FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

SUNDAY, APRIL 30

THE FOLD KICK-OFF

11:00am - 12:00pm ET

Celebrate the launch of a brand new season with this annual opening event. Find out about this year’s new schedule and new virtual features like this year’s Roundtable and After-Party options on the virtual platform. There’s more fun than ever this year when you join in live, including insights on our daily trivias. And it wouldn’t be a kickoff without some trivia and prizes.

Where We Go From Here

12:00pm - 1:00pm ET

In this opening panel discussion, authors of two powerful social justice memoirs explore critical questions of care and community. Responding to some of the crises of recent years, they delve into their work as writers and activists—exploring the origins of their most recent work and the community efforts that continue to shape their lives and their stories. With El Jones, Robyn Maynard, and Leanne Betasamosake Simpson

THE SH*T NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT WRITING

2:00pm - 3:00pm ET

Bianca Marais , CeCe Lyra and Carly Watters , the co-hosts of the popular podcast The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, along with two special FOLD guest hosts— Léonicka Valcius and Kelvin Kong —recreate “Books With Hooks” one of the most talked-about elements of their hit podcast for emerging writers looking to get published.

THE WRITER’S HUB

3:00pm - 5:00pm ET

Get connected with publishers and writing professionals. Drop in to important conversations about securing an agent, enrolling in writing programs, and submitting your writing.

Sensitivity Reads And Conscious Editing

5:00pm - 6:00pm ET

In addressing important subject matter, writers are seeking out sensitivity readers—people with the relevant lived experience—to navigate complex subject matter thoughtfully and accurately. Join Ronan Sadler, Fazeela Jiwa and Ameema Saeed in conversation with Ardo Omer as they discuss the complicated work of balancing sensitivity reads with the practice of conscious editing.

CANADA READS REUNION

Trivia Event 7:00pm - 7:30pm ET

PANEL 7:30pm - 8:30pm ET

Finalists from Canada Reads discuss the process of being selected for the show and the process of navigating the debates. In conversation with Executive Director and Canada Reads superfan Jael Richardson , this is a panel you definitely do not want to miss. With Dimitri Nasrallah , Kate Beaton , Silvia Moreno-Garcia , and Michael Christie

MONDAY, MAY 1

THE TRUTH ABOUT TRENDS IN PUBLISHING

12:00pm - 1:00pm ET

Over the past few years, paper shortages, virtual launches and events, political upheaval and a global pandemic have all contributed to shifts and changes in the publishing industry. But how do these trends impact marginalized authors and industry professionals? In this event, three industry professionals break down what happened, what is happening and the future implications for those in publishing. With Casey Plett , Fazeela Jiwa , and Hana El Niwairi

WORKSHOP: ACQUISITIONS AND EDITING

2:00pm - 3:00pm ET

Acquiring a writer is more than just finding the next big thing; it’s offering a platform to amplify certain voices. How can we approach acquisitions and developmental editing as a creative, collaborative process that builds community and supports liberation struggles? Join Fazeela Jiwa to explore a radical vision of the role of acquisitions and development editing.

WORKSHOP: WRITING 101

4:00pm - 5:00pm ET

In this workshop designed for writers curious about the publishing process, Jesmeen Kaur Deo will provide insight on her personal publishing experience as a debut author moving from query to print.

CRAFTY HEROES AND CURIOUS VILLAINS

Trivia Event 7:00pm - 7:30pm ET

PANEL 7:30pm - 8:30pm ET

Three crime fiction writers discuss the creation of incredible characters. Join Sandra SG Wong , R. Barri Flowers and Wayne Arthurson as they discuss craft secrets on the making of incredible heroes and impeccable villains.

TUESDAY, MAY 2

THE WRITER’S LIFE

10:00am – 11:00am ET

In this Writer’s Life series event Syrian-Canadian author Zoulfa Katouh discusses her writing process and routine as Kids Coordinator Ardo Omer digs into the journey of writing her debut best-selling young adult novel, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

TELLING TRUTHS

12:30pm - 1:30pm ET

Writing nonfiction can be tricky, especially for emerging writers. In this panel for young people, three memoir writers discuss how they turned their real life stories into a memoir. How do you share those difficult moments? How do you write truthfully without betraying friends and family? With Cody Caetano, Lindsay Ruck , and Jen Sookfong Lee

DISABLED FUTURES

2:00pm - 3:00pm ET

Disability offers society both challenges as well as the unique opportunity to re-imagine the world in which we live. How can we use the insights of disability justice to imagine a radically different future? Join three brilliant writers in conversation with moderator Amanda Leduc as they discuss their own journeys with disability and offer ways of seeing— across various genres—that promise to change the way you view the world. With Nisi Shawl , Susan Mockler, and Eli Tareq El Bechelany-Lynch

SUBMISSIONS AND SELECTIONS

4:00pm - 5:00pm ET

In this workshop-panel mashup, three publishing professionals dive into the difficult work of selecting work for a collective publication while tackling important tips and tricks that all writers should know when it comes to making submissions. With Kerry C. Byrne , Therese Estacion , and Anita Chong .

Queer Joy

Trivia Event 7:00pm - 7:30pm ET

PANEL 7:30pm - 8:30pm ET

In this panel, three authors discuss their writing and their perspective on queer joy as it relates to their own writing, and in literature as a whole. What books have inspired their writing and their boy? What might it look like for LGBTQ2SIA+ writers to feel queer joy in all aspects of the process—from creation to promotion? With Markus Harwood-Jones , Danny Ramadan , and Tanya Turton

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3

WORKSHOP: WRITING COMPELLING CHARACTERS

10:00am - 11:00am ET

Great characters are a critical part of great stories. In this workshop for young people, young adult author Daniel Aleman explores tips and techniques for creating incredible characters.

Complicated Families

12:30pm - 1:30pm ET

Families are messy—which makes them perfect subject matter for great stories and story-telling. In this panel discussion designed for school groups and readers and writers of young adult fiction, three authors discuss the family dynamics in their most recent novels and the process for creating and cultivating believable relatives and relationships. With Talia Hibbert , Jen Ferguson , and Daniel Aleman .

LIFE AS AN EMERGING WRITER

2:00pm - 3:00pm ET

Three emerging writers from Audible’s Indigenous Writers Circle discuss their plans and pursuits in a discussion about the real life challenges of navigating the publsihing industry as an emerging writer.

WORKSHOP: WRITING YOUR STORY

4:00pm - 5:00pm ET

There are so many choices to navigate when you set out to write a memoir. Where do you begin your research? Whose stories do you tell? Whose memories can you trust? In this virtual workshop, memoirist Susan Mockler provides helpful and practical advice on shaping memories into strong memoirs.

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT

Trivia Event 7:00pm - 7:30pm ET

PANEL 7:30pm - 8:30pm ET

Three writers dig into the process of writing romance— discussing the tropes, the drama, and the happily ever afters. They’ll discuss what drew them to the hot and steamy genre and what keeps them going as they share the ups and downs of their most recent work and the perks and challenges of navigating a romance writing career. With Gia de Cadenet , Markus Harwood-Jones , and Roselle Lim .

THURSDAY, MAY 4

GREAT ESCAPES AND EXPECTATIONS

10:00am - 11:00am ET

Being a teen can be tough. From managing the weight of expectations to dealing with big topics and world issues, it can feel like life is too big and too much to handle. In this panel designed just for students, four young adult authors discusses the ways reading and writing can be a tool for escape and entertainment, as well as a powerful tool to tackle everyday issues . With Kevin heronJones , Jesmeen Kaur Deo, and Liselle Sambury.

THE SPOKEN WORD SHOWCASE

12:30pm - 1:30pm ET

In our annual teen spoken word showcase, three poets take the mic and present incredible poetry. Hosted by poetry curator The Wild Woman, this event is geared towards high school students

With Britta B., Gavin Russell and Tahira Rajwani

DINE + DRAW: DUMPLING EDITION

7:30pm - 9:00pm ET

Create art inspired by delicious food as Brampton-based illustrator Meegan Lim walks participants through her “exploding recipe” process. Dine on dumplings and learn about Meegan’s role in illustrating the anthology What We Talk About When We Talk About Dumplings in this new FOLD in-person evening event in partnership with the Brampton Arts Organization. Open to all skill levels. Limited space. Be sure to get your tickets by April 30.

FRIDAY, MAY 5

THE GREAT READCEPTION

7:30pm - 9:30pm ET

In this in-person evening event, a unique sampling of festival authors read from their works accompanied by music composed and performed by Brampton musician Carmen Spada and a live jazz band. Whether you’re a regular FOLD attendee, a big reader or a lover of live entertainment, this not-to-be-missed signature event is designed to celebrate the power of storytelling and the magic of live musical performance.

SATURDAY, MAY 6

MICROWORKSHOP: PUBLISHING 10:00am - 10:30am ET

HOW WE DID IT

11:00am - 12:00pm ET

Three authors whose works cross a range of forms and styles discuss the process of writing, publishing, and the things they’ve learned about themselves along the way. With Casey Plett , Britta B., and Dan K. Woo

MICROWORKSHOP: SONGWRITING 12:30pm - 1:00pm ET

MEMORABLE MEMOIRS

1:30pm - 2:30pm ET

Three incredible memoirists take to the stage at Brampton’s impressive Rose Theatre to discuss their most recent memoirs. With Elamin Abdelmahmoud , Jen Sookfong Lee , and Alessandra Naccarato.

MICROWORKSHOP: MEMOIR 3:00am - 3:30pm ET

BOOKS WITH BUZZ

4:00pm - 5:00pm ET

Four authors of some of the year’s buzziest books discuss the highs and lows of the season—how their buzzy books made for a busy year, and how they’re coping with the ups and downs that come with publishing. With Cherie Dimaline , Suzette Mayr, Ali Hassan , and Catherine Hernandez

SPOKEN WORD SHOWCASE

7:30pm - 9:00pm ET

Spoken word host, The Wild Woman returns to the Rose Studio to host an incredibly curated event of spoken word performers. With Shelly Grace , Shahaddah Jack , Alessandra Naccarato, and Gavin Russell .

SUNDAY, MAY 7

HISTORICAL FICTION HIGH TEA

12:00pm - 1:30pm ET

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 historical fiction writers. This history-making special-tea event includes fun trivia with incredible prizes. Limited availability. Be sure to reserve tickets by Sunday, April 30. With Suzette Mayr, Janika Oza , and Sheila Murray

FILM SCREENING: SCARBOROUGH

2:00pm - 5:00pm ET

Join us for a screening of SCARBOROUGH, the film adaptation of the award-winning novel by Catherine Hernandez . Over the course of a school year, 3 kids in a low-income neighbourhood find community and friendship at a drop-in reading program. This event is being offered in partnership with the Toronto International Film Festival and is included in the cost of an in-person pass. Tickets are also available for $10 at the door.

This session is put on in partnership with TIFF’s Film Circuit programme.