This monthly reading series taking place the Staircase Theatre spotlights diverse creative writers of all literary forms and gives them an opportunity to share their work with the community
The LitLive Reading Series is a local monthly reading series for writers to share their work with the community. Founded by Kerry Schooley in 1995, the series showcases a diverse range of Canadian and local writers. The events takes place on the first Sunday of each month and run from September through June at the Staircase Theatre, located on Dundurn St. N. There is also a livestream option available and admission is on a pay-what-you-can basis.
The series has featured writers who specialize in a variety of literary forms, including poets, short story writers, novelists and non-fiction writers. The range of presenters also adds another unique touch to their events. Each series is accompanied by a specific theme, and writers are encouraged to read their work according to how they believe it fits.
The series is currently hosted by committee members Anuja Varghese and Brent van Staalduinen, both of whom are award-winning writers based in Hamilton. Varghese was recently awarded the Governor General's Literary Award for her debut short story collection Chrysalis, and van Staalduinen has authored five books and was awarded the Kerry Schooley Book Award in 2021. The two writers alternate between hosting the reading series.
LitLive has featured a number of published writers, including award winners, but there is also space for emerging writers who are not published to showcase their work.
Students should check out the next LitLive event for excellent and varied literary work, an opportunity to engage with the community and even an opportunity to connect with established writers. For those with a love for anything literary, the LitLive Reading Series is a great way to further engage with your passion.
The shortlist for the thirtieth annual Hamilton Literary Awards was announced in November and contains celebrated local writers and their works
On Dec. 14, the Hamilton Arts Council will be holding their thirtieth annual Literary Awards. The shortlist has been announced, featuring 16 local authors and their works. The categories are fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children's books and the Kerry Schooley Book Award.
The HAC partners with the Hamilton Public Library to hold the event. The ceremony will feature live readings by shortlisted writers, along with the live announcement of the winner of each category.
Megan Divecha, the program and community engagement coordinator at HAC, explained a bit about the awards' history. The Literary Awards first began in 1993 and have since become an annual tradition that recognizes and celebrates local authors from the Hamilton community.
The Awards are meant to bring the city's growing literary community together and to expand the audiences of local literature. Divecha explained that the purpose of the awards is to help build audiences for local authors and to grow professional networks for authors and community members interested in literacy. The Awards offer opportunities for interacting with publishers, local booksellers and the authors themselves.
"If this audience member is new to the literary art scene in Hamilton, then I hope they walk away with an appreciation for how rich the literary art scene is in [the city]. And if they're already entrenched in that literary art scene, then I hope they make connections to grow their personal and professional networks," said Divecha.
"If this audience member is new to the literary art scene in Hamilton, then I hope they walk away with an appreciation for how rich the literary art scene is in [the city]. And if they're already entrenched in that literary art scene, then I hope they make connections to grow their personal and professional networks."
Megan Divecha, program and community engagement coordinator, Hamilton Arts Council
This year, the Literary Awards are being hosted by Anuja Varghese, winner of this year's Governor General's Literary Fiction Award.
The process for organizing the event begins in March, when applicants can submit their books for consideration. Once applicants are confirmed to be eligible, their applications are brought before an adjudication panel comprised of 15 Canadian literary arts professionals, three for each category. After each book is scored, the shortlist is announced and then planning for the ceremony begins.
Divecha herself recalled being inspired by the excerpts read by the authors when she was a student attending the Awards. Having been impacted by hearing live readings at past awards ceremonies, she hopes that other students can also feel inspired that way.
If students are interested in being more involved in the literary arts, the Awards are a great way to meet with people in the industry. At the same time, they are also a great way to see artistry and creativity make local history.
Tickets start at the accessible rate of $5, and there are a limited number available. They can be bought here. Divecha encourages students to get in contact with her if they would like more information about the event, the shortlisted authors or ticket prices.
