Boats & Doctor’s Notes is a sapphic Asian romance featuring an overworked obstetrician and a non-binary dragon boat team captain. Her duology featuring queer Asian finance bros, Hard Sell and Going Public, was published by Carina Press. Based in Toronto, Lin currently serves as the Program Coordinator at the Festival of Literary Diversity and is the co-host of the Into the FOLD podcast.
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