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Up Front and Personal |
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Grade 12 English students meet
and chat with writers at Toronto Writers’ Centre |
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The Project
The Toronto Writers’ Centre
offers Grade 12 students the opportunity to come face-to-face
with professional writers to gain an understanding of how they
think about, and practice, the craft of writing. The Toronto
Writers’ Centre will provide its centrally located, cozy
lounge and two member writers for a 60-minute intimate and informal
discussion with Grade 12 students taking creative writing (such
as The Writer's Craft, course code of EWC 4U) in a small group
of 15 to 20 students; all for a fee of $299 plus any applicable
GST. The writers discuss the writer’s life and their experiences
in writing. Students are encouraged to ask questions and interact
with the writers. |
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Objectives of Up Front and
Personal
To provide a meaningful and
informative experience for Grade 12 students so that they gain
an understanding of how writers approach their craft, learn about
a variety of careers in writing and feel inspired to consider
a writing life. |
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Market Analysis
Grade 12 students studying
English in Ontario have a unit titled Investigating the Writer’s
Craft. This program would deliver to that element of the provincial
curriculum. |
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The Writers’ Union and the
League of Canadian Poets have Writers-in-Schools Programs that
involve only one writer who is available to children and teens
of all ages. These programs are run in the schools and provide
excellent, entry level and “light” discussions about
writing. |
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Up Front and Personal is the next
step up from these programs and is designed only for those in
Grade 12, with a keen desire in the writing life. The discussions
are mature, challenging and no-holds barred. This program is
not suitable for younger children, nor for those with little
or no interest in writing. Up Front and Personal also offers
the excitement of a visit to TWC, as well as a chance to interact
with two writers in a small group setting. |
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Testimonials
Recently St. Patrick's Catholic
High School from Sarnia, Ontario attended a pilot class for this
program and had rave reviews claiming that “this was the
best thing they ever did in high school.” The talk clearly
resonated with students and inspired them with their writing.
This very positive experience has resulted in requests for similar
programming from other Sarnia teachers. |
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“The program offers a
well-balanced open forum that encourages students to interact
and find out for themselves what is involved in becoming a professional
writer. I was thoroughly impressed with the authors' candid discussion
of the talent, craft, commitment, passion, and professionalism
that is required of them. My students also benefited from the
writing tips and humorous wisdom shared. Thank you for allowing
my students to gain an "insiders" perspective into
the profession. I will be sure to share the experience with my
colleagues.”
Miriam McGhee,
English and Visual Art Teacher
St. Benedict C.S.S.
Cambridge, Ontario |
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To enroll in this program, please
contact our Managing Director, Mitch Kowalski by phone at 647-427-4737,
or via email at md@writerscentre.ca |
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