Festival Schedule

You can find the full festival schedule for both in-person and virtual events at https://fold2024.vfairs.com/en/#agenda

FOLD 2024 Schedule

VIRTUAL

April 28

Sunrise Writing Sprint with Island Scribe

9AM ET | April 28 | VIRTUAL

Simone Dalton, founder and host of Island Scribe Writing Retreats, leads writers in a writing sprint to prompt reflection and creativity. Come to the virtual roundtable ready to join for an hour and a half writing experience. Space is limited and spots will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

FOLD Kick-Off Event

11AM ET | April 28 | VIRTUAL

Celebrate the launch of a brand new season with our annual opening event. Meet the new FOLD team and participate in our opening trivia event for the chance to win book prizes. This session takes place in meeting mode, providing guests with the option to see one another by turning their videos on.

Featuring Jael Richardson, Ardo Omer, Jonisha Lewinson and Samantha Clarke

FREADOM: Authors on Activism

12PM ET | April 28 | VIRTUAL

What is the role of writers in a turbulent world? In this conversation with Wildseed Executive Director Jessica Kirk, authors Farzana Doctor, Marjorie Beaucage, and Rodney Diverlus discuss the role of authors in times of crisis, including how to balance the work of writing with the demands of political engagement and activism.

The Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing

1:30PM ET | April 28 | VIRTUAL

Bianca Marais, CeCe Lyra and Carly Watters, co-hosts of the popular podcast The Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing, conduct their popular “Books With Hooks” segment live with guest host Tasneem Motala. Find out what it takes to capture the attention of literary agents in this behind-the-scenes review of query letters and opening pages from the slush pile.

This event is sponsored by Dundurn Press.

The Writer’s Hub: Roundtables

3PM ET | April 28 | VIRTUAL

Meet publishers, agents and editors at our unique virtual roundtables. Drop-in to a variety of virtual conversations and discover how to navigate the industry from a wide range of publishing professionals including Penguin Random House, Dundurn Press, Stelliform Press, the Literary Press Group, Westwood Creative Agency, and more.

Trivia Time: Canada Reads Edition

7PM ET | April 28 | VIRTUAL

Test your Canada Reads knowledge and compete for book prizes in our annual Canada Reads trivia event. Hosted by Jael Richardson

Canada Reads 2024 Reunion

7:30PM ET | April 28 | VIRTUAL

In this virtual conversation with Executive Director (and Canada Reads superfan) Jael Richardson (moderator), four of the 2024 finalists discuss what it was like to have their books selected for the show, and the highs and lows of watching the live debates. This event will be followed by a virtual meet-and-greet where fans can join a roundtable to meet the authors!

Featuring Jessica Johns, Catherine Leroux, Téa Mutonji and Christina Wong

Canada Reads After-Party

8:30PM ET | April 28 | VIRTUAL

Meet the authors from the Canada Reads reunion panel at our virtual after-party roundtable.

April 29

Back to School with the Indigenous Writers’ Circle

9:45AM ET | April 29 | VIRTUAL

Writing involves constantly re-working and revising words. In this panel of writers from Audible’s Indigenous Writers’ Circle, emerging writers discuss how writing groups and various writing habits help them hone their craft and learn new skills.

Featuring Lareina Abbott, Castor Angus, Calypso Haine and moderator Warren Cariou

This event is sponsored by Audible.

Lunch n’ Learn: Writing Horror

12PM ET | April 29 | VIRTUAL

In this Lunch n’ Learn workshop, author Matteo L. Cerilli explores the ways politics and activism can be explored in horror writing, revealing strategies and techniques for how writers can navigate themes of fear and hope while challenging tired tropes in the horror genre.

The Business of Bookselling

2PM ET | April 29 | VIRTUAL

In this Business of Publishing panel, three bookstore owners explore the challenges and triumphs of running an independent bookstore in Canada. Whether you’re a reader, a writer, or a book publishing professional, you don’t want to miss this critical conversation on the role of booksellers in Canada’s literary ecology.

Featuring Laura Ash, Hilary Atleo, Samita Manhas and moderator Jason Purcell

The Business of Book Influencers

4PM ET | April 29 | VIRTUAL

In this Business of Publishing panel, book influencers from TikTok, YouTube and Instagram discuss their role in Canada’s publishing industry. They’ll also offer helpful tips and tricks for readers looking to review books and create engaging digital content.

Featuring Tasnim Geedi, Tina May, David Yoon and moderator Monica Tang

Trivia Time: Fiction

7PM ET | April 29 | VIRTUAL

Test your knowledge of popular Canadian fiction for the chance to win book prizes at our fiction trivia event. 

This event is sponsored, and co-hosted by Literary Press Group and Jael Richardson.

Fun with Fiction

7:30PM ET | April 29 | VIRTUAL

Covering an array of genres and styles, authors Natalie Sue, Craig Shreve and Mai Nguyen discuss their most recent novels and the process of crafting an imagined story with incredible plot and characters. Moderated by Tina May.

This event is sponsored by Literary Press Group.

Fun With Fiction After-Party

8:30PM ET | April 29 | VIRTUAL

Join the authors from the Fun with Fiction panel at our virtual after-party roundtable.

April 30

School Groups: Navigating Realist Fiction for Teens

9:45AM ET | April 30 | VIRTUAL

In this panel conversation for high school students, three young adult authors–Maya Ameyaw, Sarah Mughal Rana and Emily Pohl-Weary–discuss how they navigate realistic subjects with care and sensitivity and how they create in-depth characters which allow teens to see themselves and their peers on the page. Moderated by Alyssa Gray-Tyghter.

Lunch N’ Learn: Managing Writer’s Block

12PM ET | April 30 | VIRTUAL

Farzana Doctor brings a unique perspective to the page as both an author and psychotherapist. Join her for this practical workshop on how to incorporate emotion-based strategies to improve your writing and deal with writer’s block.

School Groups: The Writer’s Life with Brian G. Buckmire

1:15PM ET | April 30 | VIRTUAL

In this edition of The Writer’s Life series, young adult author and lawyer Brian G. Buckmire discusses how his life as a criminal defense attorney influenced the creation of his debut novel, Come Home Safe, in conversation with fellow author and educator, Matthew R. Morris. Learn about Buckmire’s experience as a public defender, his writing routine and more.

Navigating New Narratives: Insights from Muslim Debut Authors

4PM ET | April 30 | VIRTUAL

Two Muslim writers share their journey as debut authors with the Executive Director of Toronto’s new Muslim Literary Festival, Narjis Sheikh. Exploring their path from the beginning stages to publication, Salma Hussain and Alina Khawaja discuss their participation in mentorship programs and provide valuable insights into the publishing industry, fostering a dialogue on diverse voices in literature.

Trivia Time: Memoirs and Nonfiction

7PM ET | April 30 | VIRTUAL

Test your knowledge of popular memoirs and Canadian non-fiction for the chance to win book prizes at our memoirs and non-fiction trivia event.

Navigating Ghosts: Memoirs and Memories

7:30PM ET | April 30 | VIRTUAL

In this panel of memoir writers, authors Tara Sidhoo Fraser, Tania De Rozario and Tessa Hulls discuss the stories behind personal accounts that tackle themes of mental health, grief, disability, and loss. Discover the ideas that influenced three impressive works of creative non-fiction — each with their own unique format. Moderated by Amanda Leduc.

This event is sponsored by Penguin Random House Canada.

Navigating Ghosts After-Party

8:30PM ET | April 30 | VIRTUAL

Meet the memoirists from the Navigating Ghosts panel in a virtual after-party roundtable.

May 1

School Groups Workshop: Crafting Characters

9:45AM ET | May 1 | VIRTUAL

To write believably, writers need to know their characters as well as they know their real-life BFFs — from the way they speak, move, dress, and argue, to the way they fall in love and decorate their bedrooms, details are critically important. In this workshop for teens, author Emily Pohl-Weary explores how to develop great characters by determining their big secrets and everyday habits.

Lunch N’ Learn: On Dialogue – Writing Distinct Voices

12PM ET | May 1 | VIRTUAL

Whether you’re writing an epic fantasy, an emotional love story, a suspenseful thriller, a dramatic family saga, or a charming romance, it’s important to build characters who are complex and distinct — characters with unique backstories and personality that provide dimension. In this workshop, writers of all levels explore different ways to enhance character voice through dialogue with author and literary agent Taj McCoy.

School Groups: Making Monsters

1:15PM ET | May 1 | VIRTUAL

What goes into making monsters? For readers of the fantastical or the horrific, monsters can be easy to spot but how does someone write an iconic creature? Three young adult authors of speculative and horror novels–Matteo L. Cerilli, Clara Kumagai and Teen Writer-in-Residence Nafiza Azad–breakdown the monsters in their most recent work and discuss how teens can create (and defeat) their own. Moderated by Ardo Omer.

The Teen Writer-in-Residence is made possible by Simon and Schuster Canada.

Trivia Time: Closing Trivia Event

7PM ET | May 1 | VIRTUAL

Join us for our final trivia, including big bonus puzzles and double-point trivia questions in this final virtual trivia event for the 2024 festival. Hosted by Jael Richardson.

This event is sponsored by ECW.

Re-Imagining Horror

7:30PM ET | May 1 | VIRTUAL

RJ McDaniel, Tiffany Morris and Adam Pottle discuss the inspiration for their latest novels, exploring the structure of genre work and the role of horror in navigating important subject matter like race, gender expression, disability, culture and more. Moderated by Alexis Kienlen.

This event is sponsored by ECW.

Re-Imagining Horror After-Party

8:30PM ET | May 1 | VIRTUAL

Meet the authors from the Re-Imagining Horror panel in a virtual after-party roundtable.

IN-PERSON

May 2

Students at the Rose: One-On-One with Waubgeshig Rice

10AM ET | May 2 | IN-PERSON AT THE ROSE THEATRE

Building on the success of his novel, Moon of the Crusted Snow, Anishinaabe author Waubgeshig Rice returns to the FOLD with his sequel, Moon of the Turning Leaves. In this in-person event geared towards high school students, fellow dystopian author Jael Richardson, interviews Rice on exploring the process of writing a sequel and creating an apocalypse story with an Indigenous lens.

This event is held at the Rose Theatre at 1 Theatre Ln in downtown Brampton. $5/person. Educators can book by phone (905 874 2844 Ext. 62803 or 62804) or they can email boxoffice@brampton.ca.

Students at the Rose: The Spoken Word

12:30PM ET | May 2 | IN-PERSON AT THE ROSE THEATRE

In our annual teen spoken word showcase, three poets will take the mic and present incredible poetry. This event is geared towards high school students and will feature a Q&A with the poets!

This event is held at the Rose Theatre at 1 Theatre Ln in downtown Brampton. $5/person. Educators can book by phone (905 874 2844 Ext. 62803 or 62804) or they can email boxoffice@brampton.ca.

Featuring Afrakaren, Cece/Cedric Bustamante, David Delisca and hosted by The Wild Woman.

Paint Night at PAMA with Roshan James

7:30PM ET | May 2 | IN-PERSON AT PEEL ART GALLERY MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES

Enjoy a memorable night of painting at Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives as the PAMA team lead guests in the creation of canvas art inspired by the poetry collection Pink Moon by Indo-Tibetan artist Roshan James. No experience necessary. 14+. $25/person.

This event will take place at Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives at 9 Wellington Street West in Brampton. Street parking and public parking lots are available within 50 – 200 metres of the entrance. Tickets available until April 28.

May 3

The Great Readception: A Literary Cabaret

7:30PM ET | May 3 | IN-PERSON AT THE ROSE THEATRE

In this popular annual event, six authors appearing at the festival read a sample of their work accompanied by a live jazz band. Whether you’re a regular FOLD attendee, a casual or compulsive reader or simply a lover of live entertainment, witness the power of storytelling and the magic of a live musical performance at this collaborative event composed by Brampton’s own Carmen Spada. $20/person or included as part of the Rose Weekend Pass.

This event takes place at the Rose Theatre at 1 Theatre Ln in downtown Brampton. It’ll include light hors d’oeuvres prior to the event and a short intermission.

This event is sponsored by TD.

Featuring Kazim Ali, Balsam Karam, Christine Estima, Leanne Toshiko Simpson, Matthew R. Morris, Jessica Johns and hosted by Jael Richardson.

May 4

Studio Writing Sprint

9:30AM ET | May 4 | IN-PERSON AT THE ROSE THEATRE

Start the day off in the Rose Studio with some quiet writing time. With a guided prompt and an opportunity for reflection, this writing space is open to all virtual + in-person passholders. Hosted by A.C. Yeboah.

This event is held at the Rose Theatre at 1 Theatre Ln in downtown Brampton.

Frightful Indigenous Fiction

11AM ET | May 4 | IN-PERSON AT THE ROSE THEATRE

Alicia Elliott, Jessica Johns, and Waubgeshig Rice discuss their new novels, which mix Indigenous storytelling with themes of science fiction and horror. In this much-anticipated panel of best-selling authors, discover the stories and inspiration behind their latest novels that are perfect for your next book club. Moderated by Amanda Leduc.

This event is held at the Rose Theatre at 1 Theatre Ln in downtown Brampton and is sponsored by Penguin Random House Canada.

Microworkshop: Fiction vs Nonfiction with Alicia Elliott

12:30PM ET | May 4 | IN-PERSON AT THE ROSE THEATRE

In this Ask Me Anything microworkshop, Alicia Elliott answers questions about the process and lessons learned in writing and releasing her best-selling collection of essays and her debut novel.

This event is held at the Rose Theatre at 1 Theatre Ln in downtown Brampton and is only available to festival passholders.

Read the World

2PM ET | May 4 | IN-PERSON AT THE ROSE THEATRE

Three incredible authors bring places from around the world to life in fiction that pushes boundaries and conveys important truths. Meet Kazim Ali, Balsam Karam and Christine Estima in a fascinating conversation moderated by BookTuber David Yoon (aka ThePoptimist).

This event is held at the Rose Theatre at 1 Theatre Ln in downtown Brampton.

Microworkshop: Agenting and the US Market

3:30PM ET | May 4 | IN-PERSON AT THE ROSE THEATRE

In this Ask Me Anything microworkshop, US literary agent and author Taj McCoy fields questions about the publishing industry south of the border.

This event is held at the Rose Theatre at 1 Theatre Ln in downtown Brampton and is only available to festival passholders.

Brampton Books in Bloom: Celebrating 50 Years in Flower City

5:30PM ET | May 4 | IN-PERSON AT THE ROSE THEATRE

Celebrating the city’s 50th birthday, three Brampton authors sit down with Brampton-raised literary agent Léonicka Valcius for an in-depth conversation on what it means to write place and home in young adult fiction, romance and speculative fiction. This event is free to attend for those with a Brampton Library card.

This event is held at the Rose Theatre at 1 Theatre Ln in downtown Brampton and is sponsored by HarperCollins Canada.

Featuring Alina Khawaja, Louisa Onomé and Jael Richardson

The Spoken Word Showcase

7:30PM ET | May 4 | IN-PERSON AT THE ROSE THEATRE

Spoken word host The Wild Woman returns to the Rose Studio to host an incredibly curated event of spoken word performance inspired by music entitled “Poets in Refrain. $10/person or included as part of the Rose Weekend Pass or the Saturday In-Person Pass.

This event is held at the Rose Theatre at 1 Theatre Ln in downtown Brampton.

Featuring Afrakaren, David Delisca, Caterina Sauro and Lisa Shen  

May 5

A Literary High Tea at Alderlea: Romance Writers Edition

11AM ET | May 5 | IN-PERSON AT ALDERLEA MANOR

The annual Sunday brunch is back! Don your Sunday best, assemble your fascinator, grab your friends, and join us for a delightful high tea with three incredible romance writers. This special-tea event includes fun trivia with incredible prizes.

This event is held at the historic Alderlea Manor at 40 Elizabeth St South in downtown Brampton. City of Brampton parking garages are available within 300 metres from the venue at 41 George Street South. Parking at Alderlea is reserved for service vehicles and guests with mobility needs. Please email info@thefoldcanada.org if you require a space at Alderlea Manor.

$45/person. Tickets available until April 28. This event is sponsored by Harlequin.

Featuring Taj McCoy, Alina Khawaja, Opal Wei and moderated by Lavanya Narasimhan

The Making of Ru: Film Screening and Talk-Back

2PM ET | May 5 | IN-PERSON AT THE ROSE THEATRE

Join us for a screening of RU, the film adaptation of the award-winning novel by Kim Thúy, which explores the journey of a wealthy family fleeing Vietnam and landing in Quebec. The film is presented in French with English subtitles and includes a talk back with the author. A film networking event will follow the film presented in partnership with Brampton Arts Organization (BAO). $10/person or included as part of the Rose Weekend Pass.

This event is held at the Rose Theatre at 1 Theatre Ln in Downtown Brampton.